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Weekend Game Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tabletop Game Designer

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$80 - $100/hr

The Game Designer will turn early-stage ideas into engaging, intuitive, and commercially viable games. This person will own concepts through iterative development--creating prototypes, testing ...

Contract Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $38/hr

The Game Designer plays a key role in the game and product development process from start to finish. In this role you'll be responsible for pitching original concepts, developing pitches from team ...

WI ยท On-site

$141K/yr

The Game Designer will turn early-stage ideas into engaging, intuitive, and commercially viable games. This person will own concepts through iterative development--creating prototypes, testing ...

Contract Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $38/hr

The Game Designer plays a key role in the game and product development process from start to finish. In this role you'll be responsible for pitching original concepts, developing pitches from team ...

Slot Game Designer - Remote

Las Vegas, NV ยท On-site +1

$148K/yr

Slot Game Designer Location: Las Vegas, NV, or Chicago, IL ( or fully-remote ) Your Mission in the Reel World: As a Slot Game Designer, you'll be the captain of your own gaming ship, navigating ...

Slot Game Designer - Remote

Austin, TX ยท On-site +1

$151K/yr

Slot Game Designer Location: Las Vegas, NV, or Chicago, IL ( or fully-remote ) Your Mission in the Reel World: As a Slot Game Designer, you'll be the captain of your own gaming ship, navigating ...

Tabletop Game Designer

Fort Worth, TX ยท On-site

$148K/yr

The Game Designer will turn early-stage ideas into engaging, intuitive, and commercially viable games. This person will own concepts through iterative development--creating prototypes, testing ...

Tabletop Game Designer

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$176K/yr

The Game Designer will turn early-stage ideas into engaging, intuitive, and commercially viable games. This person will own concepts through iterative development-creating prototypes, testing ...

Slot Game Designer - Remote

Reno, NV ยท On-site +1

$154K/yr

Slot Game Designer Location: Las Vegas, NV, or Chicago, IL ( or fully-remote ) Your Mission in the Reel World: As a Slot Game Designer, you'll be the captain of your own gaming ship, navigating ...

Tabletop Game Designer

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$176K/yr

The Game Designer will turn early-stage ideas into engaging, intuitive, and commercially viable games. This person will own concepts through iterative development--creating prototypes, testing ...

Tabletop Game Designer

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

$153K/yr

The Game Designer will turn early-stage ideas into engaging, intuitive, and commercially viable games. This person will own concepts through iterative development-creating prototypes, testing ...

Contract Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $38/hr

The Game Designer plays a key role in the game and product development process from start to finish. In this role you'll be responsible for pitching original concepts, developing pitches from team ...

Tabletop Game Designer

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

$153K/yr

The Game Designer will turn early-stage ideas into engaging, intuitive, and commercially viable games. This person will own concepts through iterative development--creating prototypes, testing ...

Slot Game Designer - Remote

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site +1

$152K/yr

Slot Game Designer Location: Las Vegas, NV, or Chicago, IL ( or fully-remote ) Your Mission in the Reel World: As a Slot Game Designer, you'll be the captain of your own gaming ship, navigating ...

As a Senior Game Designer, you'll own complex areas of the game, exercise strong creative judgment, and help guide features from initial vision through polished player-facing experiences. In this ...

Game Designer - TCG

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$176K/yr

Who We're Looking For We're seeking a Game Designer to contribute meaningfully to the design of Fanatics trading card game franchises. You'll work within the game design group on systems, mechanics ...

The Lead Designer should have excellent game design ability in both single and multiplayer and be a proven leader. Finally, the perfect candidate will be a designer that doesn't accept the status quo ...

Showing results 21-40

Weekend Game Designer information

See salary details

$47K

$156K

How much do weekend game designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for weekend game designer in the United States is $149,118.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $155,000.00 and $155,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Weekend Game Designer jobs?

Cities with the most Weekend Game Designer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Designer jobs?

The most popular types of Game Designer jobs are:

What states have the most Weekend Game Designer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Weekend Game Designer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Weekend Game Designer jobs?

For Weekend Game Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Weekend Game Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,118 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

Tabletop Game Designer

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

Goliath
11 - 50 employees

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 2 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Goliath is an international manufacturer and distributor of toys and games, operating in 15 countries and reaching over 100 countries worldwide. At the heart of our business is a belief in great products and the magic of innovation. Our mission is to bring fun to every household, which we achieve through teamwork and clever collaboration.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly creative, resourceful, and organized Game Designer to invent and develop innovative tabletop games across a wide range of categories, including preschool, kids, family, party, crime and mystery, light strategy, and licensed games.

The Game Designer will turn early-stage ideas into engaging, intuitive, and commercially viable games. This person will own concepts through iterative developmentโ€”creating prototypes, testing gameplay, refining mechanics, writing rules, and collaborating with internal teams and external creative partners.

The ideal candidate combines imaginative thinking with disciplined execution. They can take a loose idea and transform it into a compelling game experience with minimal supervision, while working quickly, managing multiple projects, and responding to changing priorities and stakeholder feedback.

Key Responsibilities
  • Invent and develop original games across multiple categories using ideas from internal teams, inventors, licensors, external partners, consumer insights, and emerging trends.
  • Turn early-stage ideas into engaging, accessible, and commercially viable prototypes.
  • Manage multiple projects from concept through weekly iteration, documentation, final development, and production handoff.
  • Plan and facilitate playtesting with internal teams and target consumers, translating feedback and observed behavior into actionable improvements.
  • Write clear, engaging, audience-appropriate instructions and develop instruction-manual layouts informed by consumer testing.
  • Present concepts, prototypes, playtest findings, and recommendations; incorporate stakeholder feedback while protecting the integrity of the game experience.
  • Develop gameplay talking points and confidently demonstrate games for internal teams, licensors, and other partners.
  • Plan and lead structured team brainstorms, providing creative direction and documentation to move the strongest ideas into development.
  • Research social, cultural, entertainment, toy, and gaming trends; evaluate current, historical, and competitive games to identify innovations and market opportunities.
  • Attend trade shows, conventions, inventor events, and industry gatherings to find inspiration, research products, and identify potential inventors and partners.
  • Maintain a strong working knowledge of current and historical board games, gameplay mechanics, formats, materials, components, and construction innovations.
Professional experience in board game development, game design, product development, toy development, or a closely related creative field.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop a game from an early-stage idea through prototyping, playtesting, iteration, and final documentation.
  • Strong understanding of gameplay mechanics, player psychology, pacing, balance, accessibility, and age-appropriate design.
  • Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to explain gameplay clearly and concisely.
  • Experience planning, conducting, and documenting structured playtests.
  • Ability to turn qualitative consumer observations into specific, actionable improvements.
  • Excellent organizational and project-management abilities, including the capacity to manage several projects with shifting timelines and priorities.
  • Ability to work autonomously, exercise sound judgment, and move projects forward with minimal supervision.
  • Comfortable giving, receiving, evaluating, and incorporating constructive feedback.
  • A portfolio of published games, prototypes, instructions, or other relevant game-development work.
  • 401(k) with company matching
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance to keep you covered
  • Life insurance
  • Flexible spending and health savings accounts to manage your healthcare costs
  • Paid time off to recharge when you need it
  • Join a fun, dynamic and creative industryโ€”working with toys and games brings its own rewards
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