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Gameplay Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Exploding Kittens

Contract Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA

$30 - $38/hr

The Game Designer plays a key role in the game and product development process from start to finish ... Design and develop several projects, responding to feedback from key stakeholders to craft gameplay ...

playstudios

Lead Game Designer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

As a Lead Game Designer , you will lead the design process, collaborating with the rest of the team to make truly standout products that break the mold on what a slot game can be. Along the way, you ...

2K

Game Designer

Kirkland, WA

$78K - $116K/yr

Design new gameplay experiences including time-limited events, alternative game modes, and mini ... Experience designing card-collecting, card-battling, and/or deck-building games is a plus!

Cat Daddy

Game Designer

Kirkland, WA

$78K - $116K/yr

Design new gameplay experiences including time-limited events, alternative game modes, and mini ... Experience designing card-collecting, card-battling, and/or deck-building games is a plus!

2K

Game Designer

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$78K - $116K/yr

Design new gameplay experiences including time-limited events, alternative game modes, and mini ... Experience designing card-collecting, card-battling, and/or deck-building games is a plus!

Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.

Game Designer

Reno, NV · On-site

$84K - $156K/yr

We're looking for an experienced land based game designer to join the game design team of our Uber ... We strive to lead the way in responsible gameplay, and to lift the bar in company governance ...

Exploding Kittens

Contract Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

The Game Designer plays a key role in the game and product development process from start to finish ... Design and develop several projects, responding to feedback from key stakeholders to craft gameplay ...

Exploding Kittens

Contract Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA

$30 - $38/hr

The Game Designer plays a key role in the game and product development process from start to finish ... Design and develop several projects, responding to feedback from key stakeholders to craft gameplay ...

Aristocrat

Game Designer

Reno, NV

$98K - $182K/yr

We're looking for an experienced land based game designer to join the game design team of our Uber ... We strive to lead the way in responsible gameplay, and to lift the bar in company governance ...

Intrepid Studios

Gameplay Programmer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$136K - $151K/yr

Work with game designers, artists, and other engineers to create compelling experiences * Break-down design goals into smaller technical tasks * Provide feedback on gameplay and offer suggestions for ...

Intrepid Studios

Gameplay Programmer

San Diego, CA

$136K - $151K/yr

Work with game designers, artists, and other engineers to create compelling experiences * Break-down design goals into smaller technical tasks * Provide feedback on gameplay and offer suggestions for ...

Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.

Game Designer

Reno, NV · On-site

$84K - $156K/yr

We're looking for an experienced land based game designer to join the game design team of our Uber ... We strive to lead the way in responsible gameplay, and to lift the bar in company governance ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Game Designer

Washington, DC

$77K - $176K/yr

As a game designer, you're excited at the prospect of unlocking the secrets held by a data set, and you're fascinated by the possibilities presented by IoT, machine learning, and artificial ...

Aristocrat

Game Designer

Reno, NV

$98K - $182K/yr

We're looking for an experienced land based game designer to join the game design team of our Uber ... We strive to lead the way in responsible gameplay, and to lift the bar in company governance ...

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Gameplay Designer information

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$81K

$145.4K

$205K

How much do gameplay designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay designer in the United States is $145,359.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do video game designers make?

Video game designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with entry-level positions starting lower and experienced designers earning over $100,000. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of projects, and many designers also develop skills in programming, storytelling, or level design to increase earning potential.

How do I become a video game designer?

To become a video game designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in game design, computer science, or a related field, along with strong skills in programming, storytelling, and visual design. Gaining experience through internships, creating a portfolio of game projects, and proficiency with design tools like Unity or Unreal Engine are also important steps.

What does a typical day look like for a Gameplay Designer?

A typical day for a Gameplay Designer often involves collaborating with programmers, artists, and other designers to brainstorm new features, refine mechanics, and address feedback from playtests. You can expect to design and document gameplay systems, tweak parameters for balance, and prototype new ideas to see how they work in practice. Communication with cross-functional teams is frequent to ensure all aspects of the gameplay are cohesive and fun for players. Additionally, regular participation in team meetings and reviews helps keep everyone aligned on project vision and priorities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Gameplay Designer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gameplay Designer, you need strong game design fundamentals, creative problem-solving abilities, and a solid understanding of player experience and engagement. Experience with industry-standard tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, scripting languages (like C# or Blueprint), and familiarity with version control systems is highly valued. Excellent teamwork, communication skills, and a collaborative mindset are essential for effectively working with development teams and stakeholders. These skills help ensure the creation of compelling and balanced gameplay experiences that resonate with players and meet project goals.

