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Game Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Video Game Design Tutor

Evanston, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Lead architectural reviews and technical design sessions across game platform and development initiatives. * Drive standardization efforts around shared frameworks, SDKs, CI/CD pipelines, telemetry ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Normal, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Chicago, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Champaign, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Skokie, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Wheaton, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Dekalb, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Oak Lawn, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Executive Producer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

If so, Zynga, one of the largest and most innovative mobile game development studios is seeking a passionate, motivated and expert Executive Producer to join our team of highly skilled professionals ...

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Game Development information

See Illinois salary details

$31.5K

$105.1K

$174.4K

How much do game development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for game development in Illinois is $105,111.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $120,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is game development?

Game development is the process of creating video games, encompassing everything from concept and design to programming, art, sound, testing, and release. It often involves a team of professionals with different skills, such as game designers, programmers, artists, writers, and testers. The process may use game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine to build the game's mechanics, graphics, and overall experience. Game development can be done by large studios or individual indie developers, and projects can range from simple mobile games to complex, multi-platform titles.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in game development teams?

Game development often involves tight deadlines, rapidly changing project requirements, and the need to balance creative vision with technical constraints. Team members regularly collaborate across disciplines—such as programming, design, art, and sound—which can lead to communication challenges and the need for strong teamwork skills. Additionally, adapting to new technologies and tools is essential, as the industry evolves quickly, requiring continuous learning and flexibility.

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

To thrive in Game Development, you need strong programming skills (commonly in C++, C#, or Java), a solid understanding of computer graphics, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as version control systems such as Git, is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that help in designing engaging gameplay and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for creating technically sound, innovative, and commercially successful games.

What is the difference between Game Development vs Game Design?

AspectGame DevelopmentGame Design
Primary FocusProgramming, coding, and technical implementation of gamesConcept creation, story, and gameplay mechanics
Required SkillsProgramming languages, software engineering, problem-solvingCreativity, storytelling, user experience design
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, coding labs, software studiosDesign studios, creative teams, collaborative workshops
Common CertificationsComputer Science, Software Engineering, Programming coursesGame Design degrees, Creative Arts, Storytelling courses

Game Development involves the technical creation and programming of games, focusing on coding and software engineering. Game Design centers on crafting game concepts, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. Both roles often collaborate but require different skill sets and educational backgrounds, making them distinct yet interconnected careers in the gaming industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Development jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Game Development jobs in Illinois are:
What job categories do people searching Game Development jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Game Development jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Game Development jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Game Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Game Development job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,111 per year, or $50.5 per hour.
Senior Game Designer

Other

Posted 6 days ago

New


Job description

Description

Arrow International is the world's largest manufacturer and supplier of charitable gaming products and solutions. We produce and distribute a wide array of products including consumables (pull tab tickets, bingo paper and ink, etc.) as well as world-class, state-of-the-art, electronic gaming products. Our products are sold, installed, and operated in numerous social and gaming venues around the world. We continue to grow at a record pace and offer this exciting career opportunity to join our team where we are focused on attracting and engaging exceptional talent, empowering colleagues to achieve fulfilling careers, and creating fun and engaging products that are second to none for our customers.


Position Summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic Game Designer based at our Chicago studio. You will create compelling prize-first 'slot-like' concepts working with all game-design disciplines to develop your concept to a finished product including math, programming, audio, production, and visual arts. Utilizing exceptional communication skills and your wealth of experience, you will craft exceptional gaming experiences to deliver premier gaming content for Arrow markets.


Primary Roles and Responsibilities

  • Design compelling 'slot-style' games from concept to completion.
  • Provide game-design expertise working with the team to clearly define all aspects of the game that impact the end-user, including math, game play, interface, animation, sound, art style.
  • Work within project schedules and milestones.
  • Set goals and shepherd team to success.
  • Promote teamwork in an environment where individuals are spread out across the United States.
  • Work with the Producer to identify roadblocks, project risks and proactively find solutions.
  • Conduct strategic market and data analysis for competitive game design.


Skills, Interests and Qualities

  • Able to work with team to align priorities and drive towards solutions, a true team player
  • Passion to create fun games with an engaging player experience.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Motivate and provide support to the game team, always contributing to a positive work environment.
  • Understanding of game math and probability principles.
  • Understanding of player psychology, slot game mechanics, gambling principles 

Requirements

Experience and Education

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of slot game design experience including casino, online, and/or social
  • Strong familiarity with successful game-development processes and pipelines
  • Experience of development tools. (Jira and Confluence/Excel, etc.)
  • Experience with best-in-class game development in any capacity (art, design, math, development, production, etc.)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • The noise level in the work environment is low.
  • May be required to sit for long and/or extended periods of time.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At Arrow International, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We believe that embracing our differences makes us stronger, more innovative, and better positioned to serve our communities. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Arrow International is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, train, and promote individuals in all job titles without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, results of genetic testing,

veteran status, or physical or mental disability-except where such disability prevents performance of essential job functions and cannot be reasonably accommodated in accordance with applicable laws.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Arrow International is committed to complying with the spirit and requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, participate in the interview process, undergo any pre-employment testing, or otherwise take part in the employee selection process, please contact us at hr@arrowinternational.com.


Arrow International does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies. Resumes submitted without an approved vendor agreement will become the property of Arrow International, and no fees will be paid if the candidate is hired.  


To ensure a safe and productive work environment, all candidates who receive a conditional job offer must successfully pass a confidential pre-employment drug screening, which generally consists of a hair drug test, and receive an acceptable result as a condition of employment. Â