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Technical Game Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Proxima

Senior Game Designer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

We're looking for a Senior Game Designer to play a leadership role on the project. We are a remote ... technical implementation to balancing and testing. Who you are: * Game systems architect: You ...

Amazon

Principal Game Designer, RBKS AI

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

As a Principal Game Designer at RBKS AI (Ring, Blink, Key, Sidewalk), you will own the design ... technical constraints, and keep complex initiatives on track - Proactively identify and resolve ...

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Technical Game Designer information

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$35.5K

$80.3K

$126K

How much do technical game designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical game designer in the United States is $80,265.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $92,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the 80 20 rule in game design?

The 80/20 rule in game design suggests that approximately 80% of player engagement comes from 20% of the game content or features. As a technical game designer, understanding this principle helps prioritize core mechanics and optimize development efforts to enhance player experience efficiently.

What is a Technical Game Designer job?

A Technical Game Designer bridges the gap between design and engineering, using scripting or programming to implement gameplay mechanics, systems, and features. They collaborate with designers, artists, and programmers to prototype ideas, optimize workflows, and solve technical challenges. Their role often involves working with game engines, creating tools, and ensuring that designs are both fun and technically feasible. This position requires both creative problem-solving and technical skills to bring game concepts to life efficiently.

How much does a technical game designer make?

A technical game designer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in scripting, programming, or tools like Unreal Engine or Unity may earn higher compensation.

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

To thrive as a Technical Game Designer, you need a strong background in game design principles, scripting or programming (such as C#, C++, or visual scripting), and a solid understanding of game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, often supported by a degree in game design, computer science, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard tools for prototyping, version control systems (e.g., Git), and sometimes familiarity with middleware or content pipeline processes are typically required. Collaboration, creative problem-solving, and effective communication with interdisciplinary teams are crucial soft skills for this position. These abilities enable Technical Game Designers to effectively translate design concepts into playable experiences, ensure smooth cross-team workflows, and contribute to high-quality game development.

Is game design math heavy?

Game design, including for a technical game designer role, involves some math skills such as understanding probabilities, physics, and algorithms, but it is not solely focused on advanced mathematics. Creativity, problem-solving, and knowledge of game mechanics are equally important, and familiarity with tools like scripting languages can also be beneficial.

What does a game Technical Designer do?

A game Technical Designer bridges the gap between design and programming by implementing gameplay features, scripting interactions, and optimizing performance. They often work with game engines like Unity or Unreal and possess skills in scripting languages such as C# or C++. Their role ensures that design concepts are technically feasible and function correctly within the game environment.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Technical Game Designer?

A Technical Game Designer’s daily tasks often include prototyping new gameplay mechanics, creating or tweaking scripts to implement interactive elements, and working closely with both designers and engineers to refine features. They may also review and test game systems to ensure functionality and balance, as well as document their work for future iterations and team reference. Communication and collaboration with art, programming, and QA teams are regular parts of the workflow. This role offers a dynamic mix of creative design and technical problem-solving, making every day both challenging and rewarding.

More about Technical Game Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Technical Game Designer jobs? Cities with the most Technical Game Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Game Designer jobs? The most popular types of Technical Game Designer jobs are:
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Technical Game Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Technical Game 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 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,265 per year, or $38.6 per hour.
Game Designer, Technical (Contingent)

Game Designer, Technical (Contingent)

Naughty Dog

Santa Monica, CA

$174K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions.  Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this position.

This is a hybrid / onsite position.  

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5 . We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Part I is now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we're busy at the kennel working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PC and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us.

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together.

 What you will do:

  • Prototyping, implementing, and owning gameplay scenarios, narrative sequences, interactive objects, AI behaviors, and other mechanics and systems.
  • Communicating with animation, programming, and art departments to effectively produce the assets and code support required for the areas you're owning.
  • Collaborating closely with lead designers and directors to effectively act on feedback and quickly iterate.

 What skills will you use:

  • 2+ years of industry experience in Technical Design for games
  • Strong programming ability (Computer Science undergraduate degree
  • preferred)
  • Understanding of narrative principles and how to convey emotion through gameplay
  • Proficiency in 3D math
  • Fluent in C++, C#, Lua, or other text-based scripting language
  • Self-starter with excellent communication and teamwork skills

Bonus Skills

  • Experience developing third-person action games
  • Experience making improvements to tools and workflows
  • Experience with the following areas of design
    • Behavior Trees
    • Melee
    • Combat Systems
    • Enemy & boss design

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression, and gender reassignment), race (including color, nationality, ethnic, national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

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