What is the 80 20 rule in game design?

In game design, the 80/20 rule suggests that roughly 80% of player engagement or feedback comes from 20% of the game features or content. Gameplay designers focus on identifying and optimizing these core elements to improve player experience and retention. Prioritizing key mechanics and balancing them effectively is essential in creating engaging games.

What jobs can you get as a Game Designer?

As a game designer, you can pursue roles such as level designer, systems designer, narrative designer, or gameplay programmer. These positions involve creating game mechanics, storylines, and user experiences, often requiring skills in design tools and understanding of game development processes.

What does a Gameplay Designer do?

A Gameplay Designer is responsible for creating and refining the interactive systems that define the player's experience in a game. They design mechanics, gameplay loops, and balance difficulty to ensure an engaging and fun experience. This role involves collaborating with programmers, artists, and other designers to implement and iterate on gameplay elements. Gameplay Designers also analyze player feedback and data to fine-tune mechanics and improve overall game feel.

More about Gameplay Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Gameplay Designer jobs? Cities with the most Gameplay Designer job openings:
What states have the most Gameplay Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Gameplay Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Gameplay Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Gameplay Designer jobs are:
Gameplay Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gameplay 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 88% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,359 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

Unreal Game Designer

Pure Imagination Management LLC

Van Nuys, CA • On-site

$90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Unreal Game Designer

Job Location: Salina, Kansas

About Us

Pure Imagination Studios started in 2012 as a diversified entertainment company built by a team of creators who shared a true passion for storytelling. We thrive on imagination, and everything we do is set to bring a tangible experience to anything our clients, partners and even ourselves, are able to imagine. We believe that pure imagination should be the fuel to our reality.

We are storytellers, dreamers, and creators of new worlds- striving to develop the future of entertainment. Join our team!

Overview

As an Unreal Game Designer at Pure Imagination Labs, you will design and develop immersive experiences for entertainment, training, and education projects. You will create interactive simulations and contribute to Game Design Documents (GDDs). Responsibilities include concept creation, level design, gameplay mechanics, and integrating instructional and training elements. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet creative goals and client objectives.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the creation of interactive experiences, designing game mechanics and challenges aligned with project goals.
  • Develop comprehensive GDDs, outlining gameplay, mechanics, narratives, and technical specifications.
  • Build engaging levels and missions using Unreal Engine 5.
  • Design and implement core game systems with Unreal Blueprints or C/C++.
  • Build and iterate on prototypes to validate mechanics, ensuring they meet creative and technical requirements.
  • Collaborate with artists, developers, and subject matter experts to ensure cohesive integration.
  • Test and optimize levels, ensuring performance and functionality.
  • Regularly playtest and iterate on designs based on feedback and performance analysis.
  • Maintain up-to-date GDDs and technical documentation.
  • Own specific gameplay elements and manage design workflows.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Game Design, Computer Science is required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in game design, focusing on level design and interactive environments with Unreal Engine 4/5.
  • Expertise in Unreal Blueprints and/or C++ is required.
  • Solid expertise in developing GDDs for interactive and educational experiences.
  • Proficiency in office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace).

Additional Qualifications

  • Experience with version control systems like Perforce.
  • Demonstrate problem-solving skills and ability to create innovative gameplay solutions.
  • Experience with enterprise-level training or educational projects.
  • Familiarity with instructional design in interactive environments.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with internal teams, external vendors, and other stakeholders.
  • Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.

o Required On-Site: This position is required to be performed full-time at Pure Imagination Labs worksite.

o Required Residence: This candidate must live or reside in the state of Kansas; or relocate within six (6) months of offered employment.

The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), medical leave, and a variety of other perks. A bonus and incentive plan may be provided as part of the compensation package, dependent on the level and position offered.

Learn more about the opportunities offered by Pure Imagination by visiting the Careers page of the company website.

Salary: $90,000 (bonus eligible)

Pure Imagination Studios is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).