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Game Programmer Jobs in Evanston, IL (NOW HIRING)

Thermon

Programmer

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

Supervisor, Engineering (Electrical)Job Setting: In OfficeLocation: Franklin Park, IL Who are we?In a world where performance is paramount and environments are unforgiving, Thermon stands as a global ...

Thermon

Programmer

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

Engineering SupervisorJob Setting: In OfficeLocation: Franklin Park, IL Who are we?In a world where performance is paramount and environments are unforgiving, Thermon stands as a global leader ...

GN Group

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140 - $180/hr

SteelSeries is the original esports brand at the intersection of gaming and culture, celebrating ... As a Lead Software Engineer, you will be responsible for working closely with our hardware and ...

Progressive Gaming

Data Engineer II

Chicago, IL

$117K - $141K/yr

... and unforgettable gaming experiences -powered by worldclass content , strong technical and ... About the Role We are seeking a Data Engineer II to join our Global Data Platform & Engineering ...

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All JobsGame Programmer JobsGame Programmer Jobs in Evanston, IL

Game Programmer information

See Evanston, IL salary details

$10.3K

$86.9K

$162.8K

How much do game programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for game programmer in Evanston, IL is $86,900.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22,500.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game programmer?

Game Programmers are software engineers who specialize in writing code for video games. They work closely with designers, artists, and other team members to turn game concepts into playable experiences by developing game mechanics, graphics, artificial intelligence, and user interfaces. Game Programmers use programming languages such as C++, C#, or Python and may focus on specific areas like gameplay, graphics, physics, or networking. Their work ensures that games run smoothly and are engaging for players.

What does a game programmer do?

Game programmers develop video game concepts into functioning programs. A career as a game programmer involves paying close attention to details, analyzing lines of code, and troubleshooting to find solutions. As a game programmer, you use coding languages, such as C++ and Java, to build an interactive gaming experience. There are different kinds of game programmers who have specialized skills to produce a specific purpose in the game, but they all work together to create the final product. For example, some game programmers focus on the 2D and 3D graphics for the game, while others generate user interfaces to make the game fun and easy to use.

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

To thrive as a Game Programmer, you need strong programming skills in languages like C++ or C#, a solid understanding of computer science principles, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines (such as Unity or Unreal Engine), version control systems, and debugging tools is typically required. Creative problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate with designers and artists to bring game concepts to life. These skills ensure efficient development, smooth gameplay experiences, and successful project delivery within the dynamic gaming industry.

What are some common challenges game programmers face when working on large-scale projects?

Game programmers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as optimizing performance for different hardware platforms, managing complex codebases, and ensuring smooth collaboration with designers and artists. Balancing feature implementation with bug fixing and meeting tight deadlines are also common hurdles. Effective communication with other departments and staying up-to-date with evolving game engines and development tools are essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering a high-quality product.

What is the difference between Game Programmer vs Game Designer?

AspectGame ProgrammerGame Designer
Primary RoleWriting code to develop game mechanics, features, and systemsCreating game concepts, storylines, and gameplay experiences
Required SkillsProgramming languages (C++, C#), software development, problem-solvingCreativity, storytelling, game mechanics design
Work EnvironmentTypically in a development team, coding in studios or remoteDesign studios, collaborative teams, often in creative settings
Common UsageUsed in technical development phasesUsed in conceptual and planning phases

While both roles are essential in game development, game programmers focus on coding and technical implementation, whereas game designers concentrate on creating engaging gameplay and story elements. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and collaboration in the industry.

Is a game programmer a good career?

A game programmer develops software for video games, often requiring skills in programming languages like C++ and knowledge of game engines such as Unity or Unreal. The field offers opportunities for creativity and technical growth, with job prospects influenced by industry demand and experience levels. It can be a rewarding career for those passionate about gaming and technology.
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What cities near Evanston, IL are hiring for Game Programmer jobs?

Cities near Evanston, IL with the most Game Programmer job openings:

Game Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Programmer job openings in Evanston, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,900 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Technical Artist (Video Games) at DISBELIEF Chicago, IL

Downtown Boulder Partnership

Chicago, IL • On-site

$83 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Technical Artist (Video Games) job at DISBELIEF. Chicago, IL.

Job Title

Technical Artist

Type

Full time

Who We Are

Disbelief is a game development studio focusing on contracting and consulting services. We’ve worked with both AAA and independent studios to help their projects ship. Notable projects we’ve worked on include Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, Minecraft, Borderlands 3, Gears Tactics, Gears 5, and Pacific Drive.

At Disbelief we value work-life balance, and want to create an alternative to the crunch-culture prevalent in game development. We also believe strongly in investing in our talent and our team. Disbelief is a place to puzzle out the solutions to cutting-edge problems for industry leading projects, but also a place where people can grow their careers and skills as valued members of a stable and close-knit team.

Description

Currently, we’re looking for a Technical Artist. This opportunity is for a full-time position in Chicago, IL. Technical Artists at Disbelief are self motivated problem solvers. Our technical artists are equally capable of discussing performance, rendering and gameplay issues with engineers, as they are in critique and creative discussion with the artist and designers. They act as a bridge between the technical and artistic aspects of game development, empowering both programming and art to achieve more than either could on their own. Our Technical Artists work in a variety of areas including scripting for tools and gameplay, modeling, materials, texturing, animation, FX, UI, and writing documentation.

At Disbelief we work with leading edge technologies to make them perform at the top of their capabilities, and we take pride in solving problems others can't. We believe a diverse team is a stronger team, and we encourage marginalized candidates to apply.

Key Responsibilities
  • Solve technical problems from an artist’s point of view
  • Solve performance problems while championing visual quality standards
  • Act as a bridge between art, engineering and gameplay teams
  • Continue to explore new software and techniques, including novel solutions
  • Prototype new workflows and systems
  • Make improvements to existing pipelines as part of a team
  • Clearly communicate your work to others
  • Estimate the time it takes to complete tasks
Skills and Requirements
  • Degree in Tech Art or equivalent experience
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
  • 1+ years in game development, or 3+ in a related industry
  • Understanding of real time rendering
  • Experience with version control with Perforce, Git, or equivalent
  • Portfolio demonstrating AAA quality technical art ability
  • Gameplay or pipeline scripting
  • Proficiency in cross disciplinary tasks
Location

Chicago, IL

Relocation Assistance

Available where applicable

Hybrid

Technical Artists are in the office based on project needs, but can sometimes work from home. Some of our projects require access to physical infrastructure.

Visa Sponsorship

No. Disbelief does not offer visa sponsorship at the current time.

We are an E-Verify employer.

Technologies

Our DCC tools vary depending on the project, but will typically involve a combination of Houdini, Blender, 3ds Max, Maya, Substance, Photoshop. Our real-time work often requires knowledge of animation, physics, material and particle systems. Primarily we work with Unreal Engine, but we also work with custom game engines. Scripting in Python, Maxscript, Mel, Javascript, C# and Unreal Blueprint is often required to solve pipeline and workflow problems.

Salary

This position has a salary range of $83,000 - $100,000. When making a job offer there are many factors that are taken into consideration at Disbelief. This includes, but is not limited to, experience and skills, comparable jobs in the industry/geographical area, and relocation benefits. Therefore the upper end of the shared salary range is oftentimes dedicated to those who showcase strong performance in the role. To learn more about how salary is determined at Disbelief please visit Open Salaries At Disbelief at

Benefits

Please visit Disbelief's company career page at to learn about the amazing benefits we offer.

Contact

Please submit resume and portfolio to jobs@disbelief.com

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