193 Game Designer jobs in the United States

About Nexon

Nexon America is a branch of Nexon Co., Ltd., a global video game publisher and leading developer of online virtual worlds for PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Nexon proudly offers celebrated franchises like MapleStory and Mabinogi that have been enjoyed by millions of players for over two decades. When we founded our Nexon America branch in 2006, we made it our goal to bring those unique games to western players using a player-first approach. We achieve that goal by applying our team's outstanding free-to-play expertise and live game support to every decision, every day.

But we're committed to more than our games! Here at Nexon America, we're all about open communication, diversity, mutual respect, and collaboration, so we can bring out the best in each other. Nexies find support, friendship, and career growth all in one place! And because we know a healthy work-life balance is the key to happiness, Nexies also enjoy flexible hours, a hybrid work model, and extra perks like food trucks, happy hours, and team events. It's why we've earned the Great Place to Work certification for 5 years running!

We're looking to expand our team with passionate individuals who want to learn, play, and grow with us. Ready for a new challenge?

Summary of Position

Nexon America is seeking a Game Designer to join our Western MapleStory Development team. In this role, you will work closely with the Lead Designer to create and implement new content for Global MapleStory Classic World. Your responsibilities will span gameplay feature design, data implementation, bug fixing, and supporting ongoing live development efforts.

We are currently working in the office 2-3x a week in a hybrid work model.

Job Responsibilities
* Design and maintain documentation for gameplay features and systems
* Implement and configure game data based on design specifications; validate in-game functionality
* Troubleshoot and fix data-related bugs during development and testing
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including art, engineering, and production
* Other duties as assigned

Work Experience
* Minimum of 3 years of professional experience as a Game Designer in the video game industry
* Bonus: one shipped title

Education, Professional Training, Technical Training or Certification
* Bachelor's degree or higher in Game Design, Computer Science, Art, or a related field

Knowledge/Skills
* Required
* Solid understanding of MMORPG systems design, including progression, economy, and quest mechanics
* Strong proficiency in creating detailed and well-structured game design documents
* Excellent communication and collaboration skills in cross-functional team settings
* Working knowledge of in-game data tools and debugging processes
* Passion for and experience playing Global MapleStory or earlier versions of the game
* Preferred
* Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to design innovative gameplay solutions
* Familiarity with game balancing, live service design considerations, and user experience
* Working proficiency in Korean is preferred for effective collaboration with Korean engineers

Management has the right to add or change duties and job requirements at any time.

Nexon's Benefits and Perks

We offer medical, dental and vision plans for you, your spouse or domestic partner and your children. Employees who enroll in the high deductible health plan receive an annual employer contribution to a health savings account and company paid hospital indemnity benefits. We also provide company paid life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability benefits as well as access to voluntary life and AD&D for yourself and your dependents, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) savings plan with a company match, and pet insurance. Nexies are encouraged to take advantage of our monthly wellness credit, participate in lunchtime yoga, and enroll in language classes. We host bi-monthly catered lunches, monthly happy hours, and maintain a well-stocked snack bar. To help you maintain a good work life balance, we offer paid time off, sick days, company holidays, and a year-end break.

Nexon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Compensation Description for Pay Transparency (annually)

The base salary range for this position in El Segundo, CA is $80,000 - $100,000 annually.

Our salary ranges are determined by market data based on position and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum salaries for that position. An individual's pay is determined by factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's qualifications, skills, experiences, relevant education or training, and location.

Base pay is one part of the Total Rewards package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work. This role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, however the salary range listed in this job posting reflects the base salary only.

Beware of Recruitment Scams

We have been made aware of fraudulent recruitment activities by individuals falsely claiming to represent Nexon America. Our recruiters will only contact you from official company email addresses ending in @nexon.com and will follow a formal interview process. We will never request for payment or personal financial information such as photos of government-issued identification during the recruitment process or offer a job without a formal interview process. If you receive suspicious email, we advise you to mark the email as junk or spam, so your email provider will block future messages from the sender.

Our client, an award-winning independent game development studio, is seeking a creative and visionary Lead Video Game Designer to drive the conceptualization and execution of exciting new titles from their studio in **Minneapolis, Minnesota, US**. This role is instrumental in shaping the player experience, guiding the design team through the entire game development lifecycle. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of game mechanics, player psychology, narrative design, and level design, along with a strong portfolio showcasing innovative and commercially successful games. You will be responsible for defining the core gameplay loop, translating creative vision into actionable design documents, and ensuring the cohesive integration of all game systems.

