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Ai Game Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spellbrush

Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We are looking for an experienced game engineer with strong C# and Unity skills. You will be ... You're excited about the potential of Generative AI You'll also be working closely along some of ...

Visa Hunt

Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

We are looking for an experienced game engineer with strong C# and Unity skills. You will be ... You're excited about the potential of Generative AI You'll also be working closely along some of ...

Spellbrush

Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We are looking for an experienced game engineer with strong C# and Unity skills. You will be ... You're excited about the potential of Generative AI You'll also be working closely along some of ...

Visa Hunt

$125 - $150/hr

We are looking for an experienced game engineer with strong C# and Unity skills. You will be ... You're excited about the potential of Generative AI You'll also be working closely along some of ...

Spellbrush

3D Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Our mission is simple: use AI to bring characters to life and push the boundaries of narrative-driven games. What We're Building We've developed an in-house LLM storytelling system that blends AI ...

Epic Games

AI Programmer

Cary, NC · On-site

$119K - $132K/yr

ENGINEERING - GAMES What We Do Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time ... What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for an experienced AI Programmer to join the Fortnite Battle ...

Itcharm

PA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Background as a Game Designer, Product Manager, Game Developer moving toward Product/Game Design ... Experience with AI tools for prototyping/development, or strong motivation to learn and use them ...

Amazon

Game Designer, Amazon Game Studios

Culver City, CA · On-site

$169K/yr

Working in a publishing model, we partner with exceptional external developers to bring innovative titles to market, including games like Courtroom Chaos. While innovative AI games are a core pillar ...

Amazon

Game Designer, Amazon Game Studios

Culver City, CA · On-site

$169K/yr

Working in a publishing model, we partner with exceptional external developers to bring innovative titles to market, including games like Courtroom Chaos. While innovative AI games are a core pillar ...

Amazon

Game Designer, Amazon Game Studios

Culver City, CA

$169K/yr

Working in a publishing model, we partner with exceptional external developers to bring innovative titles to market, including games like Courtroom Chaos. While innovative AI games are a core pillar ...

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Ai Game Programmer information

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$11K

$92.6K

$173.5K

How much do ai game programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for ai game programmer in the United States is $92,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,000.00 and $145,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an AI game programmer?

AI Game Programmers are specialized software developers who design and implement artificial intelligence systems in video games. Their work focuses on creating believable behaviors for non-player characters (NPCs), enemy tactics, pathfinding, and decision-making processes that enhance the gaming experience. They collaborate closely with game designers and other programmers to ensure that the AI contributes to fun and engaging gameplay. AI Game Programmers often use techniques such as finite state machines, behavior trees, and machine learning to create dynamic and challenging game environments.

How does an AI game programmer typically collaborate with designers and artists during game development?

AI Game Programmers work closely with game designers to understand gameplay objectives and translate them into intelligent behaviors for non-player characters (NPCs). They also collaborate with artists to ensure that character animations and environmental cues align with AI behaviors, creating a more immersive player experience. Regular communication and iteration between these teams are essential, as AI systems often need to be tweaked based on playtesting feedback or changes in game design. This collaborative environment encourages creative problem-solving and ensures the AI enhances the overall vision of the game.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an AI game programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an AI Game Programmer, you need a solid background in computer science, proficiency in programming languages like C++ or Python, and a strong understanding of game development and artificial intelligence algorithms. Familiarity with game engines (such as Unity or Unreal Engine), version control systems (like Git), and experience with AI frameworks or middleware are typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for designing engaging and challenging in-game AI behaviors. These competencies ensure the creation of immersive and intelligent gameplay experiences, driving player enjoyment and game success.

What is the difference between Ai Game Programmer vs Gameplay Programmer?

AspectAi Game ProgrammerGameplay Programmer
Primary FocusDeveloping AI systems for non-player characters and game environmentsImplementing game mechanics and player interactions
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of AI algorithms, scripting, C++/C#, game enginesProficiency in game scripting, C++, C#, game engines
Work EnvironmentGame studios, working closely with designers and AI specialistsGame studios, collaborating with designers and artists
Industry UsageCommon in AAA and indie game development focusing on intelligent behaviorsWidespread across all game types for core gameplay features

In summary, Ai Game Programmers specialize in creating intelligent behaviors for game characters and environments, while Gameplay Programmers focus on implementing core game mechanics and player interactions. Both roles require programming skills and work within game development teams, but their areas of expertise differ significantly.

How much do AI game programmers make?

AI game programmers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced developers with skills in machine learning and game engines can earn higher salaries.

How to become an AI game programmer?

To become an AI game programmer, you should have a strong foundation in programming languages such as C++ or Python, and knowledge of game development environments like Unity or Unreal Engine. Gaining experience in AI algorithms, machine learning, and game design through coursework, personal projects, or internships is essential. A bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field is typically required, along with proficiency in data structures and problem-solving skills.

What are popular job titles related to Ai Game Programmer jobs?

For Ai Game Programmer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Ai Game Programmer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 63% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,636 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Spellbrush
Software Development • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Spellbrushexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

The Unity Engineer Role:
We are looking for an experienced game engineer with strong C# and Unity skills. You will be working closely with a small, multidisciplinary team to build out our upcoming anime mobile tactics game.
Our game programmers are mostly generalists, so you can work on lots of different areas of the game. It's important that you take pride in your work and know what it means to take responsibility and deliver quality and fun to players. You are comfortable taking a feature from a vague idea on a post-it to a fully working and polished implementation.
You may be a good fit if:
You love Strategy RPGs
Our team draws tons of inspiration from titles like Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy Tactics, and X-Com. Our next title aims to bring the best of this genre onto the mobile screen.
And you also love the anime aesthetic
We're also huge anime fans if you haven't noticed.
You deeply understand Unity
We're looking for someone with 5+ years of programming experience and a high level of familiarity with Unity. A good candidate must have shipped at least one game with Unity (personal projects are great!) and have built up a sixth sense for what is the "happy path" in modern Unity development.
You're comfortable working on small, fast-paced teams
Working here will feel very much like a small indie studio: close-knit, with high ownership and flexibility.
You're excited about the potential of Generative AI
You'll also be working closely along some of the best AI researchers in the world. Part of working with our team may involve looking at our latest research results, and figuring out how to best apply it into the game. You will be at the literal cutting edge of what is possible with machine learning, art, and games.

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