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Lead Game Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hasbro

Sr Game Designer - D&D

Renton, WA · On-site

$112K - $168K/yr

Are you an experienced tabletop RPG designer with the demonstrated ability to lead major RPG products from inception through publication? We are seeking a Senior Game Designer to work with our design ...

LA28

Services Lead, Beach Volleyball

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The 2028 Games mark the return of the Summer Games to the U.S. for the first time in 32 years and ... Services Lead, Beach Volleyball Position Summary Within this division, LA28 is looking for a Senior ...

Epic Games

Lead Gameplay Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development. DESIGN What We Do Put ... What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for a Gameplay Designer to help create compelling gameplay ...

KONAMI GAMING INC

Senior Art Designer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

Konami Gaming is looking for a Senior Art Designer to join our team! This onsite position is ... Can project future trends, and drive Konami's art to lead the way. Initiates and leads individual ...

Konami Gaming, Inc

Senior Art Designer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Konami Gaming is looking for a Senior Art Designer to join our team! This onsite position is ... Can project future trends, and drive Konami's art to lead the way. Initiates and leads individual ...

Insomniac Games

Lead Systems Designer

$152K - $229K/yr

Insomniac is looking for a new Lead Systems Designer. This role is accountable for the quality and ... Works directly with Gameplay Programming counterparts to best leverage skills and creativity across ...

Epic Games

Lead Level Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make ... In this role, you will lead a team of designers to create engaging experiences and points of ...

Insomniac Games

OR · On-site

Insomniac is looking for a new Lead Systems Designer. This role is accountable for the quality and ... Directly prototypes, implements, and iterates on gameplay systems through proprietary internal ...

TW Group LLC

Lead Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$150K/yr

We are looking for a Lead Software Engineer, you will be building exciting games utilizing our ... Making games with a diverse team of Game Designers, Artists, Sound Designers and Engineers.

2K

Lead Sound Designer

Frisco, TX · On-site

Lead Sound Designer Frisco, Texas, United States; Montréal, Quebec, Canada The Gearbox ... Our games are entrenched with rich universes that are expanded upon via transmedia storytelling ...

2K

Lead Sound Designer

Frisco, TX · On-site

Lead Sound Designer Frisco, Texas, United States; Montréal, Quebec, Canada The Gearbox ... Our games are entrenched with rich universes that are expanded upon via transmedia storytelling ...

2K

Lead Sound Designer

Frisco, TX · On-site

Our games are entrenched with rich universes that are expanded upon via transmedia storytelling ... The Lead Sound Designer acts as the primary sound design point of contact for the project, ensuring ...

Aristocrat

Sound Designer

Reno, NV

$93K - $174K/yr

Use sound to bring games to life creatively. * Work closely with Lead Audio Designer to develop creative, technical, and professional skills. * Maintain organized project files and asset storage.

Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.

Sound Designer

Reno, NV · On-site

$70K - $130K/yr

Use sound to bring games to life creatively. * Work closely with Lead Audio Designer to develop creative, technical, and professional skills. * Maintain organized project files and asset storage.

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Lead Game Designer information

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$78.5K

$147.4K

$186K

How much do lead game designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead game designer in the United States is $147,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,500.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead game designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Game Designer, you need a deep understanding of game mechanics, storytelling, user experience, and a proven track record in game development, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with industry-standard game engines (such as Unity or Unreal Engine), prototyping tools, and version control systems is also important. Exceptional leadership, creativity, and communication skills help guide teams and articulate vision effectively throughout the development process. These skills ensure engaging, high-quality game experiences and successful project delivery in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

What does a lead game designer do?

A Lead Game Designer is responsible for overseeing the creative vision and design process of a video game. They coordinate a team of designers, ensuring that gameplay mechanics, storylines, and user experiences align with the project’s goals. The Lead Game Designer collaborates closely with artists, programmers, and producers to translate ideas into playable features and balanced gameplay. They also mentor junior designers and help resolve design challenges throughout the development cycle.

What does a lead game designer do?