Key responsibilities include leading and mentoring a team of game designers, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a collaborative and creative environment. You will work closely with programmers, artists, and producers to bring game concepts to life, ensuring alignment with project goals and technical constraints. This role involves prototyping gameplay mechanics, iterating on designs based on playtesting and feedback, and documenting game design specifications. Experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine is essential. The Lead Video Game Designer will also play a key role in setting design standards, identifying new trends, and contributing to the overall artistic direction of the games. Strong leadership, exceptional communication, and problem-solving skills are critical. A Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, coupled with a minimum of 5-7 years of experience in video game design, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role, is required. A demonstrable passion for video games and a keen understanding of player engagement are paramount. This is an exceptional opportunity to leave your mark on the gaming industry and work on cutting-edge projects.

Sr. Game Designer - Mission/Level

Permanent / FTE

REMOTE

Our client is developing a first-person tactical military shooter title in Unreal Engine and is looking for a talented game designer to join their team.

The Sr. Game Designer will work to design and implement mission for the game's story campaign. This is a hybrid role that requires BOTH creative vision and technical proficiency to bring the game vision to life.

• Work with the Creative Director to establish the overall arc and pacing of each mission

• Thoroughly plan and document missions in detail

• Set up objectives and encounters, script mission events, and assemble all mission assets

• Evaluate and iterate on missions based on playtest feedback

Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• 3+ years' experience in a Mission Design role
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine 4 and Blueprints
• Experience with AI scripting and Behavior Trees
• Shipped Titles in FPS/TPS genre is a HUGE plus!

This is a remote position.

Compensation: $150,000.00 per year

Pikemann is a recruiting company that was founded by three partners with over 40 years of experience providing contingent staffing and permanent placement services in the greater Seattle area. We partner with our clients to bring the right technology and finance candidates that meet their workforce needs.

The Pokémon GO team is seeking a Senior Game Designer to help build compelling gameplay experiences that delight and engage our players. As a Senior Game Designer, you will be responsible for working across functions to craft Live Ops seasonal events and new game mechanics/systems from ideation to launch. You will take on a role to make features and decisions that use player experiences, feedback, and data. You will implement, test, and balance game rule changes during build reviews, feature launches, and economy adjustments. You will thoughtfully craft features that ensure Trainers continue to have fun and explore the real world.

Responsibilities

• Communicate clearly to gain alignment within Pokémon Go's internal and external stakeholders to create design specifications from ideation to launch
• Advocate for "player first" designs and collaborate frequently with IP holders to ensure brand integrity
• Use data and player research to deliver concise documentation that includes cross functional support (wireframe, flows, supporting sheets)
• Create flexible, modular designs that will support a multitude of gameplay features
• Work with leads and managers to identify new pitches and improvements
• Build and test new and existing features to ensure they meet design requirements and company OKRs
• Work with designers to ensure high quality of design that meets business goals of the feature
• Inspire designers to be innovative by keeping up with industry trends and thinking of creative ways we can leverage Niantic's emerging technology
• Contribute to the culture of a supportive and cohesive design team
• Regular and reliable attendance and participation in meetings.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience designing for live operation games, especially mobile games
• 2+ years of experience mentoring designers
• Extensive game development experience, has successfully shipped new game features
• Experience working with original and brand IPs
• Excellent skills in verbal and written communication across all game disciplines
• Expertise with spreadsheets, data, and feature documentation for a live game
• Experience with game balance, pacing, and monetizing virtual goods in a FTP model
• Ability to deliver specs from concept to launch
• Ability to adapt on a fast-paced team to drive and deliver results
• Experience working on cross-functional teams with ability to communicate effectively through written and verbal communications, including asynchronous interactions with others.
• Familiarity with Pokémon GO and the general Pokémon franchise

Plus If.

• Bilingual in both English and Japanese
• Knowledge in JIRA and Unity
• Leadership training certifications
• Experience with AR games or features
• Experience building tools

The total compensation package for this position includes a new hire offer base salary range of $115,500.00 - $165,000.00. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for equity, bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Individual pay within this salary range is determined by work location and additional factors, including assessed job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can answer any questions about new hire total compensation during the hiring process. An overview of benefit offerings for your location can be found on the careers page.

