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

Actalent

Designer

Crown Point, IN · Hybrid

$36.06 - $57.69/hr

Designer Develop 2D drawings and 3D models for utility piping systems, specifically in natural gas ... The office includes a simulator and a video game room for breaks. Job Type & Location This is a ...

Bally's Corporation

Table Games Shift Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35.70 - $53.61/hr

Must have knowledge of all casino game rules * Must have knowledge of all applicable gaming ... Must be able to work weekends, weeknights, and holidays What's in it for you: * Competitive Salary ...

Omnicom

Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

RAPP is seeking a Designer who brings a passion for detail, conceptual thinking, and exceptional hands-on design skills. In this role, you will work across diverse media, translating ideas into ...

Revenue Chicago LLC

Designer

Chicago, IL

$10K - $20K/yr

The designer will be designing brands, logos, crafting beautiful social media posts, one-pagers that catch your eye, and anything else we (or you) dream up. Looking for a reliable and professional ...

SGS & Co

Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Designer will contribute towards creative thinking from project initiation through completion of final product. An eternal learner - they are excited to put strategic insight and design systems ...

sgsco

Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Designer will contribute towards creative thinking from project initiation through completion of final product. An eternal learner - they are excited to put strategic insight and design systems ...

Marks, an sgsco company

Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Designer will contribute towards creative thinking from project initiation through completion of final product. An eternal learner - they are excited to put strategic insight and design systems ...

Schawk USA LLC

Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Designer will contribute towards creative thinking from project initiation through completion of final product. An eternal learner - they are excited to put strategic insight and design systems ...

sgsco

Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Designer will contribute towards creative thinking from project initiation through completion of final product. An eternal learner - they are excited to put strategic insight and design systems ...

Kehoe Designs Inc

Senior Event Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$105K - $112K/yr

Flexible scheduling with occasional evening or weekend event support. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Kehoe Designs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and ...

Actalent

Bim Designer

Addison, IL · Hybrid

BIM Designer The BIM Designer will lead BIM modeling, design, and drafting activities with a primary focus on Revit, supporting complex healthcare and data center projects. This role coordinates and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsGame Designer JobsWeekend Game Designer JobsWeekend Game Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 18, 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 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 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 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:

Weekend Game Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weekend Game Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 28% 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.

Senior Designer of Collectables, Consumer Gifts & Toys

tms

Chicago, IL • On-site

$105K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

ABOUT US
tms unites technology, marketing, and sourcing to drive transformational change for the world's leading brands. With more than 1,400 employees across 28 countries., we offer an impressive range of solutions - from inspiration and innovation to category management and delivery.
Operating as a creative agency, a strategic consultancy, a sourcing business, and a technology provider, we engage with over 110 million customers every single day for our clients, including McDonald's, T-Mobile, O2, Starbucks, and adidas.
Most importantly, we're a place where you can achieve great things, and be recognized as the best.
WHAT MATTERS THE MOST
Breakthrough, business-driving ideas come from extraordinary people with the freedom to be their most authentic selves at work. Authenticity and diversity are critical elements of our business. They can only be realized when we create access and equity for all. We foster a culture of inclusion and belonging and aspire to be ever-evolving.
tms is a place where brilliant people are better together. If you want your ideas to be heard and to contribute to a culture of inclusion and authenticity, bring us your voice! Visit us at tmsw.com.
WHY WE THINK YOU WILL LOVE THIS ROLE
Product Designer will sit within our Global Product Design team.
Love toys? Great. Love collecting? Even greater! This is not just a toy design role.
We're looking for a creative product designer/developer with a strong fandom for collectibles, gaming, lifestyle and fashion products at their core. An interest in how sport, music and entertainment influences culture would also be a welcomed. Someone who understands that modern collectability, play and brand engagement live far beyond just the toy and games aisle.
In our quest, we'd love to meet designers who are culturally fluent and visually confident; people inspired as much by fashion drops, sneaker culture, sport, music, gaming and streetwear merch as by blind box collectibles and kidult toys. You will help shape product-led ideas and experiences that resonate with older kids, teens, Gen-Z and kidult audiences, while remaining grounded in manufacturable, scalable reality for mass market promotions.
You will support and influence the Global Family Business Unit, across the end-to-end process, from early ideation through development and production, with a particular emphasis on bringing product concepts to life, visual storytelling and sell-in thinking. This role requires a strong creative mind and a real passion for bringing concepts to life as collectibles that will be coveted and cherished by the consumer.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ORGANIZATION
Concept, Ideation and Culture
  • Generate fast, original physical products, collectibles and experience concepts in response to campaign strategy briefs, dovetailing thinking with cultural moments, trends, brand, consumer and market insights
  • Bring play, lifestyle, fashion, entertainment, sport and kidult insights into creative sprints, ideation and innovation sessions
  • Help identify global and local market trends and translate them into relevant product opportunities
  • Immerse yourself in the world of retail brands, licensing and IP to support internal teams and client understanding

