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Associate Game Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

2K

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

You will work in close collaboration with a talented development team, report to our Associate ... Keep current on technological developments and advancements in the game industry. * Identify ...

Cloud Chamber

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

You will work in close collaboration with a talented development team, report to our Associate ... Keep current on technological developments and advancements in the game industry. * Identify ...

Cloud Chamber

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA

$85K - $126K/yr

You will work in close collaboration with a talented development team, report to our Associate ... Keep current on technological developments and advancements in the game industry. * Identify ...

2K

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

You will work in close collaboration with a talented development team, report to our Associate ... Keep current on technological developments and advancements in the game industry. * Identify ...

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Associate Game Developer information

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How much do associate game developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate game developer in California is $18.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate game developer do?

An Associate Game Developer is an entry-level role in the video game industry, responsible for assisting with the design, development, and testing of video games. Their tasks often include coding game features, fixing bugs, collaborating with artists and designers, and learning industry-standard tools and programming languages. They work under the supervision of senior developers and gain hands-on experience in game development processes. This role serves as a stepping stone to more advanced positions in game development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate game developer?

To thrive as an Associate Game Developer, you need a solid understanding of programming fundamentals (such as C++ or C#), basic knowledge of game design principles, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with industry-standard game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as version control systems such as Git, is typically required. Problem-solving, creativity, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills that help you adapt to evolving project requirements. These skills ensure you can contribute efficiently to game development projects and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by associate game developers when working on large-scale projects?

Associate Game Developers often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing project requirements and learning to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including artists, designers, and senior engineers. Balancing multiple tasks, debugging code, and understanding legacy systems can be demanding, especially when deadlines are tight. It's important to communicate openly with team members and seek feedback to ensure that your work aligns with project goals and technical standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Associate Game Developer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Associate Game Developer job openings:

Associate Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Game Developer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,147 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Associate Game Designer, Technical

Santa Monica, CA

Naughty Dog
PC Games • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Naughty Dogexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 18 hours ago

Job description

This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions.  Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this position.

This is a hybrid / onsite position.  

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 Part I is now available for the first time on PC.
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.

In this role you'll be responsible for prototyping gameplay using our in-house tools and scripting language, which could range from combat encounters to narrative sequences to player mechanics and enemy behaviors. Then working across departments to bring your prototypes into production and polish your work to the high level of quality Naughty Dog is known for.  We're looking for self-motivated, proactive designers who enjoy creating unique experiences and can combine their technical and creative skills while iterating rapidly.

 What you will do 

  • Prototyping, implementing, and owning gameplay scenarios, narrative sequences, interactive objects, and AI behaviors
  • Collaborating with the Design team to conceptualize, prototype, implement, tune, and balance gameplay mechanics and systems
  • Communicating with animation, programming, and art departments to effectively produce the assets and code support required for the areas you're owning
  • Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed

 What skills will you use

  • Significant programming ability (Computer Science undergraduate degree preferred)
  • Knowledge of 3D math
  • Experience with C++, C#, Lua, or other scripting language
  • Broad understanding of gaming landscape
  • Self-starter with excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Willingness to take design direction when offered, brainstorm, iterate and come up with fun and creative solutions
  • Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed

 Bonus Skills

  • Experience developing third-person action games
  • Experience with 3D level editors
  • Understanding of narrative principles, and conveying emotion through gameplay
  • Experience with the following areas of design
    • Behavior Trees
    • Melee
    • Combat Systems
    • Character animation
    • Enemy & boss design

As part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates should expect to be given a technical interview

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