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

Progressive Gaming

Software Eng (Dev) IV

Chicago, IL · Remote

$90K - $110K/yr

Strong understanding of Object Oriented Programming, FP, Components and Design Patterns for Games and Web Applications * Portfolio of published games * Proficiency in JavaScript or any FP language

Lnw

Senior Advanced Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$150K - $172K/yr

Gaming: Welcome to the world of land-based gaming. At Light & Wonder, it's all about the games, and ... Job Summary As a Senior Advanced Software Engineer at Light & Wonder, you will be a key contributor ...

Hudson River Trading

Fullstack Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Fullstack Developers at HRT work either on our platform team (i.e. you work on infrastructure ... At HRT we're friends and colleagues - whether we are sharing a meal, playing the latest board game ...

Experis

CT Visualization SW Engineer

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$50 - $65/hr

As a CT Visualization SW Engineer, you will be an integral part of the software development department supporting the medical imaging and visualization team. The ideal candidate will demonstrate ...

Rivers Casino

Engineer I (Upholstery)

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$22/hr

... gaming or hospitality * Must have a current valid driver's license * Driving record must meet ... Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Frequent walking ...

IGT

Software Eng (Dev) IV

Chicago, IL · Remote

$90K - $110K/yr

Strong understanding of Object Oriented Programming, FP, Components and Design Patterns for Games and Web Applications * Portfolio of published games * Proficiency in JavaScript or any FP language

Bally's Corporation

Feature Editor

Chicago, IL

... games, original programming, and daily live studio programming. STADIUM hosts a 24/7 linear feed ... Must be willing to work weekends, nights and some holidays (schedule built around live sports ...

Sath

Software Developer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

... Developers in our Client Services team in Schaumburg, IL. This role will work with team members ... Job Requirements: * On-call evenings and weekends twice a month. * Bachelor's degree in Computer ...

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All JobsWeekend Game Developer JobsWeekend Game Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Weekend Game Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33.5K

$111.7K

$185.4K

How much do weekend game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for weekend game developer in Chicago, IL is $111,741.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $127,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do AAA game devs make?

AAA game developers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and role. Senior developers and leads can earn significantly more, often exceeding $150,000, especially in major studios or with specialized skills in graphics, programming, or design.

Will game dev be replaced by AI?

Game development is increasingly supported by AI tools that assist with tasks like asset creation, coding, and testing, but human creativity, storytelling, and design remain essential. AI can automate repetitive tasks, allowing developers to focus on complex aspects, but it is unlikely to fully replace game developers in the near future. Skills in programming, design, and understanding player experience are still critical for success in the field.

Is 30 too old to start game development?

Starting a career as a weekend game developer at age 30 is feasible, as the industry values skills, creativity, and experience over age. Many successful developers begin later in life, often bringing valuable perspectives and prior technical or artistic skills that can contribute to game development projects.

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

AspectWeekend Game DeveloperPart-Time Game Developer
Work SchedulePrimarily works on weekends, limited hoursWorks fewer hours during weekdays or weekends, flexible schedule
CredentialsTypically requires game development skills, portfolio, possibly certificationsSimilar credentials, often with experience or certifications in game design
Work EnvironmentOften freelance or remote, project-basedRemote or part-time employment within a company or freelance
Industry UsageCommon in indie and freelance circlesUsed across studios and freelance roles

Both roles involve game development skills and flexible schedules, but Weekend Game Developers usually focus on weekend hours for personal projects or freelance work, while Part-Time Game Developers have a more flexible schedule with fewer hours during weekdays or weekends, often working within a company or as freelancers.

What is the 80 20 rule in game development?

In game development, the 80 20 rule suggests that roughly 80% of the results come from 20% of the efforts, meaning developers should focus on the most impactful features or tasks to maximize productivity. This principle helps prioritize work, especially when managing tight schedules or limited resources as a weekend game developer.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Weekend Game Developer jobs near you
Senior Advanced Software Engineer

Senior Advanced Software Engineer

Light and Wonder, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$150K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Light & Wonder rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 15 rated gambling companies

Job description

Gaming:
Welcome to the world of land-based gaming. At Light & Wonder, it's all about the games, and our Gaming team builds cutting-edge technology, products, and content for the most iconic casinos and operators across the globe.
Position Summary
The Mission
Drive innovation and quality in slot game development through expert-level software engineering.
Job Summary
As a Senior Advanced Software Engineer at Light & Wonder, you will be a key contributor within a collaborative, global engineering team focused on delivering robust, innovative technology solutions. These solutions support both internal systems and customer-facing products. In this role, you will be responsible for the testing, integration, and validation of software applications, ensuring they meet functional, technical, and regulatory standards.
Outcomes
  • Deliver robust and scalable slot game software.
  • Lead technical initiatives and mentor junior engineers.
  • Ensure compliance with platform standards.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes.

Essential Job Functions
  • Design, develop, test, and maintain slot game software.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and implement features.
  • Ensure software quality through code reviews and testing.
  • Provide technical guidance and support.
  • Document software designs and processes.
  • Stay current with industry trends and technologies.
  • Any other duties assigned.

The targeted pay range for this role is $150,000- $172,000. The total compensation package for this position may also include applicable incentive compensation, such as an annual performance bonus. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, specific work geography, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
As a member of the L&W team, you will be eligible for company sponsored benefits that include healthcare, dental, vision, paid time off, a generous 401(k) plan, tuition assistance, and much more.
Qualifications
Training and/or Experience
  • 10+ years of professional software development experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field.
  • Experience in gaming industry preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Expert in C++ and/or C#.
  • Knowledge of Godot and other game engines.
  • Exposure to Windows and Linux platforms and video drivers.
  • Strong understanding of game development frameworks.
  • Proficient with debugging and profiling tools.
  • Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
  • Ability to lead and mentor team members.

Additional Information
This is a hybrid role based in our Chicago studio. Team members are expected to be in the office 4 days a week to support collaboration and studio culture.
Physical Requirement
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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, use hands, operate a computer, and have specific vision abilities to include close and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus working with computer and business equipment.
Work Conditions
The work conditions are representative and typical of similar jobs in comparable organizations.
Light & Wonder and its affiliates (collectively, L&W) are engaged in highly regulated gaming businesses. As a result, certain L&W employees may, among other things, be required to obtain a gaming or other license(s), undergo background investigations or security checks, or meet certain standards dictated by law, regulation or contracts.
In order to ensure L&W complies with its regulatory and contractual commitments, as a condition to hiring and continuing to employ its employees, L&W requires all of its employees to meet those requirements that are necessary to fulfill their individual roles. As a prerequisite to employment with L&W (to the extent permitted by law), you shall be asked to consent to L&W conducting a due diligence/background investigation on you.
This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive; it is intended to identify major responsibilities and requirements of the job. The employee in this position may be requested to perform other job-related tasks and responsibilities than those stated above.
#RA-LI
#RA-Hybrid
Light & Wonder is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. If you'd like more information about your equal employment opportunity rights as an applicant under the law, please click here for EEOC Poster.

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