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Game Developer Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

Breakout Operations LLC

Game Master

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12 - $13/hr

Game Masters are the face of our company, welcoming and guiding each guest with a smile. You should be friendly and attentive but not too overbearing - just enough to make sure everyone has an ...

Breakout Operations, LLC

Game Master

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12 - $13/hr

Game Masters are the face of our company, welcoming and guiding each guest with a smile. You should be friendly and attentive but not too overbearing - just enough to make sure everyone has an ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

WesTech Engineering

Project Engineer 2

Ames, IA · On-site

Summary Project Engineer 2 is an intermediate level working in a developing capacity with increased ... Company celebrations, summer parties, volunteer opportunities, games, prize drawings, and more!

WesTech Engineering

Project Engineer 2

Ames, IA · On-site +1

Summary Project Engineer 2 is an intermediate level working in a developing capacity with increased ... Company celebrations, summer parties, volunteer opportunities, games, prize drawings, and more!

AEG

Iowa Wild - Manager, Community Relations

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$134K/yr

Work with local charities on events, fundraisers, and in-game promotions. * Develop and execute ... Computer and programming skills including Microsoft Office and Adobe Suites. * Knowledge or ...

W. R. Berkley Corporation

Software Developer

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Responsibilities The Software Developer will participate in the design, development, testing, maintenance, and support of applications used across the corporation's subsidiaries. This role works ...

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Game Developer information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$31.7K

$105.9K

$175.7K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer in Des Moines, IA is $105,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game developer?

As a game developer, you write the code for video game software. Your code, combined with the work of other developers, brings video games to life on computers and gaming consoles. Your responsibilities are to design core game features and to collaborate with a team of other developers, graphic designers, and artists. Your job duties include game testing, debugging, and production in all aspects of gaming—player character creation, non-player characters, backgrounds, and gameplay. Being a gamer yourself gives you a solid understanding of the importance of game mechanics and storytelling.

What does a game developer do?

A game developer is responsible for designing, creating, and programming video games for computers, consoles, or mobile devices. Their work involves coding, testing, and debugging game software, as well as collaborating with artists, designers, and other team members to bring a game concept to life. Game developers may specialize in areas like gameplay programming, graphics, or artificial intelligence, and often use game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine to build their projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game developer?

To thrive as a Game Developer, you need strong programming skills (often in C++, C#, or Java), a solid understanding of computer graphics, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems, and sometimes certifications in these platforms are commonly required. Creative problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this field. These abilities are crucial for building engaging, technically robust games and collaborating successfully within multidisciplinary development teams.

What are some common challenges game developers face when working on large team projects?

Game developers working on large team projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating across multiple disciplines (programming, art, design, audio), ensuring clear communication, and managing dependencies between different parts of the game. Balancing creative vision with technical constraints and deadlines can also be demanding. Adapting to shifting priorities and integrating feedback from playtesting are key aspects of the collaborative process, making strong teamwork and flexibility essential in this role.

What is the difference between Game Developer vs Game Designer?

AspectGame DeveloperGame Designer
Primary RoleProgram and build game mechanics, code, and softwareDesign game concepts, storylines, and gameplay experiences
Skills & CertificationsProgramming languages (C++, C#), software developmentCreative design, storytelling, game design tools
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, coding environments, software studiosDesign teams, creative studios, collaborative spaces
Industry UsageUsed across game studios for technical implementationUsed for conceptualization and gameplay design

While both roles are essential in game development, Game Developers focus on coding and technical implementation, whereas Game Designers craft the gameplay experience and story. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and collaboration in the gaming industry.

Is a game developer a good career?

A game developer creates video games and typically requires skills in programming, design, and software tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. The field offers opportunities for creativity and growth, but it can also involve long hours and competitive job markets. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those passionate about gaming and technology.

What jobs can a game developer do?

A game developer can work in roles such as game programmer, game designer, level designer, graphics programmer, or technical artist. They often collaborate with artists, sound designers, and project managers, and may specialize in areas like mobile, console, or PC game development using tools like Unity or Unreal Engine.
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What are popular job titles related to Game Developer jobs in Des Moines, IA?

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What cities near Des Moines, IA are hiring for Game Developer jobs?

Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Game Developer job openings:

Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,859 per year, or $50.9 per hour.

Event Emcee - Game Night Host - Ankeny, IA Region

Leaderboard Games

Ankeny, IA

$75/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

RezEvents and Leaderboard Games is now hiring Game Night Event Hosts / Emcee for in person game night events! This is a fun, flexible gig that is perfect for a motivated event host, actor, comedian or personable performer.

Do you enjoy game nights? Fun Personalities encouraged to apply!

About the Gig:

RezEvents and Leaderboard Games team of Game Night Hosts are ready to entertain any party. The Game Night Event Host is responsible for leading a fun game night for groups. Currently, we are looking to hire Trivia Game Night and BINGO Game Night hosts to our crew.

Events are held at various food & beverage venues in the region. Our goal is to entertain the guests and help build a great community of players. The Game Nights are live-hosted in person events best suited for persons with experience in live production and performance.

Responsibilities:

  • Operate Trivia or BINGO web application to manage game play (training provided)
  • Connect laptop computer to venue's Audio/Video for in-person game nights
  • Make Announcements over P/A system to welcome players and run game
  • Simultaneously conduct game while entertaining guests
  • Provide post-event wrap-up to the RezEvents home-base
  • Be a great Ambassador for the RezEvents team

Job Type: Contract

Salary: $75 per event

Physical setting:

  • Restaurant, Brewery, or Bar location.

Schedule:

  • Game Night Events occur weekly at locations
  • Weekday Evening events are most common
  • Events typically last ~2-2.5 hours
  • Substitute Host positions available as well (On Call Host)

Supplemental pay types:

  • Varies per location

About RezEvents:

RezEvents makes events easy and fun! Our Interactive Game Nights are great for groups of any size. RezEvents offers a variety of virtual & in-person events to entertain and engage your group.

RezEvents is excited to offer Leaderboard Games - Trivia and BINGO Game Nights! Providing interactive, live-hosted entertainment for restaurants, bars, and breweries across the US.

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Requirements

Requirements:

  • Must have reliable laptop computer to run the game with the following requirements:
  • HDMI connection port or adapter for Video
  • Bluetooth for Audio
  • Previous experience with Audio & Video equipment is preferred

Other Requirements:

  • Must be 21+
  • Have reliable transportation

Benefits

Job Type: Contract

Benefits:

  • Flexible schedule
  • Tips

Apply