Join the Niantic team!

Niantic's global-scale augmented reality platform and digital map powers spatial computing experiences in the real world. Incubated out of the Maps team at Google, Niantic first created Ingress and then Pokémon GO, a cultural phenomenon and hit game played by tens of millions of people each month. Niantic's platform, which powers Pokémon GO, also supports the company's other games including Pikmin Bloom, Monster Hunter Now.

We believe that cultivating a workplace where our people are supported and included is essential to creating great products our community will love. Our mission emphasizes seeking and hiring diverse voices, including those who are traditionally underrepresented in the technology industry, and we consider this to be one of the most important values we hold close.

Niantic is a hybrid first company. We believe that in person interaction and collaboration fosters creativity, a sense of community, and is critical to our future success as a company. Our hybrid work schedules allow for a mix of remote and in-office work.

We're a hard-working, fun, and exciting group who value intellectual curiosity and a passion for problem-solving! We have growing offices located in San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Bellevue, London, Tokyo, and Zürich. #LI-HYBRID

Candidate Privacy Policy

I understand that by submitting my job application, the information I provide as part of that application will be used in accordance with Niantic's Privacy Notice for Job Applicants and Candidates.

If required by law, by submitting my job application I consent to the processing of my information as described in that Notice, including processing information I voluntarily disclose to Niantic, such as health or medical information, race or ethnicity data, and sexual orientation data and, in limited circumstances sharing information with third parties such as references and other third parties that assist in the hiring process.

Title: Game Designer IV
Location: Remote
Duration: 6+ month contract
Compensation: $58 - 75.00/hr
Work Requirements: US Citizen, GC Holders or Authorized to Work in the U.S.

Job Description:
You'll design engaging game systems and progression mechanics that motivate and reward members across their fitness journey. From core progression structures to reward loops, your work will power a sense of momentum and delight. The ideal candidate is both creative and analytical-passionate about game design as a discipline, excited by metrics and systems, and inspired by helping people grow stronger, healthier, and more confident through play.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of game systems that support long-term engagement, motivation, and player growth.
• Redesign the app's core progression system, integrating fitness goals, rewards, and achievement structures.
• Develop engaging game loops, daily and weekly rituals, and event-based content.
• Collaborate with product, content, and data teams to align game systems with fitness outcomes and business goals.
• Prototype systems in Figma to communicate and test design ideas.
• Work with UX designers to integrate progression and reward mechanics into intuitive 2D and 3D interfaces.
• Evaluate existing game metrics and propose new structures with clear goals.
• Stay informed on game design research and trends, contributing thought leadership within the team.
• Inform onboarding flow to introduce new systems and metrics in an engaging and intuitive way.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in game design, preferably in live service or progression-heavy products.
• Deep understanding of core game loops, progression systems, and motivational design.
• Demonstrated ability to design for both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
• Strong communication skills with cross-disciplinary teams including product, UX, and engineering.
• Passion for creating emotionally resonant, habit-forming experiences.
• Experience working in Figma for prototyping and systems visualization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with games that serve a specific function like Duolingo and language learning.
• Academic background in game design, human-computer interaction, or behavioral psychology.
• Personal interest in fitness, movement, or wellness.
• Experience designing for rhythm games.
• Experience working with product teams or experimental games.
• Familiarity with metrics-driven design and iteration cycles based on user behavior.

Sawhorse Productions is a Los Angeles based, Award winning full-service creative studio turning ideas into unforgettable experiences through captivating branded content, viral social moments, and groundbreaking interactive experiences. We partner with industry-leading brands, artists, and studios such as Walmart, Google, NBCUniversal, Fanatics, Toyota, Pepsi and Alo to deliver industry-leading, innovative multi-platform content. At Sawhorse, we believe in fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and relentless excellence while shaping the future of digital storytelling.

Our releases include: (Roblox, Fortnite, Rec Room, ZEPETO)

• Roblox: How To Train Your Dragon
• Roblox: Wicked RP
• Roblox: Walmart Discovered - 2024 ADDY Winner
• Roblox: Fenty - 2024 Webby winner
• Roblox: Alo Sanctuary
• Roblox: Beetlejuice Escape the Afterlife
• Roblox: Lamborghini Lanzador Lab - 2024 Telly Winner
• Roblox: Elton John's 'Beyond The Yellow Brick Road'
• Roblox: Olivia Rodrigo
• Roblox: Fashion Klossette
• Gen AI applet: Coca - Cola Cappy
• And numerous digital fashion releases on UGC Gaming platforms - Sawhorse Productions

We are seeking a Part Time Game Designer to research, concept, and write clear, production ready documentation for Roblox titles. You will explore trends, analyze competitors, and translate ideas into detailed Game Design Documents that set teams up for efficient prototyping and production.

