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Video Game Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Exploding Kittens

Contract Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

An understanding of fundamental game design principles and player motivations * Experience writing and editing game rules and "how to play" video scripts * A basic understanding of graphic design, UX ...

Ten4

Front-end Developer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$127K - $148K/yr

Ten4 works with some of the best ad agencies, start-ups, production studios, and video game shops. * Work closely with UX Design and Game Design teams to define web features * Write and test ...

Ten4

Front-end Developer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$127K - $148K/yr

Ten4 works with some of the best ad agencies, start-ups, production studios, and video game shops. * Work closely with UX Design and Game Design teams to define web features * Write and test ...

Lightspeed Studios

Senior Mission Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$93.10 - $216.70/hr

Bachelor's degree in game design, computer science, or a related field (preferred). * A strong passion for video games and knowledge of the gaming industry. * Proven experience in mission design or ...

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All JobsVideo Game Design JobsVideo Game Design Jobs in California

Video Game Design information

See California salary details

$12

$18

$22

How much do video game design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for video game design in California is $18.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is video game design?

Video game design is the process of creating the content and rules of a video game, including its story, characters, gameplay mechanics, and environment. Game designers work closely with artists, programmers, and other team members to bring their vision to life. They are responsible for shaping the player’s experience, balancing challenges, and ensuring the game is engaging and fun. This role often involves prototyping ideas, playtesting, and iterating on feedback to improve the game before release.

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

To thrive as a Video Game Designer, you need a solid understanding of game mechanics, storytelling, and user experience, often backed by a degree in game design, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and graphic design software, along with knowledge of scripting languages, is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and strong communication are vital soft skills for turning ideas into engaging, playable experiences within a team environment. These skills and qualities are essential for developing innovative games that captivate players and succeed in a competitive market.

What are some common challenges faced by video game designers when working on collaborative projects?

Video game designers often work in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with artists, programmers, and sound engineers. A common challenge is effectively communicating design ideas and ensuring that everyone understands the game vision, especially as features evolve. Balancing creative input from various team members while adhering to deadlines and technical constraints can also be demanding. Successful designers develop strong communication and problem-solving skills to navigate these dynamics and keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Video Game Design vs Video Game Programming?

AspectVideo Game DesignVideo Game Programming
Primary RoleCreating game concepts, storylines, and gameplay mechanicsWriting code to implement game features and functionalities
Required SkillsCreativity, storytelling, understanding of game mechanicsProgramming languages, software development, problem-solving
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, collaborative teams, creative settingsDevelopment teams, technical environments, coding labs
Common CertificationsGame design degrees, portfolios, UX/UI knowledgeComputer science degrees, coding certifications, software proficiency

Video Game Design focuses on conceptualizing and designing the game's overall experience, while Video Game Programming involves coding and implementing those designs into a playable product. Both roles are essential in game development but require different skill sets and focus areas.

How do you get a job as a video game designer?

To become a video game designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in game design, computer science, or a related field, along with strong skills in programming, storytelling, and graphic design. Building a portfolio of game projects and gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles can improve job prospects. Familiarity with game development tools like Unity or Unreal Engine is also beneficial.

Is video game design a good career?

Video game design is a viable career that involves creating game concepts, mechanics, and visuals, often requiring skills in programming, art, and storytelling. The industry offers opportunities in entertainment, education, and simulation, with roles typically requiring a portfolio and knowledge of design tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. Job stability and salary vary based on experience, location, and company size.

What jobs are there in video game design?

In video game design, common roles include game designer, level designer, character designer, and UI/UX designer. Other positions include game programmer, animator, sound designer, and quality assurance tester, each requiring specific skills and tools like game engines and design software.

What are the most commonly searched types of Video Game Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of Video Game Design jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Video Game Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most Video Game Design job openings:

Video Game Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Video Game Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,094 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Game Mechanics Designer

RTL2 Fernsehen GmbH & Co. KG

Foster City, CA • On-site

$70 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Matrix is an early-stage (5 employees; pre-product; recently raised $3M from Galaxy, Samsung, Sam Altman, Dapper Labs, etc.) startup. Our first product gamifies fan engagement for creators and other digital brands. In the future, we’ll explore ownership, how creators can fully own their brand, and how fans can own the brands they consume. Matrix becomes a game in and of itself. We want our users to enjoy using Matrix just as much as League of Legends, Fortnite, or any other game. You must have deep experience with designing game mechanics, for video games or otherwise. You should understand key mechanic frameworks and how to apply it to something outside the realm of traditional gaming.

You are:
  • Interested in the creator/digital economy and building out new entertainment systems
  • Excited about crypto, the possibilities of decentralization, and the future of ownership
  • Happy to work in uncertainty and ambiguity while making decisions
  • Able to move and ship quickly, while iterating on prior products
  • Able to wear many hats and are very flexible. We are a small company, and need people to extend beyond their immediate job
  • Ideally a gamer and passionate about video games
You will:
  • Work closely with lead team to make our core product feel like a video game
  • Work on the gamification of our app and seek to turn the boring fun
  • Communicate game mechanics to designers to get them built out in our app
Qualifications:
  • Deep experience with game design
  • Ideally experience with designing quest-based systems and/or game economies
  • Familiarity with common video game language and paradigms, particularly those from free-to-play mobile games (e.g. "battle pass", "gacha")
  • Ideally US based, but we can potentially work remotely from anywhere
Benefits:
  • Healthcare insurance/stipend
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • Gym stipend
  • Equipment stipend
  • Stock options
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