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Senior Board Game Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Exploding Kittens

Principal Game Developer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Principal Game Developer is a senior leader at Exploding Kittens who plays a key role in shaping the games we bring to life. In this role, you'll make final game development decisions, guiding ...

Code Plus Inc

3D Game Developer - XR/VR

Petersburg, VA · On-site

We are seeking a 3D Developer / Game Developer with Virtual Reality (VR) and Extended Reality (XR) experience to support U.S. Army training and education initiatives at CASCOM in Fort Lee,VA. Program:

Code Plus Inc

3D Game Developer - XR/VR

Petersburg, VA · On-site

We are seeking a 3D Developer / Game Developer with Virtual Reality (VR) and Extended Reality (XR) experience to support U.S. Army training and education initiatives at CASCOM in Fort Lee,VA. Program:

Govcio LLC

$122K - $140K/yr

Collaborate with instructional designers, developers, and government stakeholders to align gameplay ... Recent (within the last five years) experience in a Lead or Senior Game Designer or UX role on a ...

Bluberi

Sr. Unity Game Software Developer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

The Game Software Developer IV joins each element of a game: graphics, animation, audio and mathematic formulas, to deliver high quality, captivating and performing games while guiding other studio ...

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Senior Board Game Developer information

See salary details

$77.5K

$154.1K

$228.5K

How much do senior board game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior board game developer in the United States is $154,062.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,500.00 and $176,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Board Game Developer vs Game Designer?

AspectSenior Board Game DeveloperGame Designer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in game design, computer science, or related field; experience in game developmentOften a degree in game design, art, or related field; strong creative portfolio
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with artists, programmers, and publishers in game studios or independent projectsWorks on concept creation, mechanics, and story development, often in studio or freelance settings
Industry UsageCommonly employed in game development companies focusing on digital or physical gamesUsed across both digital and physical game industries, focusing on game concept and mechanics

The main difference is that a Senior Board Game Developer focuses on the technical and production aspects of creating physical or digital board games, while a Game Designer emphasizes the creative and conceptual development of game mechanics and stories. Both roles require a strong understanding of game design principles, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ.

What cities are hiring for Senior Board Game Developer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Board Game Developer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Board Game Developer jobs? The most popular types of Board Game Developer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Board Game Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Board Game Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Board Game Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Board Game Developer jobs are:
Senior Board Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Board Game Developer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 36% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,062 per year, or $74.1 per hour.
Principal Game Developer

Principal Game Developer

Exploding Kittens

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

The Principal Game Developer is a senior leader at Exploding Kittens who plays a key role in shaping the games we bring to life. In this role, you'll make final game development decisions, guiding concepts from idea to finished product while ensuring every game meets our high bar for clarity, innovation, delight, and replayability.

You have a deep love for game mechanics, especially mass-market party games, and a strong instinct for what makes a game truly fun. You combine experience, sharp taste, and playtest-driven insights to refine gameplay and elevate every product you touch. You'll also mentor and influence other designers and developers, helping raise the bar across the team.

If you're someone who thinks about games constantly (in a good way), obsesses over what makes people laugh, connect, and come back for more, and loves turning great ideas into unforgettable experiences, you'll fit right in.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

  • Serve as gameplay authority - making final calls on mechanics, balance, and player experience.

  • Refine games to ensure strong audience fit across family, adult, and kids categories.

  • Lead playtesting process and analyze and synthesize playtest footage into clear development direction. 

  • Creatively solve complex gameplay challenges, always keeping the player top of mind.

  • Evaluate inventor submissions and contribute to greenlight and portfolio decisions.

  • Write and/or refine instruction manuals to ensure clarity, accessibility, and brand/tone alignment.

  • Mentor designers and developers, implementing and raising product standards and best practices across the team.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with the rest of Creative Operations, Production & Sourcing, and key stakeholders to bring outstanding, innovative, and disruptive games to shelf.

WHAT WE NEED:

  • 10+ years of tabletop game design/development experience or equivalent expertise.

  • Proven track record of developing successful and commercially viable mass retail party games.

  • Deep understanding of mass retail party games, game mechanics, player psychology, rules balance, and replayability.

  • Extensive experience running, observing, and analyzing playtests.

  • Strong ability to diagnose gameplay issues and implement effective solutions.

  • Excellent writing and editing skills, especially for rules, instruction manuals, and "how to play" videos.

  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and elevate other designers.

  • Exceptional taste, strong judgment, and a sustained focus on the audience experience.

$120,000 - $140,000 a year
This salary represents a range for the position and will ultimately depend on the individual's qualifications and years of experience, location, and is subject to change.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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