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Game Mechanic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TapBlaze

Game Designer, Casual F2P

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$167K/yr

You'll design new mechanics and improve existing ones for Good Pizza, Great Pizza (300M+ downloads) and latest title Good Coffee, Great Coffee. You'll work on game economy, progression balance, and ...

TapBlaze

Game Designer, Casual F2P

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$167K/yr

You'll design new mechanics and improve existing ones for Good Pizza, Great Pizza (300M+ downloads) and latest title Good Coffee, Great Coffee. You'll work on game economy, progression balance, and ...

Progressive Gaming

Game Mathematician III

Las Vegas, NV

$125K - $148K/yr

... game mechanics Ensure math designs meet jurisdictional requirements and industry standards What We're Looking For 5+ years of experience in mathematical modeling, game math, casino game math, or ...

Progressive Gaming

Game Mathematician II

Reno, NV

$70K - $131K/yr

... mechanics Ensure math designs meet jurisdictional requirements and industry standards Qualifications What We're Looking For 2+ years of experience in mathematical modeling, game math, casino game ...

Weekday AI

2D Game Developer -Defold

Develop sturdy gameplay mechanics and systems through Lua scripting within a modular framework. * Work closely with designers and artists to rapidly prototype games and enhance the user experience.

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Tampa, FL · Remote

$40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Austin, TX · Remote

$40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Lubbock, TX · Remote

$40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Pittsburgh, PA · Remote

$40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Tempe, AZ · Remote

$40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Boston, MA · Remote

$40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

SD · Remote

$40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Chattanooga, TN · Remote

$40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

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All JobsGame Mechanic Jobs

Game Mechanic information

See salary details

$30.5K

$75.7K

$110.5K

How much do game mechanic jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for game mechanic in the United States is $75,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $106,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it easy to get a job in the gaming industry?

Securing a game mechanic position can be competitive, often requiring relevant technical skills such as programming, 3D modeling, or animation, along with a strong portfolio. Entry points include internships, apprenticeships, or related roles in game development, and networking within the industry can improve job prospects.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

Game mechanics typically do not earn $400 an hour; such high rates are usually associated with specialized roles like high-level consultants, expert software developers, or niche consultants in the gaming industry. Freelance or contract work in game development or design can sometimes reach high hourly rates for highly experienced professionals. Most game mechanics earn a standard salary or hourly wage below this threshold.

What are some common challenges faced by Game Mechanics when balancing gameplay features?

Game Mechanics often face the challenge of ensuring that gameplay features are both engaging and fair for all players. Balancing mechanics requires careful analysis, playtesting, and iterative feedback to avoid issues like overpowered abilities or unintended player strategies. Collaborating closely with designers, developers, and playtesters is essential to identify potential imbalances early and adjust accordingly. Effective communication and a willingness to make data-driven changes are key to overcoming these challenges and delivering a satisfying player experience.

What jobs can I do if I like gaming?

Game mechanics can pursue careers in game design, quality assurance testing, game development, or esports coaching. These roles often require knowledge of gaming software, programming skills, or understanding of game dynamics, and may involve working in studios, tech companies, or competitive environments.

What are Game Mechanics?

Game mechanics are the rules and systems that guide how a game operates and how players interact with it. They define the actions players can take, the challenges they face, and the outcomes of those actions. Examples include point scoring systems, turn-taking, movement rules, and resource management. Game mechanics are fundamental in shaping the play experience and determining the fun and challenge in a game.

What is the difference between Game Mechanic vs Game Designer?

AspectGame MechanicGame Designer
Primary RoleDevelops specific gameplay elements and rulesCreates overall game concepts, story, and mechanics
Required SkillsProgramming, scripting, understanding of gameplay systemsCreativity, storytelling, system design
Work EnvironmentGame development teams, often within studios or indie projectsDesign studios, freelance, or in-house game companies
Common UsageImplementing and balancing gameplay featuresConceptualizing and designing game experiences

In summary, a Game Mechanic focuses on creating and refining specific gameplay elements, while a Game Designer oversees the overall game concept, story, and mechanics. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities within the game development process.

What is the highest paying gaming job?

The highest paying gaming jobs typically include roles such as game director, lead programmer, or executive producer, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of game development tools and processes.

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

To thrive as a Game Mechanic, you need a solid understanding of gameplay systems, balance, and player psychology, often supported by experience in game design or a related field. Familiarity with game engines (such as Unity or Unreal Engine), scripting languages, and prototyping tools is essential. Creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration are standout soft skills for designing engaging and fair game experiences. These abilities are crucial for creating compelling game mechanics that enhance player engagement and overall game quality.
More about Game Mechanic jobs
What job categories do people searching Game Mechanic jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Game Mechanic jobs are:
Game Mechanic jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Mechanic job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,733 per year, or $36.4 per hour.
Game Designer, Casual F2P

Game Designer, Casual F2P

TapBlaze

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$167K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

