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Game Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valicy

Game Developer

Greenville, NC

Game Development Manager Status: Exempt WHO WE ARE: We are Valicy. We make games. We also make the machines they run on. What we're building matters. How we treat people matters more. OUR MISSION: We ...

Valicy

Game Developer

Wilmington, NC

Game Development Manager Status: Exempt WHO WE ARE: We are Valicy. We make games. We also make the machines they run on. What we're building matters. How we treat people matters more. OUR MISSION: We ...

Firaxis

Senior External Development Manager

Sparks, MD · On-site

$87K - $128K/yr

GAMEPLAY FIRST Let gameplay drive decision making BE ACCOUNTABLE Deliver great work for the studio, the team & yourself PEOPLE FOCUSED Maintain an environment where people are happy EMBRACE ...

2K

Senior External Development Manager

Sparks, MD

$87K - $128K/yr

GAMEPLAY FIRST Let gameplay drive decision making BE ACCOUNTABLE Deliver great work for the studio, the team & yourself PEOPLE FOCUSED Maintain an environment where people are happy EMBRACE ...

Firaxis

Senior External Development Manager

Sparks, MD · On-site

$87K - $128K/yr

GAMEPLAY FIRST Let gameplay drive decision making BE ACCOUNTABLE Deliver great work for the studio, the team & yourself PEOPLE FOCUSED Maintain an environment where people are happy EMBRACE ...

2K

Senior External Development Manager

Sparks, MD · On-site

$87K - $128K/yr

GAMEPLAY FIRST Let gameplay drive decision making BE ACCOUNTABLE Deliver great work for the studio, the team & yourself PEOPLE FOCUSED Maintain an environment where people are happy EMBRACE ...

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How much do game development manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for game development manager in the United States is $20.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Game Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Development Manager, you need strong project management abilities, a background in software development or game design, and often a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines (like Unity or Unreal), agile project management tools (such as Jira), and version control systems (like Git) is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving are vital soft skills for guiding multidisciplinary teams and maintaining project momentum. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure timely delivery, high-quality game products, and seamless team collaboration in a fast-paced industry.

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

AspectGame Development ManagerGame Producer
Primary FocusOversees game development teams, manages project timelines, and ensures technical qualityCoordinates project scope, manages budgets, and handles overall production process
Required SkillsLeadership, technical knowledge, project managementProject management, communication, stakeholder coordination
Work EnvironmentDevelopment studios, technical teamsProduction teams, publishers, stakeholders
Common UsageUsed in technical and development contextsUsed in project and production management contexts

While both roles involve managing aspects of game projects, the Game Development Manager primarily focuses on leading development teams and technical execution, whereas the Game Producer handles overall project coordination, budgets, and stakeholder communication. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is a Game Development Manager?

A Game Development Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of video game projects. They coordinate teams of designers, developers, artists, and testers to ensure that the game is completed on time, within budget, and meets quality standards. Their role involves project management, problem solving, and communication with stakeholders to align the game’s vision with business objectives. They also address risks and work to optimize workflows throughout the development process.

How does a Game Development Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

A Game Development Manager regularly coordinates with artists, programmers, designers, and QA testers to ensure that each phase of the project aligns with the overall vision and schedule. They facilitate communication through meetings, task tracking, and feedback sessions, helping to resolve roadblocks and prioritize tasks. Effective collaboration is crucial for balancing creative goals with technical constraints and business objectives, making strong leadership and interpersonal skills essential for success in this role.
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Game Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Development Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,561 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Senior External Development Manager

Senior External Development Manager

Firaxis Games

Sparks Glencoe, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Firaxis Games is a world-renowned game development studio known for creating timeless games. The Senior External Development Manager will oversee the management of external development partnerships, ensuring that assets and content are delivered on schedule and at the highest quality standards while also supporting internal production efforts as needed.
Responsibilities:
• Partner & Pipeline Management: Own the full lifecycle of external partnerships, including onboarding, offboarding, contracts, and invoices. Lead RFP creation and vendor outreach for new project requirements.
• Vendor Operations: Negotiate and align vendor scope, capacity, cost, and delivery expectations with project goals and budget. Manage IT onboarding and troubleshooting to ensure secure partner access to tools and systems.
• Production Oversight: Build and manage vendor production schedules and milestones. Track deliverables, monitor milestone health, and proactively mitigate risks related to schedule, budget, or scope drift.
• Process Improvement: Drive the continuous improvement of vendor workflows, documentation, and toolchains to increase efficiency and quality. Report on vendor KPIs and delivery trends to studio leadership.
• Internal Production Support: Support internal production efforts across disciplines when the team requires additional capacity, transitioning fluidly between external management and hands-on internal tasks.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Art, Production, and discipline leads to define creative briefs and style guides. Serve as the primary communication bridge between internal teams and external vendors.
• Mentorship & Best Practices: Mentor studio members and XDev Supervisors on external development best practices. Partner with the Director of External Development to maintain the studio-level external database and reporting standards.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in project management, production, or a related role within the video game industry.
• Deep understanding of game development pipelines and mastery of external development workflows.
• Proven track record of managing multiple external partners simultaneously with significant autonomy.
• Experience with RFP processes, contract negotiation, and budget management.
• Proficiency in production tracking software (e.g., Jira, ShotGrid) and collaboration tools.
Preferred:
• Experience working with global vendors across various time zones.
• Familiarity with publisher-side production and cross-studio coordination.
Company:
Firaxis Games is a game development studio that designs and develops computer and video games. Founded in 1996, the company is headquartered in Sparks, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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