This role can be based in the Los Angeles office or remote. This position is generally operating during PST core hours M-F 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

Requirements

• Game Concept Development: Research platform trends and market gaps, then propose concepts aligned to audience, brand goals, and Roblox constraints.
• GDD Ownership: Write production-ready Game Design Documents covering core loop, mechanics, camera, controls, win/fail states, UX flow, and content roadmap.
• Systems & Progression Drafts: Outline progression, rewards, difficulty curves, and early economy scaffolding that support retention goals.
• Monetization Concepts: Propose fair and player-first monetization approaches suitable for Roblox, including cosmetics, bundles, and event-based offers.
• UX Flows & Wireframes: Create feature briefs, user flows, and lightweight wireframes using tools like Figma or Miro.
• Competitive & Player Research: Run lightweight comps analysis, summarize insights, and recommend actionable differentiators.
• Playtesting & Iteration: Define test plans, collect feedback, and update specs to improve clarity, balance, and fun.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with producers, engineers, and artists to ensure specs are feasible, scoped, and unambiguous.
• Live Ops Planning (Foundations): Recommend update cadence, limited-time events, and content pipelines suitable for ongoing operation.
• Documentation Hygiene: Maintain versioned docs, change logs, and clear acceptance criteria for each feature.

Qualifications

A strong candidate for this position should have the following qualities:

• Experience: 2 to 4 years in game design or UGC experience design, with at least one shipped or launched Roblox or comparable live experience preferred.
• Roblox Familiarity: Expert knowledge of Roblox Studio capabilities, platform guidelines, and best practices for performance and safety.
• Design Fundamentals: Strong grasp of core loops, systems design, progression, balancing, and player psychology for short session play.
• Documentation Skill: Excellent written communication with a portfolio of clear Roblox GDDs, feature specs, and flows.
• Tool Proficiency: Comfortable with Google Workspace, Figma and similar tools.
• Collaboration: Ability to take feedback, manage scope, and align stakeholders through crisp documentation.

Nice To Have's

• Basic Lua literacy
• Familiarity with analytics and KPIs
• Exposure to live ops.
• Experience in UEFN or Unity

Benefits

$35 - $40 per hour (average 20 - 30 hours per week)

EEO Statement

Sawhorse Productions is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants are evaluated on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws. In addition, Sawhorse Productions will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Sawhorse Productions will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal law.

Iron Systems is an innovative, customer-focused provider of custom-built computing infrastructure platforms such as network servers, storage, OEM/ODM appliances & embedded systems. For more than 15 years, customer have trusted us for our innovative problem solving combined with holistic design, engineering, manufacturing, logistic and global support services.

Job Title: Game Designer IV
Location: US - CA - South Metro - Remote

Job Description: About Supernatural

• The Supernatural team is looking for a thoughtful and systems-oriented Game Designer to help reinvent how people experience fitness through Mixed Reality.
• You'll design engaging game systems and progression mechanics that motivate and reward members across their fitness journey.
• From core progression structures to reward loops, your work will power a sense of momentum and delight.
• The ideal candidate is both creative and analytical-passionate about game design as a discipline, excited by metrics and systems, and inspired by helping people grow stronger, healthier, and more confident through play.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of game systems that support long-term engagement, motivation, and player growth.
• Redesign the app's core progression system, integrating fitness goals, rewards, and achievement structures.
• Develop engaging game loops, daily and weekly rituals, and event-based content.
• Collaborate with product, content, and data teams to align game systems with fitness outcomes and business goals.
• Prototype systems in Figma to communicate and test design ideas.
• Work with UX designers to integrate progression and reward mechanics into intuitive 2D and 3D interfaces.
• Evaluate existing game metrics and propose new structures with clear goals.
• Stay informed on game design research and trends, contributing thought leadership within the team.
• Inform onboarding flow to introduce new systems and metrics in an engaging and intuitive way.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in game design, preferably in live service or progression-heavy products.
• Deep understanding of core game loops, progression systems, and motivational design.
• Demonstrated ability to design for both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
• Strong communication skills with cross-disciplinary teams including product, UX, and engineering.
• Passion for creating emotionally resonant, habit-forming experiences.
• Experience working in Figma for prototyping and systems visualization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with games that serve a specific function like Duolingo and language learning.
• Academic background in game design, human-computer interaction, or behavioral psychology.
• Personal interest in fitness, movement, or wellness.
• Experience designing for rhythm games.
• Experience working with product teams or experimental games.
• Familiarity with metrics-driven design and iteration cycles based on user behavior.

