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Microsoft Game Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Festybay

3D Game Director job at Blizzard Entertainment

Irvine, CA · On-site

$136.88 - $253.26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Game Director Attribute Details Position Title Game Director - Hearthstone Company Blizzard ... Function as the primary ambassador for Hearthstone's design health to senior Blizzard and Microsoft ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

User Research Assistant

Burbank, CA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Experience designing, configuring, or deploying custom agents using Microsoft Copilot, Copilot ... Familiar with game design theory and development process for video games. * Able to adapt and learn ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

User Research Assistant

Burbank, CA · On-site

$27.71 - $32.71/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Experience designing, configuring, or deploying custom agents using Microsoft Copilot, Copilot ... Familiar with game design theory and development process for video games. Able to adapt and learn ...

LA28 (Web)

Sr. Associate, Design Services

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$73K - $98K/yr

The 2028 Games mark the return of the Summer Games to the U.S. for the first time in 32 years and ... Proficient in Microsoft suites The annual base salary range for this position is $73,000.00 - $98 ...

LA28

Sr. Associate, Design Services

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$73K - $98K/yr

The 2028 Games mark the return of the Summer Games to the U.S. for the first time in 32 years and ... Proficient in Microsoft suites The annual base salary range for this position is $73,000.00 - $98 ...

Image Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer

Valencia, CA

$77K - $104K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... whether for game day presentation on an NFL field, a tour for a musical artist or permanent ... Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and Apple Keynote * Strong work ...

Image Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer

Valencia, CA · On-site

$77K - $104K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... whether for game day presentation on an NFL field, a tour for a musical artist or permanent ... Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and Apple Keynote * Strong work ...

Palace Casino Resort

Lead Table Games Technician

Pala, CA · On-site

$44K - $57K/yr

To repair, design and maintain all table games products and furniture. * Knowledge of upholstery ... Knowledge of Microsoft Office products (i.e. Word, Excel and Outlook). * Knowledge of table game ...

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All JobsMicrosoft Game Design JobsMicrosoft Game Design Jobs in California

Microsoft Game Design information

See California salary details

$46.4K

$154K

How much do microsoft game design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for microsoft game design in California is $147,165.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $153,000.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Microsoft Game Design?

A Microsoft Game Design job involves creating engaging gameplay experiences, designing mechanics, and shaping player interactions for Xbox and PC games. Game designers at Microsoft collaborate with artists, engineers, and producers to develop creative concepts, prototype features, and refine gameplay based on user feedback. They work on projects ranging from first-party exclusives to innovative gaming technologies, ensuring high-quality, immersive experiences for players.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Microsoft Game Design, and why are they important?

To thrive in Microsoft Game Design, you need a strong background in game design principles, user experience, and interactive storytelling, often supported by a degree in game design, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and proprietary Microsoft development platforms, as well as version control systems like Git, is commonly expected. Collaboration, creative problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for working across multidisciplinary teams and iterating on ideas. These skills are critical for creating engaging gaming experiences and ensuring alignment within large-scale development environments.

What is a typical work environment like for someone in Microsoft Game Design?

At Microsoft, game designers often work as part of a cross-functional team that includes artists, programmers, producers, and user experience specialists. The environment highly values creativity and collaborative brainstorming, with frequent meetings to iterate on gameplay concepts, level design, and user feedback. Designers may split their time between developing detailed design documentation, prototyping new features, and playtesting to refine user experiences. Opportunities for professional development are available through mentorship, workshops, and access to cutting-edge tools, all fostering a culture of continual learning and growth within the gaming industry.

Is there a high demand for Microsoft Game Design?

Microsoft Game Design roles are in high demand due to the growing gaming industry and increased investment in game development. Professionals with skills in game engines like Unity or Unreal, and experience in interactive storytelling, are sought after by major gaming companies including Microsoft. Job opportunities are often available in software development, creative design, and project management within the gaming sector.

What are popular job titles related to Microsoft Game Design jobs in California?

For Microsoft Game Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Microsoft Game Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Microsoft Game Design jobs in California are:

Microsoft Game Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Microsoft Game Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $147,165 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Unreal Game Designer

Pure Imagination Management LLC

Van Nuys, CA • On-site

$90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 12 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).