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Game Development Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

2K

Game Designer, Temporary

Novato, CA · On-site

$38 - $53/hr

As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to ... This position reports into the Design Director. What You Will Do: Work collaboratively with the ...

2K

Game Designer, Temporary

Novato, CA · On-site

$38 - $53/hr

As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to ... This position reports into the Design Director. What You Will Do: Work collaboratively with the ...

Monster Energy

Director, SAP Development

Corona, CA

We're the risk-takers, the trailblazers, the game-changers. We're not perfect, and we don't pretend ... As the Director, SAP Development, you will lead and manage the SAP development team, ensuring the ...

Naughty Dog

Producer

Santa Monica, CA

$139K - $141K/yr

Evaluate project scope and make recommendations to the Creative Director, Game Director, and studio leadership What skills you will use: * Solid understanding of video game development, software ...

Virtual Producer

Technical Director - VR

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$225 - $260/hr

Lead a team of engineers as part of a cross‑disciplinary game development team * Oversee game runtime, tools/infrastructure and team workflow * Coordinate with the Creative Director, Art Director ...

New

Chicken Ranch

Director of Player Development

Jamestown, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

... gaming department policy and procedures as directed, ensuring Team Members are following CRCR ... and development of self and others. • Build lasting relationships by demonstrating honesty ...

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Game Development Director information

How does a game development director balance creative vision with project deadlines and budget constraints?

As a Game Development Director, one of the main challenges is ensuring the team's creative ideas are realized while staying within project timelines and budgets. This requires close collaboration with designers, producers, and engineers to prioritize features and make informed trade-offs. Regular progress reviews and open communication help identify potential risks early, allowing for adjustments before issues escalate. Directors often foster a culture where innovation is encouraged, but practical considerations guide decision-making to ensure the finished game meets both creative and business goals.

What does a game development director do?

A Game Development Director oversees the entire process of creating and delivering video games. They manage teams of designers, programmers, artists, and other specialists, ensuring the project stays on schedule and within budget. Their responsibilities include setting the creative vision, making high-level decisions, and communicating with stakeholders to align the game’s direction with business goals. Additionally, they resolve conflicts, manage resources, and help maintain a productive and innovative work environment.

What is the difference between Game Development Director vs Game Producer?

AspectGame Development DirectorGame Producer
Primary FocusOversees overall game development strategy, creative vision, and team leadershipManages project timelines, budgets, and coordination among teams
Required SkillsLeadership, creative direction, technical knowledgeProject management, communication, organizational skills
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with designers, artists, programmers, and executivesCoordinates between departments, manages schedules and resources
Industry UsageCommonly found in AAA and large-scale game studiosWidely used across all game development levels

The Game Development Director focuses on the creative and strategic leadership of game projects, while the Game Producer handles project management, ensuring timely delivery within budget. Both roles are essential but serve different functions within the game development process.

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

To thrive as a Game Development Director, you need extensive experience in game design and production, leadership skills, and a strong understanding of the gaming industry, often backed by a degree in computer science, game design, or related fields. Proficiency with project management tools (such as Jira or Trello), game engines (like Unity or Unreal Engine), and familiarity with agile development methodologies is essential. Exceptional communication, creative vision, and team management abilities help foster innovation and guide multidisciplinary teams toward shared goals. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality games on schedule while leading teams effectively in a fast-paced, competitive environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Game Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Development Director jobs in California? For Game Development Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Development Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Game Development Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Game Development Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Game Development Director job openings:
Game Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Development Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 64% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

UI/UX Director, Unannounced Super Fun Video Game

Second Dinner

Irvine, CA • On-site

$220 - $260/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Who We Are

Ahoy there! We're Second Dinner! Perhaps you've heard of our first game, MARVEL SNAP? Mobile Game of the Year? That was just the beginning! Our next generation of games is "mad hype" and we're excited to make another blockbuster hit. (This time, with you!)

The people here are uber-talented, and bring a bunch of diverse perspectives to the craft of makin' games. If you can bring something new to the table and expand our point of view, that's a huge upside.

OH! And we're fully remote throughout the United States!! Relocating is for suckers!

This Specific Team (It’s a New Game!)

We’re working on something new, with a wildly exciting partner. The team is pretty small right now (~20 rad folks), so you can make a HUGE impact helping shape this thing. We just passed a big milestone and are ready to step on the gas.

Here’s Where YOU Come In

As UI/UX Director, you will lead our glorious UI/UX team to new and wondrous heights! You’ll help create a vision for an incredible-looking UI and ultra-intuitive UX. You’ll get the team so, so jazzed about your vision and your plan to get us there.

Let’s hang out and build something rad that we can all be proud of.

What You’ll Do:
  • Provide leadership for the mobile game's UI/UX, ensuring alignment with the game's creative vision and player experience goals.
  • Lead and direct the UI/UX team.
  • Collaborate closely with game designers, artists, and developers to integrate UI/UX seamlessly into the overall game design. Work with the team to redesign things that you think are going to make the UX bad. Or help them redesign it.
  • Implement player feedback to refine and optimize the UI/UX throughout the game development process.
  • Develop and maintain design documentation for UI patterns and elements.
  • Document and communicate design decisions, rationale, and guidelines to ensure a shared understanding among the development team.
  • Create interactive prototypes and wireframes to test and iterate on design concepts.
  • Design tests and utilize data to refine and optimize the UI/UX throughout the game development process.
  • Direct motion design through storyboards or prototypes for fun and intuitive UI transitions and interactions
  • Make it look and feel great
  • Put it in the build
Does this sound like you?
  • You have crafted intuitive and fun User Interfaces on Mobile
  • You have experience in Match-3 or other puzzle games
  • You can render high quality UI elements
  • You get people psyched about your bold new ideas
  • Everyone who works with you says “oh wow, they’ve got this”.
  • You like working directly in a game engine

The total compensation for this position includes a new hire offer base salary range of $220,000 - $260,000 USD + equity + comprehensive benefits + potential for discretionary performance bonuses.
Individual pay within this salary range may span multiple levels within the discipline and is determined by assessed job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training. It also factors in market demands and business needs. The disclosed range is not adjusted based on location and may be subject to change or modification based on business needs in the future. We can answer any questions about new hire total compensation during the hiring process.

An overview of the benefits and perks at Second Dinner:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans with Second Dinner paying 100% of premiums for employees and 75% for dependents for many plans
  • 401(k) contribution with no waiting period
  • 16 weeks paid parental leave with no waiting period
  • Home office improvement bonus
  • Paid Vacation & Sick time
  • Up to 10 BetterHelp sessions covered each benefits plan year
  • Remote-first with core overlap hours between 10AM and 4PM PT
  • Company Summer Holiday shutdown (week of July 4)
  • Company Winter Holiday shutdown (Dec 25-Jan 1)
  • Company Events - In-person all-hands gathering, and virtual events throughout the year

We are an equal opportunity employer that places high value on diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, disability status, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military status, or veteran status.
You must be legally authorized to work and reside in the United States. We do not sponsor visas or support employment outside the U.S. for this role.

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