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Associate Gameplay Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Gameplay Engineer at Cloud Chamber you will bridge the gap between technical execution and ... You will work in close collaboration with a talented development team, report to our Associate ...

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

As a Gameplay Engineer at Cloud Chamber you will bridge the gap between technical execution and ... You will work in close collaboration with a talented development team, report to our Associate ...

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

As a Gameplay Engineer at Cloud Chamber you will bridge the gap between technical execution and ... You will work in close collaboration with a talented development team, report to our Associate ...

As a Gameplay Engineer at Cloud Chamber you will bridge the gap between technical execution and ... You will work in close collaboration with a talented development team, report to our Associate ...

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Associate Gameplay Engineer information

See salary details

$81K

$145.4K

$205K

How much do associate gameplay engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate gameplay engineer in the United States is $145,359.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and tasks can an Associate Gameplay Engineer expect to work on within a game development team?

As an Associate Gameplay Engineer, you will typically be involved in implementing and refining gameplay features, such as player controls, game mechanics, and interactive elements under the guidance of senior engineers and designers. Your daily responsibilities may include writing code for character actions, prototyping new gameplay systems, and collaborating with artists and designers to ensure features are both functional and engaging. You'll often participate in team meetings to discuss progress, troubleshoot bugs, and iterate on feedback. This role provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience with game engines and development tools, laying the foundation for advancement into more senior engineering roles.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those in specialized fields like machine learning, AI, or cybersecurity, can earn $300,000 or more annually, often with extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes stock options or bonuses. In the gaming industry, senior gameplay engineers with significant expertise and leadership roles may also reach this level, particularly at large companies or in high-cost-of-living areas.

What are Associate Gameplay Engineers?

Associate Gameplay Engineers are entry-level software developers who work on implementing and refining the interactive elements of a video game. They collaborate with designers, artists, and senior engineers to create gameplay features, mechanics, and systems that make games engaging and fun. Their responsibilities often include coding, debugging, and optimizing game logic under the guidance of more experienced team members. This role typically requires a solid foundation in programming (often C++ or C#), problem-solving skills, and a passion for gaming.

How much do gameplay engineers make?

Gameplay engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or working at major studios can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in high-demand fields such as software, data engineering, or specialized roles like machine learning or cybersecurity can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Gameplay Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Gameplay Engineer, you need a solid grasp of programming languages such as C++ or C#, a degree in computer science or related field, and a passion for game development. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine and version control systems such as Git is typically required. Strong problem-solving ability, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate with designers and other engineers. These skills are crucial for creating engaging gameplay experiences and ensuring smooth integration of features within game projects.

What is the difference between Associate Gameplay Engineer vs Gameplay Programmer?

AspectAssociate Gameplay EngineerGameplay Programmer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; some experience or internshipBachelor's or higher in Computer Science; more experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, collaborative teams within game development studiosMid-level to senior teams, often with more complex project responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across gaming companies for entry rolesCommonly used for experienced roles but also for mid-level positions
Comparison Search IntentYesYes

The main difference between an Associate Gameplay Engineer and a Gameplay Programmer lies in experience and responsibility level. The Associate role is typically entry-level, focusing on learning and supporting gameplay features, while the Gameplay Programmer often has more experience and handles more complex tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are used across gaming studios, but the Gameplay Programmer usually takes on more advanced responsibilities.

What is an associate engineer level salary?

An associate gameplay engineer typically earns a starting salary ranging from $60,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on location, company size, and experience. Entry-level roles often require knowledge of programming languages like C++ or Python and familiarity with game development tools such as Unreal or Unity.
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Infographic showing various Associate Gameplay Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,359 per year, or $69.9 per hour.
Gameplay Engineer

$85K - $126K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

As a Gameplay Engineer at Cloud Chamber you will bridge the gap between technical execution and creative vision, ensuring that our player-centric gameplay feels as impactful as it looks. You will work in close collaboration with a talented development team, report to our Associate Technical Director, and be responsible for helping the team craft compelling and immersive gameplay systems that support our creative ambitions, ultimately bringing the world of BioShock to life.

What You'll Do:

  • Work closely and constructively with design and art teams to realize creative ambitions.
  • Architect and coordinate the implementation of new Gameplay systems and features for player verbs, camera, weapon, etc.
  • Work within Unreal 5 engine, both adapting existing systems and building new technology, in order to fulfill the project's technical needs and achieve its creative goals.
  • Keep current on technological developments and advancements in the game industry.
  • Identify technical and developmental risks/obstacles and generate solutions to overcome identified risks.
  • Partner closely with design, engineering, animation, and audio to further the goals of the project.

What We'll Do Together:

At Cloud Chamber, we are champions of high standards, pushing for progress and embracing change. We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions. Together, we will stay current on technological advancements and identify solutions to overcome developmental obstacles.

Skills & Experiences:

  • 3+ years industry or related experience.
  • Previous experience being a contributor to a gameplay engineering team.
  • Strong 3D Math skills with C/C++ experience.
  • Experience with the C/C++ programming language along with a strong familiarity of Object-Oriented (OO) design principles.
  • Commitment to code quality, documentation and sound testing procedures.
  • Debugging/Problem-Solving Skills.
  • Understanding of current data structures, algorithms and methodologies.
  • Experience working with player-centric systems, such as character, camera, and control (3Cs). 
  • Current console experience.
  • Strong understanding and familiarity with current Unreal Engine technology is desired.

Who You Are:

  • A reliable, positive force multiplier, actively seeking opportunities to integrate work across disciplines and contribute to a healthy, supportive team environment.
  • A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, package information for diverse audiences, and deliver difficult feedback with empathy and professionalism.
  • A persistent and self-motivated person with a proactive mindset.
  • Able to maintain effectiveness and quality under pressure, ambiguity, and fast-changing priorities.
  • An active listener able to build and maintain trust-based relationships across all levels of the organization, understand differing perspectives, and navigate organizational complexity with tact and emotional intelligence.
  • Highly open to feedback and direction, possessing a desire to learn new skills, and capable of producing quick, quality revisions based on new insights or constraints.
  • A strong owner of your tasks, who strives to drive their work forward autonomously while maintaining a critical eye for detail and organization, ensuring high standards of quality.
  • Dedicated to upholding Cloud Chamber's core values, contributing to a positive and respectful company culture while striving for excellence in all endeavors.

Who We Are:

At Cloud Chamber we strive to make BioShock games that move people: evocative, immersive, and meaningful experiences that stay with you long after you've rolled credits. Great games are born from great collaborations, supported by a culture that brings out the best in our teams. We work openly, learn through play, take ownership, push ourselves to be better, and deliver for our players.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $85,700 and $126,860 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.

For candidates located in Quebec:
This position requires professional proficiency in both French and English. Proficiency in English is required to collaborate with our U.S. teams and international partners, as well as to handle specialized technical documentation (reading, writing, and communication).

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform their essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never use instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews. When emailing prospective employees, we only use 2K.com accounts.