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

Are you an experienced tabletop RPG designer with the demonstrated ability to lead major RPG ... Serve as a deep subject matter expert in D&D's rules systems, design conventions, and mechanical ...

Games Researcher, Amazon Games

Seattle, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... in playtesting, game UX, user research, or related roles - Experience designing and running ... gameplay systems (onboarding, controls, progression, difficulty, engagement loops) PREFERRED ...

Sr Game Developer - D&D

Renton, WA · On-site

$112K - $168K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

Are you an experienced tabletop RPG designer with the demonstrated ability to lead major RPG ... Serve as a deep subject matter expert in D&D's rules systems, design conventions, and mechanical ...

Senior Gaming Platform Engineer

Seattle, WA

$142K - $263K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

... game engines and development environments. You'll be responsible for designing and implementing cross-platform bridging solutions, automated C#/Swift interoperability systems that eliminate manual ...

Sr. Product Designer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

On Sleeper, fans can check scores, play games, chat, share memes, and more. We have over 10 million ... Create design solutions that utilize scalable systems, and contribute to the development of our ...

Product Designer (Mid-Level)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

On Sleeper, fans can check scores, play games, chat, share memes, and more. We have over 10 million ... Create design solutions that utilize scalable systems, and contribute to the development of our ...

Mobile Game Build Engineer Location: Seattle, WA Openings: 1 Type: Full-time Hire CLIENT is an ... Experience designing and building test automation tools/systems using open source test automation ...

Partner closely with artists, designers, and systems engineers to extend Sand Table's capabilities ... Professional experience in game engine development or a related field involving real‑time 3D ...

Senior Product Designer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$160K - $261K/yr

... gaming, and development scenarios. As a Senior Product Designer, you will have the opportunity to ... Contribute to design systems, documentation, and experience patterns that enable consistency across ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 13, 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Game System Designer job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,731 per year, or $80.6 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Programmer - Remote or On Site

Studio Wildcard

Redmond, WA • On-site, Remote

$115K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Studio Wildcard - Redmond, WA or Remote
Open role:
Senior Gameplay Programmer
We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us with ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies.
And now we're searching for an exceptionally talented and passionate Senior Gameplay Programmer who can create high-impact work for the expanding ARK franchise.
Responsibilities:
  • Design, write, and implement gameplay systems and development tools for artists and designers
  • Work with cross-discipline team members to improve existing tools and determine new solutions

Requirements:
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in game development as a gameplay programmer with at least 1 shipped title.
  • Advanced understanding of gameplay systems, pipelines, and tools.
  • Strong self-motivation and willingness to participate in many areas of game development
  • Experience using the Unreal 5 Engine

Pluses:
  • Degree in computer science or a related field
  • Experience with implementing UI features from concept to finish
  • Shipped title using the Unreal 4 Engine

Required Application Materials:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter which should include
    • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What games you are currently playing

About Studio Wildcard
Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.
Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.
Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options