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Game System Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Warner Bros. Discovery

Senior Designer, Combat

Chicago, IL · On-site

$89K - $166K/yr

Establishes and maintains design documentation for combat gameplay and systems. * Designs and builds game experiences, including implementation of characters and their navigation, combat move sets ...

Warnerbros

Senior Designer, Combat

Chicago, IL

$89K - $166K/yr

Establishes and maintains design documentation for combat gameplay and systems. * Designs and builds game experiences, including implementation of characters and their navigation, combat move sets ...

Warner Bros. Discovery

Designer, Combat

Chicago, IL · On-site

$47K - $88K/yr

Alongside Lead and fellow Designers, the Combat Designer is expected to implement and maintain combat-centric systems, game balance, and character tuning. The Daily * Establishes and maintains design ...

Warnerbros

Designer, Combat

Chicago, IL · On-site

$47K - $88K/yr

Alongside Lead and fellow Designers, the Combat Designer is expected to implement and maintain combat-centric systems, game balance, and character tuning. The Daily * Establishes and maintains design ...

Zynga

Principal Experience Designer

Chicago, IL

Your role will be to create inspiring, beautiful game experiences that delight and motivate our ... Create Design Systems that establish continuity and efficiency, while remaining flexible enough to ...

Actalent

Designer

Crown Point, IN · Hybrid

$36.06 - $57.69/hr

Designer Develop 2D drawings and 3D models for utility piping systems, specifically in natural gas ... The office includes a simulator and a video game room for breaks. Job Type & Location This is a ...

SpotHero

Product Designer II, Internal Tools

Chicago, IL · On-site

Collaborate with other designers and engineers on our evolving design system. You: * Believe design ... Career game changer - A truly unique experience to work for a fast-growing company in a role with ...

HUB

Temporary Graphic Designer, Curated

Chicago, IL · Remote

$29/hr

Our team members include pet lovers, crafters, Netflix couch potatoes, board game collectors and ... We use a project management system to track and manage our workflow, with training provided.

SpotHero

Product Designer II, Internal Tools

Chicago, IL · On-site

Collaborate with other designers and engineers on our evolving design system. You: * Believe design ... Career game changer - A truly unique experience to work for a fast-growing company in a role with ...

HUB

Temporary Graphic Designer, Curated

Chicago, IL · Remote

$29/hr

Our team members include pet lovers, crafters, Netflix couch potatoes, board game collectors and ... We use a project management system to track and manage our workflow, with training provided.

J&J Ventures

Gaming Service Technician

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$18.85 - $20.56/hr

Install, inspect, and test electronic gaming devices, hardware, equipment, and associated systems ... Other Duties Please note this is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of ...

Lucky Lincoln Gaming

Route Collector

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Compensation $20 - $20 USD We Run on EOS At Lucky Lincoln Gaming, we run on EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System). EOS is a set of concepts and tools designed to prioritize our vision, align our ...

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All JobsGame System Designer JobsGame System Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Game System Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.4K

$160.7K

How much do game system designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for game system designer in Chicago, IL is $153,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $159,700.00 and $159,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a game system designer?

To thrive as a Game System Designer, you need strong analytical thinking, creativity, and a solid understanding of game mechanics, often supported by a background in game design, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with game engines (such as Unity or Unreal), prototyping tools, and scripting languages like C# or Lua is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and iterate on complex systems. These skills ensure engaging, balanced, and technically feasible gameplay experiences that drive a game's success.

What is the difference between Game System Designer vs Game Level Designer?

AspectGame System DesignerGame Level Designer
Primary FocusDesigns core game mechanics, systems, and rulesCreates and designs individual game levels and environments
Required SkillsSystems thinking, programming knowledge, gameplay designLevel layout, environment art, storytelling through level design
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with programmers, designers, and artists on overall game systemsWorks closely with artists and narrative teams to craft engaging levels
Industry UsageCommon in game development studios focusing on gameplay mechanicsCommon in studios emphasizing level and environment design

While both roles are essential in game development, the Game System Designer focuses on creating the underlying mechanics that define gameplay, whereas the Game Level Designer concentrates on crafting the individual levels players explore. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and collaboration points within game development teams.

How does a game system designer typically collaborate with other departments during the game development process?

Game System Designers work closely with various teams such as artists, programmers, producers, and narrative designers to ensure that gameplay mechanics align with the overall vision of the game. They often participate in cross-functional meetings, provide detailed system documentation, and gather feedback from playtest sessions to refine systems. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as system designers must balance creative ideas with technical constraints and player experience. This role is highly collaborative, requiring frequent coordination to integrate new features, resolve design challenges, and maintain a cohesive game experience.

What is a game system designer?

Game System Designers are professionals who create, balance, and refine the underlying rules and mechanics that govern how a video game operates. They focus on designing systems such as combat, progression, economy, and rewards to ensure an engaging and balanced player experience. By collaborating with other developers, they translate creative ideas into mathematical models and gameplay loops that keep players challenged and entertained. Their work is crucial to the overall feel and longevity of a game.
What are popular job titles related to Game System Designer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Game System Designer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game System Designer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Game System Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Game System Designer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Game System Designer job openings:
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Infographic showing various Game System Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,613 per year, or $73.9 per hour.

Senior Designer, Combat

Warner Bros. Discovery

Chicago, IL • On-site

$89K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Warner Bros. Discovery rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 76 rated media

Job description

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery... the stuff dreams are made of.
Who We Are...
When we say, "the stuff dreams are made of," we're not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD's vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what's next...
From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.
The creative team that brought Mortal Kombat and Injustice to life is now NetherRealm Studios, part of the Warner Bros. Games family. With over 20 years of creation under our belts, NetherRealm's mission remains the same: to create cutting edge entertainment and deliver industry leading tech, game art and overall gaming experiences. NetherRealm Studios is a collaborative and creative environment, constantly striving to up the ante on what is possible in interactive entertainment. Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals with years of experience who are at the forefront of the gaming industry. The passion and energy that made Mortal Kombat a reality is still on display every day in our offices, our hallways and most definitely the studio's arcade room.
The Job
The Senior Combat Designer will be responsible for significant contributions to game design with a focus on combat, moment-to-moment gameplay, and character implementation. Alongside Lead and fellow Designers, the Senior Combat Designer is expected to implement and maintain combat-centric systems, game balance, and character tuning.
The Daily
  • Establishes and maintains design documentation for combat gameplay and systems.
  • Designs and builds game experiences, including implementation of characters and their navigation, combat move sets, and moment to moment gameplay.
  • Works closely with art teams to collaborate on and help define all associated visual elements.
  • Iterate with gameplay teams to drive the implementation of character combat with the highest degree of polish.
  • Analyze and incorporate user feedback from usability tests.
  • Works with personnel on R&D efforts for new game systems and creates playable prototypes as required.

The Essentials
  • 6+ years game design experience required.
  • Shipped at least 2 titles with a strong emphasis in combat design and implementation.
  • Direct experience in implementing combat mechanics (with a preference on melee-based combat) on at least 2 shipped titles.
  • Strong programming or scripting knowledge and experience required.
  • B.A. degree preferred or equivalent job experiences.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and with deadlines.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Strong passion for action and fighting games with a focus on combat mechanics.
  • Positive attitude and collaborative approach to problem solving.

How We Get Things Done...
This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.
Championing Inclusion at WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.
If you're a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.
In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery's total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $89,600.00 - $166,400.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.

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