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Salaried Board Game Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Goliath

Tabletop Game Designer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$153K/yr

Requirements Professional experience in board game development, game design, product development, toy development, or a closely related creative field. • Demonstrated ability to develop a game from ...

New

Goliath

Tabletop Game Designer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$176K/yr

Requirements Professional experience in board game development, game design, product development, toy development, or a closely related creative field. · Demonstrated ability to develop a game from ...

New

Templar Media

Lead Game Designer

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

The Lead Designer should have excellent game design ability in both single and multiplayer and be a ... Templar offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package and a professional but non ...

Asmodee

Associate Game Developer

Everett, WA · On-site +1

$60K/yr

... design documents and developing game rule content for new and supplemental miniatures and board ... Base Salary: $60,000 Our Commitment asmodee's purpose is Bringing People Together. To us that means ...

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All Jobsfull time JobsSalaried Board Game Design Jobs

Salaried Board Game Design information

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$79.5K

$130.8K

$196K

How much do salaried board game design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for salaried board game design in the United States is $130,762.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,000.00 and $150,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a salaried board game designer?

A salaried board game designer is a professional who creates and develops board games while working as a regular employee for a game publisher, studio, or company. Unlike freelance designers who work on a project-by-project basis, salaried designers receive a consistent paycheck and often have access to benefits such as health insurance and paid time off. Their responsibilities typically include brainstorming new game concepts, developing rules, prototyping, playtesting, and collaborating with artists and developers to bring games to market. Working as a salaried designer often involves teamwork, iteration, and balancing creative vision with business objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a salaried board game designer?

To thrive as a Salaried Board Game Designer, you need strong creative thinking, game mechanics expertise, and often a background in game design, graphic design, or related fields. Familiarity with digital prototyping tools (like Tabletop Simulator), design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), and a solid understanding of playtesting processes are typically required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for sharing ideas and integrating feedback. These competencies ensure the development of engaging, balanced games that succeed both creatively and commercially in a collaborative environment.

What are some common challenges faced by salaried board game designers working on collaborative projects?

Salaried board game designers often work closely with artists, developers, and playtesters, which can present challenges in aligning creative visions and managing feedback from multiple stakeholders. Balancing innovative ideas with practical constraints like manufacturing costs and market trends is also common. Effective communication and flexibility are key, as designers frequently iterate on game mechanics and themes based on team input and playtesting results. Adapting to tight deadlines and maintaining enthusiasm throughout long development cycles are additional aspects to consider in a collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Salaried Board Game Design vs Freelance Board Game Design?

AspectSalaried Board Game DesignFreelance Board Game Design
Employment TypeFull-time, salaried position with benefitsProject-based, self-employed
Work EnvironmentIn-house or company officeRemote or independent
CredentialsTypically requires industry experience, portfolio, possibly a degreeVaries; portfolio and experience are key, formal credentials less critical
Industry UsageCommon in established game companiesCommon among independent designers and small studios

In summary, Salaried Board Game Designers work full-time for companies with benefits, focusing on consistent projects, while Freelance Board Game Designers operate independently, managing their own schedules and clients. Both roles require a strong portfolio, but employment structure and work environment differ significantly.

What is the average salary for a salaried board game designer?

The average salary for a salaried board game designer typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level designers may earn less, while experienced professionals or those working for major publishers can earn higher salaries and bonuses. Skills in game mechanics, prototyping, and familiarity with design tools can influence earning potential.

What cities are hiring for Salaried Board Game Design jobs?

Cities with the most Salaried Board Game Design job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Board Game Design jobs?

The most popular types of Board Game Design jobs are:

What states have the most Salaried Board Game Design jobs?

States with the most job openings for Salaried Board Game Design jobs include:

Salaried Board Game Design jobs near you

Tabletop Game Designer

Goliath

Dallas, TX • On-site

$153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Goliath is an international manufacturer and distributor of toys and games, operating in 15 countries and reaching over 100 countries worldwide. At the heart of our business is a belief in great products and the magic of innovation. Our mission is to bring fun to every household, which we achieve through teamwork and clever collaboration.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly creative, resourceful, and organized Game Designer to invent and develop innovative tabletop games across a wide range of categories, including preschool, kids, family, party, crime and mystery, light strategy, and licensed games.
The Game Designer will turn early-stage ideas into engaging, intuitive, and commercially viable games. This person will own concepts through iterative development-creating prototypes, testing gameplay, refining mechanics, writing rules, and collaborating with internal teams and external creative partners.
The ideal candidate combines imaginative thinking with disciplined execution. They can take a loose idea and transform it into a compelling game experience with minimal supervision, while working quickly, managing multiple projects, and responding to changing priorities and stakeholder feedback.
Key Responsibilities
• Invent and develop original games across multiple categories using ideas from internal teams, inventors, licensors, external partners, consumer insights, and emerging trends.
• Turn early-stage ideas into engaging, accessible, and commercially viable prototypes.
• Manage multiple projects from concept through weekly iteration, documentation, final development, and production handoff.
• Plan and facilitate playtesting with internal teams and target consumers, translating feedback and observed behavior into actionable improvements.
• Write clear, engaging, audience-appropriate instructions and develop instruction-manual layouts informed by consumer testing.
• Present concepts, prototypes, playtest findings, and recommendations; incorporate stakeholder feedback while protecting the integrity of the game experience.
• Develop gameplay talking points and confidently demonstrate games for internal teams, licensors, and other partners.
• Plan and lead structured team brainstorms, providing creative direction and documentation to move the strongest ideas into development.
• Research social, cultural, entertainment, toy, and gaming trends; evaluate current, historical, and competitive games to identify innovations and market opportunities.
• Attend trade shows, conventions, inventor events, and industry gatherings to find inspiration, research products, and identify potential inventors and partners.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of current and historical board games, gameplay mechanics, formats, materials, components, and construction innovations.
Requirements
Professional experience in board game development, game design, product development, toy development, or a closely related creative field.
• Demonstrated ability to develop a game from an early-stage idea through prototyping, playtesting, iteration, and final documentation.
• Strong understanding of gameplay mechanics, player psychology, pacing, balance, accessibility, and age-appropriate design.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to explain gameplay clearly and concisely.
• Experience planning, conducting, and documenting structured playtests.
• Ability to turn qualitative consumer observations into specific, actionable improvements.
• Excellent organizational and project-management abilities, including the capacity to manage several projects with shifting timelines and priorities.
• Ability to work autonomously, exercise sound judgment, and move projects forward with minimal supervision.
• Comfortable giving, receiving, evaluating, and incorporating constructive feedback.
• A portfolio of published games, prototypes, instructions, or other relevant game-development work.
Benefits
  • 401(k) with company matching
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance to keep you covered
  • Life insurance
  • Flexible spending and health savings accounts to manage your healthcare costs
  • Paid time off to recharge when you need it
  • Join a fun, dynamic and creative industry-working with toys and games brings its own rewards

Apply