Design, Visualisation & Storytelling
  • Communicate ideas clearly through appropriate mixed-media tools: mood boards, sketches, digital visuals, proof-of-concept renders and physical prototypes
  • Create visually engaging presentations and concept boards that bring ideas to life
  • Write clear, compelling copy that explains design thinking rationalise and strategic intent
  • Develop creative concepts into compelling, high perceived-value products
  • Balance creativity with real-world commercial checks, including, cost, manufacturing, safety and sustainability

Collaboration and Development
  • Solve complex design and engineering challenges with cross-functional teams
  • Produce red-line draw-overs, 3D prints and prototype/sketch models to communicate solutions effectively
  • Work alongside peers across, brand partnerships, account, strategy, creative, digital, engineering, delivery and supply chain teams
  • Support senior stakeholder on large scale programs while confidently leading smaller workstreams end-to-end

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO HAVE
  • Bachelor's degree in Toy Design, Product Design, Industrial Design or another relevant creative discipline, or equivalent professional experience
  • 3+ years of agency or in-house product/industrial design experience within toys/games, lifestyle/fashion, sport, entertainment or adjacent categories
  • Knowledge of global retail brands, licenses, and studios in the consumer product, toy, games, and entertainment categories
  • Strong presenter and storyteller, with the ability to deliver concise and engaging presentations using various media - communication is key
  • A strong portfolio demonstrating depth and range in concept thinking, cultural awareness, visual storytelling
  • Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat)
  • Familiar with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Sharepoint)
  • Agile, hands-on design thinking and problem solving
  • Foundational knowledge of 3D modelling, printing, and rendering software (e.g., Fusion 360, Blender, ZBrush, SolidWorks, Freeform, Keyshot, or similar) and experience in character sculpting
  • Foundational understanding of basic injection molding processes and designing around value engineering and product safety parameters
  • A strong grasp of color theory, an eye for detail, and experience in driving appeal and perceived value

Any of the following would be a plus
  • A fan with passion in kidult culture, knowledge of Gen-Z audiences and the toys, collectibles, and lifestyle consumer products that appeal to them
  • A true fan of collectibles, toys, and pop-culture
  • Understanding of play patterns, and safety standards (EN71/ASTM).
  • Curiosity about how consumers engage with both mainstream brands and emerging IP
  • Comfortable and confident working in a fast-moving, hybrid and cross-functional environment

Starting salary between $75,000-$80,000
TOTAL REWARDS
Our total rewards philosophy integrates programs for compensation, benefits, recognition, learning and development, corporate culture, corporate citizenship and work-life balance. While individual program components may differ by country, some things remain constant:
  • Our commitment to rewarding results
  • Opportunities to work with talented and driven individuals at every level of our company who respect each other, treat each other fairly and hold one another accountable for our customers'-and our company's-success

There's more ...
Generous medical, dental, vision and other great benefits
Paid parental and medical leave programs
401(k) with a company match component and profit sharing
15 days of paid time off plus company holidays
Hybrid work model
Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment assistance
Inclusive employee resource groups
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
We are an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
RECRUITING AGENCIES
tms does not accept agency resumes submitted by third-party vendors unless a valid agreement has been signed and the tms Talent Acquisition Team has granted authorization for submissions for a specified position. Please do not submit or forward resumes to our site, tms employees, or any other company location. tms is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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