We need a game designer who actually plays casual F2P mobile games, not someone who tolerates them, but someone who genuinely loves them. You'll design new mechanics and improve existing ones for Good Pizza, Great Pizza (300M+ downloads) and latest title Good Coffee, Great Coffee. You'll work on game economy, progression balance, and feature design while keeping two things in constant tension: what's best for our players and what's sustainable for our business.
If you've ever rage-quit a casual game because an update nerfed something you loved, or stopped playing because the economy felt like a trap, that is good. We want someone who designs with players, not against them.
About TapBlaze
Our mission is to create memorable entertainment experiences for players around the world. Our vision is to become one of the world's leading entertainment companies. As a self-funded, independent studio, we only answer to our players - not investors, not publishers. Good Pizza, Great Pizza has been downloaded more than 300 million times, and we did it with a small, focused team.
Our core values drive everything we do:
  • We are ambitious. We aim to build games that are remembered for decades.
  • We are disciplined. We make deliberate, well-reasoned decisions.
  • We are ownership-minded. If it's your area, you own it, the wins and the problems.
  • We are results oriented. We measure success by what ships and what players experience.
  • We are extra-ordinary. We hold ourselves to a higher standard than the industry expects of a studio our size.

We are seeking individuals that share these values and are looking to level up themselves, the games they work on, and the company they work for. Only with great attention to details can this be achieved. Please include the phrase "beauty is in the details" in your cover letter.
What You'll Do
Design New Game Mechanics & Features
  • Concept, prototype, and iterate on new gameplay mechanics for Good Pizza, Great Pizza and Good Coffee, Great Coffee with an emphasis on casual, cozy, and narrative-driven experiences.
  • Design LiveOps events, seasonal content, and limited-time features that drive engagement without burning out our player base.
  • Create wireframes, design documents, and prototypes that communicate your intent clearly to engineering and art.

Game Economy & Balance
  • Design and maintain in-game economies (currencies, pricing, upgrade costs, cooldowns, sink/source balance) with a long-term, sustainable mindset.
  • Model the downstream effects of economy decisions. If you make something free or cheap today, what does that mean for monetization six months from now?
  • Set up progression curves, upgrade cost scaling, and cooldown systems that feel fair to players while preserving room for meaningful monetization.
  • Regularly audit existing economy systems and propose rebalancing when something is off with a clear plan for how changes affect current players.

Improve Existing Designs Without Alienating Players
  • When improving or rebalancing existing features, think carefully about what players are already accustomed to. Changes that take away things players rely on require extra care, communication framing, and often compensating value elsewhere.
  • Use player feedback, reviews, community sentiment, and analytics data to understand how players actually experience your designs not just how you intended them to work.
  • Identify design debt (overly generous rewards, unsustainable economies, features that don't scale) and create migration plans that respect the player relationship.

Research & Player Empathy
  • Play and deeply analyze casual games across genres, Match-3, Time Management, Simulation, Indie, Cozy, Narrative on an ongoing basis.
  • Develop a strong mental model of TapBlaze's player base: who they are, what they value, what frustrates them, and what makes them engaged with our games.
  • Conduct market research and competitive analysis, translating insights into actionable feature recommendations.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, art, QA, marketing) to ensure designs are player-centric and technically feasible.

Who You Are
  • 2+ years of experience designing casual F2P mobile games. Casual mobile specifically.
  • At least one shipped casual mobile game currently live on the App Store or Google Play. Big plus if you had significant design ownership over.
  • You actively play casual F2P mobile games in your personal time. You can talk at length about what's working and what's broken in games like Merge Mansion, Royal Match, Hay Day, Stardew Valley mobile, and similar titles. Do not apply if you don't regularly play casual F2P games.
  • Proven experience with game economy design. Sink/source modeling, currency systems, upgrade cost curves, cooldown tuning, and understanding how all of those interact over a player's lifetime.
  • Strong player empathy. You can articulate how a design decision will feel from the player's perspective, not just how it looks on a spreadsheet. You understand the psychology of casual, cozy, and narrative-driven game players.
  • Long-term systems thinking. You consider the 6-month and 12-month consequences of your designs, especially around monetization headroom and economy sustainability.
  • Clear design documentation skills. Wireframes, GDDs, flowcharts, economy models that other team members can execute from.
  • Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Mathematics, Economics, Psychology, or related field (Master's preferred)
  • Great attention to details - you read the full job description.

Strong Pluses:
  • Experience with UI/UX design or strong opinions about how interface design affects player behavior and comprehension.
  • Experience with data analytics tools; you can look at retention curves, conversion funnels, and ARPDAU data and know what it means for your designs.
  • Coding or prototyping experience - (Unity, Claude, spreadsheets with formulas, scripting) enough to model and test your own ideas before handing off to engineering.
  • Experience designing for narrative-driven or cozy game genres specifically.
  • Familiarity with A/B testing and LiveOps in a live mobile game environment.

Location & Work Environment
  • Los Angeles, CA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work;
  • Prolonged period of time sitting at a desk and computer.

Compensation
The salary range for this role is $65,000 to $95,000 per year depending on experience.
Commitment to Diversity
As an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the needs of a multigenerational and multicultural workforce TAPBLAZE recognizes that a diverse staff, reflective of our community, is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability, and actively foster inclusion in all forms both within our company and across interactions with vendors and partners.
If this position caught your eye, send us your resume! For best consideration, include a cover letter in your application explaining why you would be a great fit.
Should you have any questions or encounter any fraudulent requests/emails/websites, please immediately contact careers@tapblaze.com. Our job applicant privacy policies are available here: California Privacy Notice

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