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Computer Game Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

1X

Gameplay Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$280K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, Robotics, AI, or a related technical field.Strong proficiency in C++, system programming, and object-oriented software ...

New

1X

Gameplay Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$280K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, Robotics, AI, or a related technical field.Strong proficiency in C++, system programming, and object-oriented software ...

New

Apple

Senior iOS Engineer, Apple Games

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $277K/yr

Join the Game Services UI team to help build the Apple Games app and the user-facing gaming ... frameworks, and developer integrations that sit alongside it. We have an exciting roadmap ...

Naughty Dog

IT Hardware Generalist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

Naughty Dog, a video game developer that produces games on PlayStation systems, including the Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter franchises. It is a sub-organization of Sony Computer Entertainment ...

Apple

Senior iOS Engineer, Apple Games

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$172K/yr

Join the Game Services UI team to help build the Apple Games app and the user-facing gaming ... Minimum Qualifications Bachelor of Computer Science or equivalent, and min 5 years work experience ...

Computer Futures

Android/iOS Developer

Glendale, CA · On-site

Computer Futures is a leading IT recruitment consultancy, specialising in placing IT experts in ... on a shipped game • C# (platform) and Unity (building library, data manipulation) • ...

Computer Futures

Android/iOS Developer

Glendale, CA · On-site

Company Description Computer Futures is a leading IT recruitment consultancy, specialising in ... Entertainment or gaming experience Be a member of the Client Platform engineering team with direct ...

Lightspeed Studios

Senior Mission Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$93.10 - $216.70/hr

Work with programmers to ensure that implemented content functions as intended. * Playtest missions ... Bachelor's degree in game design, computer science, or a related field (preferred). * A strong ...

New

Apple Inc.

Senior iOS Engineer, Apple Games

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$181.10 - $272.10/hr

Join the Game Services UI team to help build the Apple Games app and the user-facing gaming ... Minimum Qualifications * Bachelor of Computer Science or equivalent, and min 5 years work ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsComputer Game Developer JobsComputer Game Developer Jobs in California

Computer Game Developer information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$107K

$177.6K

How much do computer game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer game developer in California is $107,050.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $122,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a computer game developer?

Computer Game Developers are professionals who design, create, and maintain video games for computers, consoles, or mobile devices. They may specialize in different areas such as programming, art, design, or testing, working collaboratively to bring a game from concept to release. Their work involves coding, problem-solving, and often using specialized software and game engines. Game developers also troubleshoot bugs and ensure the final product delivers an engaging experience for players.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computer game developer?

To thrive as a Computer Game Developer, you need strong programming skills (commonly in C++, C#, or Java), a solid understanding of game design principles, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with popular game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as version control systems such as Git, is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities help developers stand out when working in teams to bring innovative gaming experiences to life. These skills and qualities are essential for building high-quality, engaging games that meet technical standards and player expectations.

What are some common challenges computer game developers face when working on a new game project?

Computer game developers often face challenges such as balancing creative vision with technical limitations, meeting tight deadlines, and adapting to changing requirements during development. Collaboration is key, as developers work closely with designers, artists, and testers to ensure the game runs smoothly and meets quality standards. Additionally, staying updated with evolving technologies and tools is crucial for delivering engaging and innovative gaming experiences.

What is the difference between Computer Game Developer vs Software Engineer?

AspectComputer Game DeveloperSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Game Design, or related field; knowledge of game enginesBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; strong programming skills
Work EnvironmentGame studios, entertainment companies, independent projectsTech companies, software firms, various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming and entertainmentBroad, including finance, healthcare, tech, and more
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles require programming skills and a background in computer science, Computer Game Developers focus on creating interactive entertainment using game engines and design principles. Software Engineers have a broader scope, working on various software applications across multiple industries. The key difference lies in the specialization within gaming versus general software development.

How much do computer game developers get paid?

Computer game developers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and company size, but the median annual wage in the industry is around $80,000. Entry-level developers typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000, while experienced developers or those in senior roles can earn over $100,000 annually. Skills in programming languages, game engines, and project management can influence compensation.

Is a computer game developer a good career?

A computer game developer creates video games and typically requires skills in programming, design, and problem-solving, often using tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. The career offers opportunities for creativity and growth, with demand driven by the gaming industry's expansion, though it can involve long hours and competitive entry. Success depends on technical proficiency, portfolio quality, and industry knowledge.

What jobs can a computer game developer do?

A computer game developer can work in roles such as game programmer, game designer, level designer, graphics programmer, or quality assurance tester. They often use programming languages like C++ or Python and tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine to create and refine video games across various platforms.

What are popular job titles related to Computer Game Developer jobs in California?

For Computer Game Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Computer Game Developer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Computer Game Developer jobs in California are:

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

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

Computer Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Game Developer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,050 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Engineer in Residence: Gesture Based Mobile Games

career

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$101.56 - $121.64/hr

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Mobile input is stale — tap and swipe have been the default for 15 years. This role is to build a new category of mobile games controlled by real-time hand movement through the phone camera, starting with a gesture-driven game that's immediately fun and obviously physical.

What you’ll build
  • A playable game where gesture interaction is the core mechanic, not a novelty input mode pasted on top.
  • A low-latency recognition loop that maps hand movement into responsive gameplay.
  • Calibration, feedback, and fail‑state handling so the game remains usable in messy real‑world environments.
  • A technical base that could expand into a reusable gesture‑recognition platform over time.
What you’ll do
  • Own the prototype across game loop, recognition pipeline, UX feedback, and on-device performance.
  • Make smart tradeoffs between model quality, latency, battery, and actual game feel.
  • Test the experience quickly with real players and learn where delight or frustration shows up.
  • Build the first product wedge while keeping an eye on what could become platform IP.
  • Work with AI Fund’s build team on gameplay scope, technical feasibility, and expansion paths.
What you need
  • Experience in computer vision, on-device ML, pose or gesture recognition, or mobile game development.
  • Strong engineering ability across inference pipelines, UX responsiveness, and real-time system constraints.
  • A feel for interaction design and what makes a game mechanic fun rather than technically clever.
  • The ability to ship rough but playable prototypes quickly.
  • You know how to use AI coding assistants and modern AI tools to accelerate implementation without shipping brittle game logic.
  • US work authorization. We are unable to sponsor visas for this role.
Helpful but not required
  • Experience with Unity, Unreal, CoreML, TFLite, MediaPipe, AR, or motion capture systems.
  • Experience shipping mobile games or highly interactive consumer products.
  • Experience optimizing real-time pipelines for noisy camera input.
Who this is for
  • A builder who likes the combination of ML systems, interaction design, and fast consumer product feedback loops.
  • Someone who wants to create a new input pattern instead of incrementally improving an existing category.
What to know upfront
  • This is a 12-week, full-time, on-site residency in Mountain View, California.
  • Not every residency becomes a company. The goal is to pressure-test the idea quickly and honestly with real users and customers.
  • You will be building an AI Fund idea, not bringing your own startup idea into the program.
  • The process typically includes a Builder Event or equivalent working conversation, then a 48-hour Builder Challenge, then panel review with AI Fund build leadership.
  • The compensation is intentionally modest during the residency because the upside, if the idea works, is a founder-level role.
Compensation
  • $10,000/month for 12 weeks ($30,000 total). This is a contract role during the residency. If the build leads to a funded company, the next step is a founder-level role with meaningful equity upside.

$10,000 - $10,000 a month

This is a great opportunity for someone in transition and looking to gain awesome building experience working alongside Andrew Ng. We are only considering candidates within commuting distance from Mountain View.

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