ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Game System Designer Jobs in Seattle, 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 ...

Komodo Co., Ltd.

Senior Staff Gameplay Engineer

Bellevue, WA · Remote

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... game currently in development. In this role, you will take ownership of key gameplay systems that define combat feel, responsiveness, and moment-to-moment player experience. This includes designing ...

Komodo Co., Ltd.

Senior Staff Gameplay Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... game currently in development. In this role, you will take ownership of key gameplay systems that define combat feel, responsiveness, and moment-to-moment player experience. This includes designing ...

Noblesoft Technologies

Senior UX Designer

Redmond, WA · On-site

... gaming, live operations, or enterprise-scale internal systems. *      Familiarity with ... designing for data visualization, insights dashboards, or predictive systems ...

Komodo Co., Ltd.

Gameplay Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This includes developing controls, ability systems, match flow, and gameplay logic. You will work closely with designers and artists to turn creative ideas into polished, high-performance features.

Komodo Co., Ltd.

Gameplay Engineer

Bellevue, WA · Remote

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This includes developing controls, ability systems, match flow, and gameplay logic. You will work closely with designers and artists to turn creative ideas into polished, high-performance features.

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 ...

Hasbro

Sr Game Developer - D&D

Renton, WA · Hybrid

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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

Game System Designer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$53.5K

$177.5K

How much do game system designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for game system designer in Seattle, WA is $169,700.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $176,400.00 and $176,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 do you become a game system designer?

To become a game system designer, typically a candidate needs a background in game design, computer science, or related fields, along with strong skills in programming, mathematics, and understanding of game mechanics. Gaining experience through internships, personal projects, or portfolio work is important, and proficiency with design tools like Unity or Unreal Engine can be beneficial.

Is game system designer a good career?

A game system designer develops the rules, mechanics, and systems for video games, often requiring skills in programming, mathematics, and game theory. The field offers opportunities in the gaming industry, but job availability can be competitive and typically requires a strong portfolio and relevant experience.

What are popular job titles related to Game System Designer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Game System Designer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game System Designer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Game System Designer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Game System Designer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Game System Designer job openings:

Game System Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game System Designer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 53% Full Time, and 42% Part Time. Highlights an 79% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $169,700 per year, or $81.6 per hour.

Game Designer - TCG

Fanatics Collectibles

Seattle, WA

$176K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 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

Apply