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Game System Designer Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Fanatics Collectibles

Game Designer - TCG

Seattle, WA

$176K/yr

Who We're Looking For We're seeking a Game Designer to contribute meaningfully to the design of ... You'll work within the game design group on systems, mechanics, and set development alongside the ...

Fanatics Collectibles

Game Designer - TCG

Seattle, WA · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Who We're Looking For We're seeking a Game Designer to contribute meaningfully to the design of ... You'll work within the game design group on systems, mechanics, and set development alongside the ...

Holospark

Gameplay Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

Work directly with game designers, animators, and other engineers to deliver state-of-the-art ... Experience in the development of various gameplay systems and technologies. Preferred ...

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All JobsGame System Designer JobsGame System Designer Jobs in Renton, WA

Game System Designer information

See Renton, WA salary details

$52.9K

$175.5K

How much do game system designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for game system designer in Renton, WA is $167,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $174,300.00 and $174,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 are Game System Designers?

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 Renton, WA? For Game System Designer jobs in Renton, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game System Designer jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Game System Designer jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Game System Designer jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Game System Designer job openings:
Game System Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game System Designer job openings in Renton, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,731 per year, or $80.6 per hour.

Game Designer - TCG

Fanatics Collectibles

Seattle, WA

$176K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

About the Company

Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world-class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next-generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators.

About the Team

Fanatics TCG is a new Seattle-based trading card game studio within the Fanatics Collectibles family, founded by industry veterans with a long-term mandate: to build enduring franchises that live across tabletop, digital, community, and culture. We're looking for the most skilled and passionate talent in the games industry and beyond to help us create the best trading card games in the world.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking a Game Designer to contribute meaningfully to the design of Fanatics trading card game franchises. You'll work within the game design group on systems, mechanics, and set development alongside the greatest minds in the industry.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to the design of core game systems, rules, and card mechanics across one or more trading card game franchises
  • Take ownership of individual mechanics or card cycles within a set, driving them from initial concept through playtesting, iteration, and final documentation
  • Participate actively in structured playtesting - running tests, recording observations, and contributing to feedback synthesis and design discussions
  • Write clear, precise rules text and internal design documentation for your areas of ownership
  • Collaborate with narrative design, creative, and product teams to ensure mechanics are well-integrated with the world and player experience
  • Engage thoughtfully with the broader TCG landscape - staying informed on design trends, competitive ecosystems, and what players are responding to across the industry

Qualifications & Experience

  • 3-5 years of professional game design experience, with meaningful time spent on trading card games or collectible card games
  • Demonstrated contribution to at least one shipped TCG product or set
  • Solid working knowledge of TCG design fundamentals: card economy, tempo, card advantage, format archetypes, and basic balance principles
  • Strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear rules text and design documentation
  • Deep passion for trading card games as both a designer and a player

Location

All employees of Fanatics TCG are expected to be onsite in our Seattle office five days per week.

Ensure your Fanatics job offer is legitimate and don't fall victim to fraud.  Fanatics never seeks payment from job applicants. Feel free to ask your recruiter for a phone call or other type of communication for interview, and ensure your communication is coming from a Fanatics email address (including @collectfanatics.com).  For added security, where possible, apply through our company website at www.fanaticsinc.com/careers

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