A lead game designer takes the general ideas for a video game and turns them into an executable project. In this career, you work closely with graphic designers, programmers, and other production teams to come up with a concise plan for designing the game. As a lead designer, your duties include following up with each department involved in the game production process to ensure everyone is on task and following the design and story templates. A lead designer usually reports to the creative director of the project.

What is the difference between Lead Game Designer vs Game Designer?

AspectLead Game DesignerGame Designer
ResponsibilitiesOversees the entire game design process, manages the design team, and sets creative direction.Develops game concepts, mechanics, and levels under the guidance of the lead, focusing on specific design tasks.
Required SkillsStrong leadership, project management, and comprehensive game design experience.Creative thinking, technical skills, and proficiency in game design tools.
Work EnvironmentTypically in larger studios with multiple teams, involved in high-level decision-making.Often in smaller teams, focusing on specific design elements or features.

The main difference is that a Lead Game Designer manages the overall design process and team, while a Game Designer focuses on creating specific game elements. The Lead has broader responsibilities and leadership duties, whereas the Game Designer concentrates on executing design tasks within the project.

How does a lead game designer collaborate with other departments during a game's development cycle?

As a Lead Game Designer, you will work closely with various teams such as art, programming, audio, and production to ensure that the game's vision is consistently implemented. Regular meetings, design documentation, and feedback sessions are essential to align everyone on gameplay mechanics, narrative elements, and technical constraints. Effective communication and problem-solving are key, as you often act as a bridge between creative concepts and practical implementation, addressing challenges as they arise.
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Lead Game Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Game Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,403 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Sr Game Designer - D&D

Hasbro

Renton, WA • On-site

$112K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life

Re-posted 22 days ago

Hasbro rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

We take play seriously. We're looking for curious adventurers ready to find their party, fueled by imagination and drive to build what's never been built before. At Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast, you'll collaborate with passionate teams to reimagine our iconic brands and create experiences that spark joy, connection, and community through the magic of play. This is your chance to shape legendary play that lasts a lifetime.
Are you an experienced tabletop RPG designer with the demonstrated ability to lead major RPG products from inception through publication?
We are seeking a Senior Game Designer to work with our design team to conceptualize and build Dungeons & Dragons products. In this role, you'll help craft the future of D&D by designing and writing meaningful portions of future products, mentoring junior designers, and assisting in commissioning and managing freelance writers. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, can design and write innovative and high-quality RPG material, and hit deadlines, this role is for you. We're looking for passion and integrity in equal measure.
Location & Work Arrangement
This position is located in Renton, WA and follows a hybrid schedule, with in-office collaboration Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week.
What You'll Do:
  • Design substantial portions of D&D products and help generate new product concepts
  • Provide mentorship and feedback to less experienced designers
  • Collaborate with producers, project leads, editors, and graphic designers to build project schedules and guide products through the entire production process
  • Work with art directors to write art orders for D&D products
  • Break down large design projects and assign tasks for junior designers
  • Manage the work of freelance designers to ensure consistency and quality
  • Incorporate playtest feedback into every product
  • Represent Wizards of the Coast and D&D at events and in interviews
What You'll Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in the liberal arts, or equivalent professional experience
  • 6+ years designing RPG products with significant credits on products from known publishers
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Strong familiarity with Dungeons & Dragons and proficiency in the fifth edition rules
  • A track record of developing innovative and balanced game mechanics
  • Strong long-form writing skills that require no more than a light editing touch
  • Detailed understanding of the production process and how books are assembled and published
  • Experience collaborating with and guiding both in-house and external designers
  • Promotional/marketing experience a plus
  • An eye for detail and dedication to excellence

The pay transparency range for this role is listed below. The hiring range will vary based on factors such as experience, skills, location and market conditions. Additionally, employees may be eligible for annual and long-term incentives as part of their overall compensation package.
Pay Range
$112,000-$168,000 USD
Employees may be eligible for annual and long-term incentives as part of their overall compensation package, depending on role, location, and eligibility. Benefits and programs may include:
  • Health & Wellness
  • Time Off to Recharge
  • Financial Well-being
  • Life & Family Support
  • Volunteer and Community Initiatives
  • Learning & Development
  • Exclusive Perks

Please review our Applicant Privacy Notice to learn how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in connection with the application process.

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