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Weekend Game Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Game Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $150K/hr

Position Summary We are looking for an enthusiastic Game Designer based at our Chicago studio. You will create compelling prize-first 'slot-like' concepts working with all game-design disciplines to ...

Senior Game Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $150K/hr

Position Summary We are looking for an enthusiastic Game Designer based at our Chicago studio. You will create compelling prize-first 'slot-like' concepts working with all game-design disciplines to ...

Senior Game Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $150K/hr

Position Summary We are looking for an enthusiastic Game Designer based at our Chicago studio. You will create compelling prize-first 'slot-like' concepts working with all game-design disciplines to ...

Game Tech

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $22.32/hr

Must be available on weekends * To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to ... designed to support the well-being, growth, and long-term success of our team members. We offer ...

Game Tech

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $22.32/hr

Must be available on weekends * To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to ... designed to support the well-being, growth, and long-term success of our team members. We offer ...

Designer, Combat

Chicago, IL · On-site

$47K - $88K/yr

Games family. With over 20 years of creation under our belts, NetherRealm's mission remains the ... The Job The Combat Designer will be responsible for significant contributions to game design, with ...

Games family. With over 20 years of creation under our belts, NetherRealm's mission remains the ... The Job The Combat Designer will be responsible for significant contributions to game design, with ...

Scorekeeper

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Availability for evenings and weekends - game nights are non-negotiable * Ability to remain off personal devices for the full duration of your shift * Must operate as a self-employed individual and ...

Games family. With over 20 years of creation under our belts, NetherRealm's mission remains the ... Alongside Lead and fellow Designers, the Senior Combat Designer is expected to implement and ...

Senior 3D Designer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$70 - $77/hr

Senior 3D Designer, Remote. Start date is ASAP for this 2-month contract position. Job Title ... Background spanning multiple industries, such as consumer electronics, gaming, fashion, or Client ...

We are looking for an outstanding Principal Experience Designer with deep knowledge of mobile game development, particularly prototyping. Our team is a nimble group of self-motivated, extremely ...

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Showing results 1-20

Weekend Game Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.4K

$160.7K

How much do weekend game designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for weekend game designer in Chicago, IL is $153,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $159,700.00 and $159,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a weekend game designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Weekend Game Designer, you need a solid understanding of game design principles, creativity, and familiarity with platforms such as Unity or Unreal Engine, often backed by a relevant degree or portfolio. Proficiency in digital art tools, scripting languages, and version control systems like Git is typically required. Strong communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate efficiently and deliver engaging gameplay within tight timelines. These skills and qualities are essential for producing high-quality, innovative games while effectively balancing part-time work commitments.

How does working as a weekend game designer typically differ from a full-time game design position in terms of responsibilities and collaboration?

Weekend Game Designers often focus on specific tasks or projects that can be completed within a shorter timeframe, such as level design, prototyping, or balancing gameplay elements. Collaboration usually happens through digital platforms, with regular updates and feedback sessions scheduled to maximize efficiency during limited weekend hours. While you may not be involved in every stage of development like a full-time designer, you'll still work closely with artists, programmers, and other designers to ensure your contributions fit seamlessly into the overall game. This role is ideal for those seeking industry experience or looking to supplement their skills while managing other commitments.

What is a weekend game designer?

Weekend Game Designers are professionals or hobbyists who primarily work on designing video games during the weekends, often as a side project or freelance role. They focus on creating game concepts, mechanics, levels, and storylines in their limited available time, collaborating remotely or independently. This role is ideal for individuals who have a passion for game design but hold other commitments during the week, such as full-time jobs or studies. Weekend Game Designers often contribute to indie projects, game jams, or personal portfolios.

What is the difference between Weekend Game Designer vs Part-Time Game Designer?

AspectWeekend Game DesignerPart-Time Game Designer
Work SchedulePrimarily works on weekends, limited hoursFlexible hours, may include weekdays or weekends
CredentialsTypically requires a portfolio, relevant game design experienceSimilar credentials, often with formal education or portfolio
Work EnvironmentOften freelance or contract, remote or studio-basedSimilar, varies by employer
Industry UsageCommon in indie or freelance projectsUsed across studios and freelance roles

Both roles involve game design skills and similar credentials, but Weekend Game Designers focus on weekend hours, often in freelance or indie settings, while Part-Time Game Designers have flexible schedules that may include weekdays. The choice depends on your availability and career goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Designer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Game Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Weekend Game Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,613 per year, or $73.9 per hour.

$90 - $150K/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description

Join the Fun at Arrow International!

Arrow International is the world's #1 maker of charitable gaming products, from pull tabs and bingo paper to cutting-edge electronic gaming systems. Our products power entertainment in social and gaming venues around the globe, and we're growing fast!


We're building a winning culture that's all about teamwork, passion, and innovation. At Arrow, you're not just another employee, you're part of a high-performing team that's redefining fun and giving back to communities. We believe in rewarding your hard work with profit-sharing, 401(k) matching, great benefits, and paid time off, including a bonus week every July!


If you're looking for a career that's exciting, meaningful, and full of opportunity, Arrow is the place to be. 


Position Summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic Game Designer based at our Chicago studio. You will create compelling prize-first 'slot-like' concepts working with all game-design disciplines to develop your concept to a finished product including math, programming, audio, production, and visual arts. Utilizing exceptional communication skills and your wealth of experience, you will craft exceptional gaming experiences to deliver premier gaming content for Arrow markets.


Salary range commensurate with experience. This role provides competitive benefits including an annual performance bonus, profit sharing program, and a 401K with company match. 


The Targeted Pay Range for this role is $90 - $150,000.


Primary Roles and Responsibilities

  • Design compelling 'slot-style' games from concept to completion.
  • Provide game-design expertise working with the team to clearly define all aspects of the game that impact the end-user, including math, game play, interface, animation, sound, art style.
  • Work within project schedules and milestones.
  • Set goals and shepherd team to success.
  • Promote teamwork in an environment where individuals are spread out across the United States.
  • Work with the Producer to identify roadblocks, project risks and proactively find solutions.
  • Conduct strategic market and data analysis for competitive game design.


Skills, Interests and Qualities

  • Able to work with team to align priorities and drive towards solutions, a true team player
  • Passion to create fun games with an engaging player experience.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Motivate and provide support to the game team, always contributing to a positive work environment.
  • Understanding of game math and probability principles.
  • Understanding of player psychology, slot game mechanics, gambling principles 

Requirements

Experience and Education

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of slot game design experience including casino, online, and/or social
  • Strong familiarity with successful game-development processes and pipelines
  • Experience of development tools. (Jira and Confluence/Excel, etc.)
  • Experience with best-in-class game development in any capacity (art, design, math, development, production, etc.)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • The noise level in the work environment is low.
  • May be required to sit for long and/or extended periods of time.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At Arrow International, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We believe that embracing our differences makes us stronger, more innovative, and better positioned to serve our communities. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Arrow International is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, train, and promote individuals in all job titles without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, results of genetic testing,

veteran status, or physical or mental disability-except where such disability prevents performance of essential job functions and cannot be reasonably accommodated in accordance with applicable laws.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Arrow International is committed to complying with the spirit and requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, participate in the interview process, undergo any pre-employment testing, or otherwise take part in the employee selection process, please contact us at hr@arrowinternational.com.


Arrow International does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies. Resumes submitted without an approved vendor agreement will become the property of Arrow International, and no fees will be paid if the candidate is hired.  


To ensure a safe and productive work environment, all candidates who receive a conditional job offer must successfully pass a confidential pre-employment drug screening, which generally consists of a hair drug test, and receive an acceptable result as a condition of employment.