ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Computer Game Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AGS

Senior Game Test Engineer

Duluth, GA · On-site

SENIOR GAME TEST ENGINEER JOB DUTIES: • Audit test cases for quality, test results for competence ... JOB REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in computer information systems, computer ...

Bluberi

Sr. Game Software Developer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

The Game Software Developer IV joins each element of a game: graphics, animation, audio and ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or College diploma (DEC), advanced degree preferred. * 4+ ...

Bluberi

Sr. Game Software Developer

Las Vegas, NV

The Game Software Developer IV joins each element of a game: graphics, animation, audio and ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or College diploma (DEC), advanced degree preferred. * 4+ ...

Candywriter

Unity Developer

Miami Beach, FL

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Game Development, or similar field. * 5+ Years of previous experience working as a Unity or Unity3D Developer. * In-depth knowledge of ...

High Voltage Software

Unreal Programmer

$70K - $100K/yr

Degree in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent work experience * 2-5+ years of experience working with Unreal Engine 5 in the gaming industry * Expert-level proficiency in C++ and UE Blueprints ...

BC Forward

Gameplay Engineer 2

Redmond, WA · Remote

$50/hr

Experience building game content, mods, or add-ons - ideally for Minecraft Bedrock, but strong ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or related field. 2-4 years of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsComputer Game Programmer Jobs

Computer Game Programmer information

See salary details

$11K

$92.6K

$173.5K

How much do computer game programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Game Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Game Programmer, you need strong proficiency in programming languages (such as C++ or C#), a solid understanding of game development principles, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines (like Unity or Unreal Engine), version control systems, and debugging tools is essential. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills that help programmers turn concepts into engaging gameplay experiences. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering functional, innovative, and enjoyable games within collaborative, deadline-driven environments.

Is 30 too old to get into game dev?

Computer game programmers can enter the field at any age, as success depends on skills, portfolio, and experience rather than age. Many developers start or transition into game development later in life, often bringing valuable perspectives and skills from other industries. Continuous learning of programming languages, game engines, and development tools is essential regardless of age.

What are Computer Game Programmers?

Computer Game Programmers are professionals who write and maintain the code that makes video games function. They work closely with designers, artists, and other team members to implement features, fix bugs, and optimize game performance. Game programmers may specialize in areas like graphics, artificial intelligence, user interface, or network programming. Their work involves using programming languages such as C++, C#, or Python and game development tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. Ultimately, they turn creative concepts into interactive gaming experiences.

What are some typical challenges computer game programmers face when working on large-scale game projects?

Computer game programmers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as managing complex codebases, optimizing performance for different platforms, and ensuring seamless collaboration with artists, designers, and other developers. Balancing creative ideas with technical limitations and meeting tight production deadlines are also common hurdles. To address these challenges, programmers frequently use version control systems, participate in regular team meetings, and continuously update their skills to stay current with evolving technologies.

Is there a demand for game programmers?

The demand for game programmers remains strong due to the growth of the gaming industry, with opportunities in mobile, console, and PC game development. Skills in programming languages like C++ and Unity or Unreal Engine are highly valued, and employment is expected to grow as new gaming platforms and technologies emerge.

What jobs can a game developer do?

A game developer can work as a software engineer, gameplay programmer, graphics programmer, or tools developer, focusing on different aspects of game creation. They often collaborate with designers, artists, and testers, and may specialize in areas like AI, physics, or user interface. Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ or C# and experience with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine are essential for these roles.

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

AspectComputer Game ProgrammerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, experience with game enginesBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, coding skills
Work EnvironmentGame studios, entertainment industryTech companies, various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming and entertainmentAcross multiple sectors including finance, healthcare, and tech
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in game developmentGeneral software development roles

The main difference is that Computer Game Programmers focus on developing code specifically for video games, working with game engines and graphics, while Software Developers create a broader range of applications across various industries. Both roles require programming skills and similar educational backgrounds, but their work environments and project types differ significantly.

Will game dev be replaced by AI?

Computer game programmers create and implement game features using programming languages and tools. While AI can assist with tasks like procedural content generation and testing, human programmers are essential for designing, debugging, and ensuring creative quality in games. AI is more likely to augment rather than replace game development roles.
What states have the most Computer Game Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Computer Game Programmer jobs include:
Computer Game Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Game Programmer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% As Needed, 25% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,636 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Game Designer/Developer (C#/Java, C++ Skills)

Zen3

Redmond, WA

Contractor

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Description

JOB DETAILS:

Client: Microsoft
Role: SDE 3 (C#/Java, C++ & Game)
Location: Redmond, WA
Type: Contract
Duration: 6+ Months
Description:
This studio is looking for a talented software engineer to help drive efforts to expand scalability and efficiency across our pipeline systems. Partnering with the Pipeline Engineering team, you will be responsible for building highly scalable, distributed, reliable, business critical systems that process terabytes of data every day using hundreds of compute cores and GPUs.
The Pipeline Team builds the processing systems that transform code and art assets into optimized game-consumable bits. These systems form the living breathing heart of this studio. We work closely with all teams in the studio on the design of these systems, and we tailor our systems to accommodate production realties and day-to-day iteration cycles. In addition to onsite work, our systems support remote workflows for over 300 artists and developers who are geographically distributed across the globe.
Candidates must have strong computer science fundamentals. Experience or course work in the following areas are strong positives: CPU and GPU architectures and technologies, 3D graphics pipelines, parallel algorithms, networking and storage systems, and cloud scaling architectures. You must be comfortable dealing with ambiguous, challenging problems. Excellent communication skills are vital.
Required Skills:
    3-5 years of experience developing in C# (or Java) or C++
    C#/Java (Both length of experience and gaming experience is wanted)
    A comprehensive understanding of game engines, art content, rendering gaming content
    Basic knowledge of 3D art pipelines and rendering systems
    Working knowledge of distributed architectures and associated parallel algorithms
    Working knowledge of at least one build system language, MS Build(Perferred), NMake, Make, Ant, etc
    Need to have service cloud design or game design experience
Degrees or certifications required: B.S. in Math/Computer Science, or related field. This is a must! Preferred gaming focus education is a benefit.
Nice to have Skills/Not Madatory:
    AAA Game Development experience on a shipped title
    Working knowledge of scripting languages, preferably including PowerShell
    Azure cloud systems knowledge

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Apply