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

Arrow International, Inc

Senior Game Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $150K/hr

... systems. Our products power entertainment in social and gaming venues around the globe, and we're ... Position Summary We are looking for an enthusiastic Game Designer based at our Chicago studio. You ...

Arrow International Inc

Senior Game Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $150K/hr

... systems. Our products power entertainment in social and gaming venues around the globe, and we're ... Position Summary We are looking for an enthusiastic Game Designer based at our Chicago studio. You ...

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 · 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 ...

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

$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 · On-site

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.

Arrow International Inc

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

... gaming systems. Our products power entertainment in social and gaming venues around the globe, and ... Illustrator, Graphic Designer, or similar role, with demonstrated leadership experience.

Arrow International, Inc

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

... gaming systems. Our products power entertainment in social and gaming venues around the globe, and ... Illustrator, Graphic Designer, or similar role, with demonstrated leadership experience.

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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 11, 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:
Game System Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game System Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,613 per year, or $73.9 per hour.

Senior Game Designer

Arrow International, Inc

Chicago, IL • On-site

$90 - $150K/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Join the Fun at Arrow International!
Arrow International is the world's #1 maker of charitable gaming products, from pull tabs and bingo paper to cutting-edge electronic gaming systems. Our products power entertainment in social and gaming venues around the globe, and we're growing fast!
We're building a winning culture that's all about teamwork, passion, and innovation. At Arrow, you're not just another employee, you're part of a high-performing team that's redefining fun and giving back to communities. We believe in rewarding your hard work with profit-sharing, 401(k) matching, great benefits, and paid time off, including a bonus week every July!
If you're looking for a career that's exciting, meaningful, and full of opportunity, Arrow is the place to be.
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.
Salary range commensurate with experience. This role provides competitive benefits including an annual performance bonus, profit sharing program, and a 401K with company match.
The Targeted Pay Range for this role is $90 - $150,000.
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.

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