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Aaa Game Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tencent

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$147K - $343K/yr

S.-based, AAA game development studio for Tencent Games. Lightspeed LA is focused on building open-world games that emphasize an ambitious living world, sophisticated player-driven gameplay, and ...

Worldscape

Lead Engineer, Game Data Framework

Redmond, WA · On-site

$114K - $151K/yr

... a AAA game, or large scale, technically ambitious game projects, with involvement in performance-critical systems. • Worked with modern high-performance game engines or newer, or another modern ...

Absurd Ventures

World Builder

Santa Monica, CA

$110K - $130K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Level Designer - World Builder for our large-scale open world AAA game in Unreal Engine 5. You will be part of a team who is responsible for bringing this world to life ...

LightSpeed Studios

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$147K - $343K/yr

S.-based, AAA game development studio for Tencent Games. Lightspeed LA is focused on building open-world games that emphasize an ambitious living world, sophisticated player-driven gameplay, and ...

Absurd Ventures

World Builder

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Level Designer - World Builder for our large-scale open world AAA game in Unreal Engine 5. You will be part of a team who is responsible for bringing this world to life ...

teamLFG

Game Engineering Director

$255K - $383K/yr

Experience managing an organization of 20+ engineers on AAA game engineering teams * Experience working with and directing co-development engineering teams * Experience with developing and running ...

Qualcomm

Director of Game Product Management

San Diego, CA · On-site

$196K - $294K/yr

Our highly creative teams are full of veteran AAA game developers, game artists, game engine experts and graphics enthusiasts who work on our latest Gaming hardware innovations around Mobile that ...

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Aaa Game information

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How much do aaa game jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for aaa game in the United States is $20.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are AAA games?

AAA games are high-budget, high-profile video games produced and distributed by major gaming companies. They typically feature advanced graphics, extensive content, and large development teams, with significant marketing and promotional efforts. AAA games are often expected to be blockbuster titles that set industry standards in quality and innovation. Examples include popular franchises like 'Call of Duty,' 'The Witcher,' and 'Grand Theft Auto.' These games usually require sizable investments and aim for widespread commercial success.

What is the difference between Aaa Game vs Indie Game Developer?

AspectAaa GameIndie Game Developer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in computer science, game design, or related fields; experience with large development teamsVaries widely; often self-taught or with informal training; portfolio-based
Work EnvironmentLarge studios with structured teams, offices, and extensive resourcesSmall teams or solo projects, flexible workspaces, often remote
Industry UsageMajor publishers, large-scale projects, mainstream marketsIndependent releases, niche markets, experimental projects
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared based on budget, scope, and production scaleCompared on creativity, innovation, and distribution methods

In summary, Aaa Games are developed by large teams with significant resources and formal credentials, targeting mainstream audiences. Indie Game Developers typically work independently or in small teams, focusing on innovative or niche projects with more flexible credentials and work environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a AAA Game Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a AAA Game Developer, you need strong programming skills (such as C++ or C#), a solid understanding of game design principles, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, version control systems, and sometimes specialized certifications are typical requirements. Creativity, teamwork, and strong problem-solving abilities set outstanding developers apart in this collaborative and fast-paced environment. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality, innovative games that meet both technical standards and player expectations.

What are some common challenges faced by developers working on AAA game titles, and how can they prepare for them?

Developers working on AAA game titles often face challenges such as tight production schedules, coordinating with large multidisciplinary teams, and adapting to evolving technology and design requirements. It's important to be comfortable with rapid iteration, frequent communication, and collaborative problem-solving. Preparing for these challenges involves gaining experience with agile development processes, learning to use industry-standard tools, and developing strong teamwork and time management skills.

