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Game System Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2K

Game Designer (NPC)

Frisco, TX · Remote

$145K/yr

Systems Iteration: Iterate existing game systems and create new ones based on project direction and feedback. Work closely with engineers, artists, and other designers to ensure features meet goals ...

Limit Break

$162K/yr

Game Designer (Puzzle) About us: Deep expertise. Personal and Industry evolution. Impeccable craft ... Design and balance gameplay mechanics and progression systems that reinforce player flow ...

2K

Game Designer (NPC)

Frisco, TX · On-site

$145K/yr

Systems Iteration: Iterate existing game systems and create new ones based on project direction and feedback. Work closely with engineers, artists, and other designers to ensure features meet goals ...

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 ...

Naughty Dog

Senior Game Designer (Combat)

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$145K - $181K/yr

Facilitate playtesting and feedback sessions to iterate on combat systems and fine-tune them based ... games * At least one shipped title as a combat designer or similar role. Experience with behavior ...

Epic Games

Gameplay Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

Minimum 5+ years of experience shipping multiple titles as a game designer, with a strong focus on combat systems, ability design, or action game mechanics * Proven ability to implement gameplay ...

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Game System Designer information

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$47K

$156K

How much do game system designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for game system designer in the United States is $149,118.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $155,000.00 and $155,000.00 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.
More about Game System Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Game System Designer jobs? Cities with the most Game System Designer job openings:
What states have the most Game System Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Game System Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Game System Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Game System Designer jobs are:
Game System Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game System Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,118 per year, or $71.7 per hour.
Game Designer (NPC)

Game Designer (NPC)

2K

Frisco, TX • Remote

$145K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Who We Are

The Gearbox Entertainment Company is home to a world-class team that entertains the world with award-winning and genre-defining video games. Our games are entrenched with rich universes that are expanded upon via transmedia storytelling, live experiences, and consumer products. Gearbox Entertainment has become widely known for developing successful game franchises such as Borderlands, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, and Brothers in Arms, as well for continued development of acquired properties including Duke Nukem, Risk of Rain, and Homeworld.

The company was founded as Gearbox Software in 1999 by a team of industry veterans and is headquartered in Frisco, Texas. The Gearbox Entertainment Company is proud to be part of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

For more information, visit www.GearboxSoftware.com.

What We Are Looking For

Gearbox Software is seeking a game designer to join us in developing a first-person shooter. This role involves working in a team environment to design and implement new features and assets. This role will work closely with many departments to iterate and improve the game experience related to non-playable characters (NPCs) specifically.

Responsibilities

  • Feature Ownership: Build and pitch new ideas, taking those ideas all the way through the production pipeline to a shippable result.

  • Systems Iteration: Iterate existing game systems and create new ones based on project direction and feedback. Work closely with engineers, artists, and other designers to ensure features meet goals and ship on time.

  • NPC Development: Develop new NPC systems, coordinate cinematics between NPC and mission needs, and build/organize data assets related to NPCs.

  • Community & Feedback: Work closely with internal focus testing, community management, and other sources of player feedback to maintain and expand the online community surrounding the game.

Qualifications

  • FPS Expertise: Heavy investment in first-person shooters, both as a player and developer. A deep understanding of the marketplace, history, and customer expectations in the community.

  • Design Track Record: Proven track record of modern systems design and/or scripting experience. Portfolio should include videos, screenshots, or documentation of systems or scripting.

  • Industry Experience: Have shipped 1 or more AAA action titles in a game design role, with a preference towards Unreal technology, first-person shooters, and online games.

  • Soft Skills: Excellent documentation, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Ability to maintain focus and self-motivation towards the current project goals.

  • Core Aptitude: Strong problem-solving skills and a keen attention to detail.

Nice-to-Haves

  • 3 or more years of game design experience, including at least 1 competitive multiplayer title.

  • Shipped games using Unreal Engine 4/5 technology.

  • Level design, mission design, or cinematic experience.

  • Experience working in small, rapid development environments.

  • Prior leadership experience.

Gearbox Entertainment is committed to ensuring that all team members work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment, and one that reflects the diversity of the world it strives to entertain. As an equal opportunity employer, Gearbox Entertainment does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Gearbox Entertainment is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, and to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by individuals without disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point during the job application process, please contact us for more information.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

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