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Weekend Game Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Slot Game Designer - Remote

Las Vegas, NV · 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 ...

Contract Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA · 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

Reno, NV · 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 ...

Contract Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA · 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

Austin, TX · 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 ...

Slot Game Designer - Remote

Atlanta, GA · 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 ...

AR Game Designer -- Mobile & WebAR

Miami, FL · Remote

$158K/yr

We are looking for an AR Game Designer to own the gameplay design and help turn the creative concept into simple, compelling, highly repeatable interactions. What You'll Do * Define the core gameplay ...

Game Designer - TCG

Seattle, WA

$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 ...

$162K/yr

Game Designer (Puzzle) About us: Deep expertise. Personal and Industry evolution. Impeccable craft. These are Limit Break's founding principles. Limit Break is founded by global industry leaders in ...

Game Designer, Amazon Game Studios

Culver City, CA · On-site

$169K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Amazon Game Studios is looking for a Game Designer - we build exciting new casual and innovative games using Amazon's GameNight phone controller experience as well as traditional controllers. Working ...

We're looking for a Senior Game Designer to play a leadership role on the project. We are a remote-first studio headquartered in San Francisco, California. Core Responsibilities: * Creative direction:

Principal Game Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$123 - $182/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Zynga is looking for an experienced Principal Systems Designer to work on one of our new mobile games. This role leads and participates in direct design and creative input on content and system ...

Part Time Unreal Game Designer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$152K/yr

  • Retirement

Pinnacle Solutions is looking for a passionate and motivated Game Designer to join our virtual development team on a part-time basis. The ideal candidate has a foundational understanding of game ...

Game Designer - TCG

Seattle, WA · On-site

$98K - $123K/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 ...

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 Aug 18, 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:

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.

Contract Game Designer

Exploding Kittens

Los Angeles, CA

$30 - $38/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

This is a contract position for the role of Game Designer, anticipated to run for approximately three months with the possibility of extension based on business needs. 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 members and external inventors, and researching ongoing industry trends.

The ideal candidate will have a deep love for mass market party games, both as a designer and a player. We want team members with strong perspectives, collaborative mindsets, and clear communication skills. You'll be expected to support multiple projects simultaneously, with opportunities to learn from experienced designers and support up-and-coming talent.

If you're someone who thinks about games constantly (in a good way), obsesses over what makes people laugh, connect, and come back for more, and loves turning great ideas into unforgettable experiences, you'll fit right in.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Design and develop several projects, responding to feedback from key stakeholders to craft gameplay that is fun, marketable, and innovative

  • Pitch original game ideas, researching and developing concepts on your own and with other designers

  • Provide feedback for and develop pitches from external inventors

  • Facilitate or participate in in-person and remote playtesting sessions

  • Write instructions & "How to Play" video scripts with accessibility and clarity in mind

  • Partner with internal stakeholders to support development/publication, collaborating cross-functionally with Creative Operations, Production & Sourcing

WHAT WE NEED
  • 3+ years of tabletop game design/development experience

  • A love for, and strong knowledge of, successful mass market retail party games

  • 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 principles, and tools including Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop

  • A basic understanding of organization/presentation tools, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides

  • Based in Los Angeles, CA, with the ability to work a hybrid schedule in our office Tuesday through Thursday
This salary represents a range for the position and will ultimately depend on the individual's qualifications and years of experience, location, and is subject to change.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer we are committed to complying with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunity to applicants and employees regardless of sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), race (including protected hairstyles such as dreadlocks, braids and twists), religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, gender (including gender identity and gender expression and/or the fact that an individual is transgender, transitioning or transitioned), color, ancestry, national origin, possession of a driver’s license, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information/trait/condition, marital or familial status, family care or medical leave status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, membership in military reserves, political affiliation, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation  We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local, state and federal “ban the box” and “fair chance” laws. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.