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Tencent

Irvine, CA • On-site, Remote

$147K - $343K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

About the Hiring TeamWelcome to Lightspeed LA, the first U.S.-based, AAA game development studio for Tencent Games. Lightspeed LA is focused on building open-world games that emphasize an ambitious living world, sophisticated player-driven gameplay, and mature, thoughtful storytelling. We are developing the first in a series of genre-defining titles.
Why join Lightspeed LA?
For us, it's not only about the exciting, new AAA open world game we're developing but also about team values and studio culture. We foster an open and transparent environment where everyone feels comfortable providing constructive feedback about all aspects of our games.
We encourage the showing of work that's still in progress.
We don't attack or question unfinished work, we celebrate its promise.
We have a No Blame Culture where we blame the problem, not the person.
This is a safe place to fail, and we don't view failure as a negative, but as the natural result of pushing boundaries and trying new things. We create together. We face Challenges Together. We succeed together.What the Role EntailsLightSpeed LA is seeking for a talented and enthusiastic Lead Gameplay Engineer to join our new studio in sunny Irvine California. The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for games and solving ambitious technical and creative problems. Join us and help build a team and culture of mutual respect and passion that pushes boundaries while having lots of fun!
  • Work with and lead a gameplay engineering team to craft development of innovative gameplay content systems and experiences
  • Work with design and production and engineering leadership to manage the gameplay schedule and backlog
  • Implement, debug and optimize gameplay systems in C/C++ and other languages
  • Author lean, high-performance, maintainable code
  • Cultivate strong cross-disciplinary working relationships based on honesty and transparency among various departments within the studio
Leadership and Management:
  • Provide technical leadership across multiple gameplay systems and features
  • Mentor, develop, and learn from engineering colleagues
  • Be a leadership resource for engineers across the entire gameplay team
  • Help build and maintain an open and energetic team culture
  • Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with team members to provide guidance, feedback, and support their professional development
  • Participate in the recruitment and onboarding of new team members, ensuring a diverse and skilled team that aligns with project requirements
  • Facilitate team-building activities to promote a positive and collaborative working environment
Who We Look For
  • Experience working in Unreal Engine
  • Passion and enthusiasm for creating fun and engaging gameplay through iteration and innovation
  • Experience bringing multiple large-scale game titles to completion on PC and consoles
  • 7+ years of professional game programming experience
  • Experience managing direct reports
  • Experience performing in a senior or principal software engineering role or equivalent
  • Ability to collaborate with other engineers, designers, artists and other game developers
  • Ability to work well in a fluid, changing environment as creative challenges evolve
  • Deep knowledge of gameplay systems involving AI, animation, physics, and character-related systems from engine to game
  • Expert in C++, debugging, and 3D mathematics
  • Enjoy working closely with creative and technical team members
  • Value lean, simple, efficient, well-tested code
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred:
  • Experience with game console hardware
  • Understanding of game asset pipelines
Why Join Us?Perks and Benefits:
Just some of the benefits of working with us here at our newly built studio in Irvine, CA.
Free daily lunch
Beverages, fresh fruit, and snacks
401k with employer match
Monthly Cell phone bill reimbursement
Financial wellness sessions
Flexible spending account
Team building and company outings
Parental leave for new parents
Company paid health insurance
Life and disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Wellness training
Travel insurance
Preventive care
If the above sounds like you, or if you'd like to know more about the role, we'd love to hear from you to see if we might be a good fit for each other! Contact us for more information about this exciting opportunity.

Location State(s)

US-California-IrvineThe expected base pay range for this position in the location(s) listed above is $147,800.00 to $343,600.00 per year. Actual pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Employees hired for this position may be eligible for a sign on payment, relocation package, and restricted stock units, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Subject to the terms and conditions of the plans in effect, hired applicants are also eligible for medical, dental, vision, life and disability benefits, and participation in the Company's 401(k) plan. The Employee is also eligible for up to 15 to 25 days of vacation per year (depending on the employee's tenure), up to 13 days of holidays throughout the calendar year, and up to 10 days of paid sick leave per year. Your benefits may be adjusted to reflect your location, employment status, duration of employment with the company, and position level. Benefits may also be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.Equal Employment Opportunity at Tencent

As an equal opportunity employer, we firmly believe that diverse voices fuel our innovation and allow us to better serve our users and the community. We foster an environment where every employee of Tencent feels supported and inspired to achieve individual and common goals.

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