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Game Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Lnw

Principal Software Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

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

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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 ...

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Video Game Design Tutor

Schaumburg, 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 ...

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Video Game Design Tutor

Des Plaines, 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 ...

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Video Game Design Tutor

Highland Park, 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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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Video Game Design Tutor

Naperville, 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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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Video Game Design Tutor

Buffalo Grove, 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 ...

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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 ...

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Video Game Design Tutor

Lake Forest, 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 ...

Zynga

Executive Producer

Chicago, IL

$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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All JobsGame Development JobsGame Development Jobs in Illinois

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 16, 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 are popular job titles related to Game Development jobs in Illinois? For Game Development jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles 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:
Game Development jobs near you
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

Senior Game Designer

Arrow International, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

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

Job description

Job Summary:
Arrow International is the world's largest manufacturer and supplier of charitable gaming products and solutions. They are seeking an enthusiastic Game Designer to create compelling prize-first ‘slot-like’ concepts and collaborate with various disciplines to develop these concepts into finished products.
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.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 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.)
• 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.
Company:
Arrow International is a consumer goods company that offers pull tabs, daubers, and bingo equipment. Founded in 1967, the company is headquartered in Cleveland, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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