Mandatory Skills

5+ years experience in game design, preferably in live service or progression-heavy products. Deep understanding of core game loops, progression systems, and motivational design.

Our client, a rapidly growing game development studio, is looking for an experienced and visionary Lead Game Designer to join their creative team in Omaha. This role is fully remote, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere. As the Lead Game Designer, you will be at the forefront of conceptualizing and defining the core gameplay mechanics, systems, and player experiences for our innovative new titles. You will lead a team of talented game designers, providing direction, mentorship, and fostering a collaborative environment focused on creativity and excellence. Your responsibilities will encompass all phases of the game development lifecycle, from initial concept and prototyping to production and post-launch support. This includes developing detailed game design documents (GDDs), balancing game mechanics, scripting gameplay events, and ensuring a cohesive and engaging player journey. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of player psychology, genre conventions, and emergent gameplay. You should have a proven ability to translate high-level concepts into actionable design plans and a strong portfolio showcasing successful game design contributions. Experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as scripting languages (e.g., Lua, C#), is highly desirable. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are paramount, as you will be guiding design decisions and collaborating closely with art, programming, and production teams. If you are passionate about creating unforgettable interactive experiences and eager to lead a talented team in a remote setting, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities:

• Define and document core gameplay mechanics, systems, and player progression.
• Lead and mentor a team of game designers.
• Create and maintain comprehensive Game Design Documents (GDDs).
• Oversee the implementation of gameplay features.
• Collaborate with art, programming, and production teams.
• Balance game systems for optimal player engagement and retention.
• Champion the game's vision and ensure its consistent execution.
• Conduct playtesting and incorporate feedback into design iterations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of experience in game design, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role.
• Proven experience in designing and shipping multiple titles.
• Proficiency with game engines (Unity, Unreal Engine) and scripting languages.
• Strong understanding of player psychology and game balancing.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills.

This is a hybrid position based at our studio in Santa Monica, CA.

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5. We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Parts I and II are now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we're busy at the kennel working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us.

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together.

What you will do:

• Design high quality layouts for your levels, blocking out simplified geometry to create engaging environments
• Develop level composition, architectural concepts, and create evocative shapes in collaboration with the art department
• Create scenarios, place game objects, and implement level progression using game editor tools
• Produce and maintain documentation that establishes the core concepts of your level
• Drive communication and collaboration for spaces you design as well as other parts of the game, ensuring communication across disciplines and meeting deadlines
• Effective and respectful communicator and collaborator, both with other designers and members of other departments
• Coordinate extensive playtesting, reviews, and iteration
• Additional Responsibilities may be assigned as needed

What skills you will use:

• 5 years of industry experience in Level Design for games
• Experience blocking out environments for games using 3D software packages such as Maya, Unreal Editor or otherwise, that exemplify understanding of level design fundamentals
• Experience using a game editor such as Unreal Editor and scripting/programming using a language such as C#, Lua, Python, Visual Scripting
• Welcomes feedback on their work and embraces the "let's try it" mentality.
• Proficient and effective communication skills
• Welcomes criticism and has experience collaborating as part of a team, innovating without losing sight of the gameplay vision
• Understanding the single player gaming landscape
• Maintains knowledge of the broader gaming landscape trends
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills
• Experience working on action-adventure games, 3rd person or 1st person
• Understanding of narrative concepts and/or experience in writing, film, or theater
• Understanding of art composition, architectural concepts, and an ability to create evocative shapes
• 2+ shipped games in the role

As a part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio or demo reel of their work and may be asked to complete a design test.

Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about how we process your personal information, and your data protection rights.

The estimated USA base pay range for this zone (Los Angeles area) is listed below. This role may be eligible for additional compensation packages that includes annual bonus and other incentive plans.

$143,700-$179,600 USD