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

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Seattle, WA · Remote

$217K - $246K/yr

Collaborate with designers, artists, and audio developers to iterate on and refine key game systems. * Take ownership of major systems, maintain development schedules, and drive implementation tasks ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$217K - $246K/yr

Collaborate with designers, artists, and audio developers to iterate on and refine key game systems. * Take ownership of major systems, maintain development schedules, and drive implementation tasks ...

Studio Wildcard

Sr. Engine Programmer

Bellevue, WA · Remote

Proven ability to manage deep integrations between gameplay systems and core engine code ... designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple ...

Studio Wildcard

Sr. Engine Programmer

Bellevue, WA · Remote

Proven ability to manage deep integrations between gameplay systems and core engine code ... designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple ...

Studio Wildcard

Sr. Engine Programmer

Bellevue, WA · Remote

Proven ability to manage deep integrations between gameplay systems and core engine code ... designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple ...

Studio Wildcard

Sr. Engine Programmer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Proven ability to manage deep integrations between gameplay systems and core engine code ... designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple ...

Unitytech

Staff Software Engineer, Gaming AI

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$200K - $260K/yr

Designing and delivering cloud-based services and cloud features for the next generation game creation platform * Building front-end features as part of performant full-stack systems * Optimizing ...

Nintendo

Sr Software Engineer - Gameplay (NST)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$162K - $224K/yr

Nintendo Software Technology is a tight-knit game development studio located in Redmond, WA. As ... Makes recommendations regarding system architectural design, data structures, and algorithm ...

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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 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:
Game System Designer jobs near you
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.

Sr Manager, Game Design - TCG

Fanatics Collectibles

Seattle, WA

Full-time

Re-posted 19 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 Sr Manager, Game Design who's passionate about growing and mentoring a multidisciplinary team of game and narrative designers across all stages of trading card game development. You have the emotional intelligence to know what each person on your team needs, the experience to give them real direction, and the conviction to hold a high bar without losing anyone along the way. Fanatics TCG is building franchises from the ground up, and this role helps ensure the people doing that work are set up to do the best of their careers.

Responsibilities

  • Engage and develop your team through regular 1:1s and daily contact - giving direct, meaningful guidance and feedback to help each person grow
  • Monitor the team's dynamic, workflow, and output; improve and implement sustainable processes that support balanced workloads, healthy collaboration, and lasting creative quality
  • Manage resourcing across projects and ensure projects have the talent they need at the right time
  • Serve as a bridge between Game Design and cross-functional partners in art, production, marketing, and product - translating between creative and operational contexts with clarity
  • Ensure your hiring pipeline sources diverse, dedicated people and maintain a fair, consistent interview and testing process; guide and mentor new hires to set them up for success from day one
  • Contribute to game design efforts directly when appropriate

Qualifications & Experience

  • 8+ years of experience managing creative teams in game development, with a track record of growing talent and maintaining a healthy, high-performing team culture
  • Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams - you understand the different needs, workflows, and pressures of employees across specializations
  • Deep knowledge of and genuine passion for trading card games
  • A dedicated drive for fostering game design and narrative worldbuilding talent
  • Experience working in an early-stage or fast-moving studio is highly valued

Skills & Abilities

  • Compassion, self-awareness, and a deep understanding of people - you can read the room, handle pressure with steadiness, and keep morale high through each phase of game development
  • Clear, direct communication - you can deliver feedback with care, align stakeholders across functions, and advocate for your team with confidence
  • Strong organizational instincts and the ability to manage competing priorities across multiple active projects without losing sight of quality or people
  • Proficiency with project management tools and asset management systems
  • Highly adaptable and calm under pressure, with the ability to re-prioritize quickly as needs evolve

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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