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Video Game Design Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

2K

Game Designer

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$78K - $116K/yr

Cat Daddy Games is more than just a mobile video game company; we are a passionate and close-knit ... Design new gameplay experiences including time-limited events, alternative game modes, and mini ...

2K

Game Designer

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$78K - $116K/yr

Cat Daddy Games is more than just a mobile video game company; we are a passionate and close-knit ... Design new gameplay experiences including time-limited events, alternative game modes, and mini ...

DigiPen

Adjunct Faculty - Music (Evergreen)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$1.0K - $9.0K/mo

Our faculty brings expertise in a wide range of instruments and performance styles, as well as professional experience in the studio, doing sound design and composing for video games and films.

DigiPen

Adjunct Professor in Computer Science

Redmond, WA · On-site

$6.0K - $12K/mo

DigiPen Institute of Technology has been ranked one of the top 5 game design schools in the country ... Experience as a contributor in video game industry, computer science or related fields Desired ...

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All JobsVideo Game Design JobsVideo Game Design Jobs in Seattle, WA

Video Game Design information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$14

$21

$26

How much do video game design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for video game design in Seattle, WA is $21.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.13 and $22.98 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Video Game Design jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Video Game Design jobs in Seattle, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Video Game Design jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Video Game Design jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Video Game Design jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Video Game Design job openings:

Video Game Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Video Game Design job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,927 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Principal Game Designer, D&D Universes Beyond

Hasbro

Renton, WA • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Hasbro rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Principal Game Designer - D&D Universes Beyond will help define the next generation of Dungeons & Dragons play, creating expressions that welcome players into the hobby while honoring what makes D&D iconic. This position involves developing product vision from early possibility into authentic, accessible, and unmistakably D&D experiences, all while leading and mentoring a team of game designers.

This is a hybrid role requiring three days a week in our Renton, WA office. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Shape the design vision for new play experiences, product formats, and audience opportunities with senior leadership.
  • Explore how D&D core principles can adapt to different worlds, genres, play styles, and form factors while preserving the heart of the game.
  • Establish game design practices and standards, helping teams move from ambiguity to focused creative direction.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure each experience captures the spirit of its world, serves its audience, and delivers on the creative vision.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of game designers, setting a high bar for craft, collaboration, and player-centered thinking.
  • Step into hands-on design development, leading critical initiatives and helping teams find clarity, momentum, and creative solutions.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING:
  • 8+ years of experience in game design, product innovation, or related roles with proven ownership of game design direction across long-form print products.
  • Strong understanding of D&D and RPG game systems and how mechanics, content, progression, narrative, social dynamics, and player choices shape engagement.
  • Integrates audience research, segmentation, playtesting, and market insights to shape design direction.
  • Experience working with partners, creative collaborators, or licensed properties, adapting narrative and mechanics to fit established worlds, brands, and approval needs.
  • Strong communication and storytelling skills when aligning leadership, partners, and cross-functional teams around creative concepts, recommendations, tradeoffs, and design rationale.
  • People management experience, including mentoring designers, giving feedback, supporting career growth, and building healthy team practices.
Nice to Have:
  • Broad familiarity across the gaming category including tabletop games, roleplaying games, board games, video games, etc.
  • A love of pop culture.

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