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Game Developer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Throughout the program, students collaborate on interdisciplinary teams with programmers, artists ... and games for change on established and experimental platforms. In addition to the required ...

IOS Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$53.25 - $73.50/hr

Experience with Inflight Media, games Design and develop software applications (apps) for mobile ... Proven work experience as a Mobile developer Demonstrable portfolio of released applications on the ...

IOS Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$53.25 - $73.50/hr

Experience with Inflight Media, games Design and develop software applications (apps) for mobile ... Proven work experience as a Mobile developer Demonstrable portfolio of released applications on the ...

iOS Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$53.25 - $73.50/hr

Experience with Inflight Media, games Hybrid - Minimum 1 day a week could be more based on in ... Proven work experience as a Mobile developer * Demonstrable portfolio of released applications on ...

iOS Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$53.25 - $73.50/hr

Experience with Inflight Media, games Hybrid - Minimum 1 day a week could be more based on in ... Proven work experience as a Mobile developer * Demonstrable portfolio of released applications on ...

Senior React Native Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56.25 - $74.25/hr

Come be a part of a software development company that is truly changing the game! Innovation and ... As part of the technology team, the Senior React Native Developer will support and lead our ...

Advanced areas of instruction include systems, real time and game programming, data mining, databases, security, theory, and artificial intelligence. Considerations: Exceptions to standard rates may ...

Showing results 21-40

Game Developer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$32.1K

$107.2K

$177.9K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer in Elgin, IL is $107,224.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,600.00 and $122,600.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Elgin, IL?

The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Game Developer jobs in Elgin, IL?

For Game Developer jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Developer jobs in Elgin, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Developer jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Game Developer jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Game Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,224 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty in Game Design

DePaul University

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


DePaul University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

390th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
DePaul's Jarvis College of Computing & Digital Media (CDM) is located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, the central business district of Chicago. Our students represent many different experiences, perspectives, and cultures, and the university strives to recruit and sustain a faculty community where all backgrounds are valued and supported. Part-time teaching positions are available throughout the academic year, including summer sessions. Academic course schedules fluctuate from quarter to quarter, and the college will work with selected individuals to determine a quarterly schedule. Courses are not guaranteed, however the college does its best to give ample notice about available courses. Applicants with expertise that matches course scheduling needs will be contacted for an interview.
The School of Design (SoD) offers a learning environment that nurtures the development of innovative designers, who embrace interdisciplinary methods to solve challenging problems. SoD offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs including Digital Communication and Media Arts, Game Design, Graphic Design, Human Centered Design, Industrial Design, and User Experience Design.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a master's degree in the discipline, or 18 semester/27 quarter hours of graduate work in the discipline, or an undergraduate degree with a minimum of five years demonstrated relevant professional experience. Exceptions may be considered with approval of the dean.
Application Instructions
The BS in Game Design degree prepares students to become leaders in the diversifying field of games. Throughout the program, students collaborate on interdisciplinary teams with programmers, artists, writers, and audio designers. The curriculum focuses on the entire development cycle from ideation to documentation, prototyping, implementation, iteration, and testing towards creating polished experiences. Students learn to evaluate and critique each other's work, communicate, problem-solve and design for clients. Throughout the process students will build a portfolio showcasing the diversity of their skill-sets ranging from indie games, to art games, and games for change on established and experimental platforms.
In addition to the required documents listed below, you may also submit a portfolio, teaching evaluations and a course syllabus as optional documents.
Considerations:
Exceptions to standard rates may apply to courses with unique credit hours, supervision, labs, clinical/practicum courses, coaching, administrative tasks, and courses that are either over-enrolled or under-enrolled.
General Compensation/Benefits Statement:
DePaul University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the qualifications, education, experience, and training of the selected candidate, the scope and responsibilities of the position, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
DePaul University offers a variety of benefit options for qualified part-time employees. Further information regarding benefits can be found here: https://offices.depaul.edu/human-resources/benefits/part-time/Pages/default.aspx
About DePaul University's Academic Calendar:
Except for the College of Law, DePaul University operates on a quarter system. Classes in Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters are 11 weeks in length (including finals week) and Summer courses, in two sessions, are typically 5 weeks in length. The College of Law operates on the semester system. Classes in the Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks in length (including finals week) and it offers a Summer Session of 7 weeks (including final exams).

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