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Computer Games Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Nexon America Inc

Gameplay Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$125K - $142K/yr

... developer of online virtual worlds for PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Nexon proudly offers ... But we're committed to more than our games! Here at Nexon America, we're all about open ...

Computer Futures

Android/iOS Developer

Glendale, CA

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 ...

Apex Informatics

Computer Vision Engineer V

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$132K - $156K/yr

... engineering, computer science or equivalent relevant experience. • 5+ years of experience ... OpenCV, Eigen, Halide, Game physics and 3D graphics, CODECs, or Communication) • Prior experience ...

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Computer Games Developer information

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$32.1K

$107K

$177.6K

How much do computer games developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer games 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Games Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Games Developer, you need strong programming skills (commonly in C++, C#, or Java), a good understanding of game design principles, and often a relevant degree in computer science or game development. Proficiency with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, knowledge of version control systems (e.g., Git), and sometimes certifications in specific platforms are typically required. Creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills that help developers collaborate and innovate. These skills and qualities are crucial for building engaging, technically sound games that succeed in a competitive industry.

What are some common challenges faced by computer games developers during the game development cycle?

Computer games developers often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing project requirements, and ensuring smooth collaboration across multidisciplinary teams like artists, designers, and programmers. Balancing creativity with technical constraints, optimizing game performance, and fixing bugs under time pressure are also typical hurdles. Additionally, keeping up with evolving technologies and industry trends can be demanding, but overcoming these challenges can lead to significant professional growth and rewarding project outcomes.

What does a Computer Games Developer do?

A Computer Games Developer is responsible for designing, creating, and programming video games for computers, consoles, and mobile devices. They work as part of a team that may include artists, designers, and sound engineers to bring a game concept to life. Their tasks often involve writing code, testing game features, fixing bugs, and optimizing performance to ensure a smooth gaming experience. Computer Games Developers may specialize in areas like gameplay, graphics, or artificial intelligence, depending on the project and their expertise.

What is the difference between Computer Games Developer vs Software Developer?

AspectComputer Games DeveloperSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Game Design, or related fields; knowledge of game enginesBachelor's in Computer Science or related fields; programming skills
Work EnvironmentGame studios, entertainment companies, independent projectsTech companies, startups, corporate software teams
Industry UsageVideo game industry, entertainment sectorVarious industries including finance, healthcare, tech
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for programming and development skillsBroader software development roles

Computer Games Developers focus on creating interactive entertainment using specialized game engines and design principles, often working in entertainment or gaming studios. Software Developers have a broader scope, working on various applications across industries. While both roles require programming skills and similar educational backgrounds, their work environments and end products differ significantly.

What cities in California are hiring for Computer Games Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Computer Games Developer job openings:
Computer Games Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Games Developer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,050 per year, or $51.5 per hour.
Senior Software Engineer, SDK Foundations - Publishing Platform

Senior Software Engineer, SDK Foundations - Publishing Platform

Riot Games

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$132K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Riot engineers bring deep knowledge of specific technical areas but also value the opportunity to work in a variety of broader domains. As Software Engineers, we work with both new and current technology, creating innovative solutions to overcome high-volume obstacles and to deliver player value.
As a Senior Software Engineer in Riot's Publishing Platform group, you'll work closely with technical product managers, and engineers to overcome high-volume obstacles and to provide player value. You will build critical path client SDKs used by all of Riot's games across multiple platforms. Your experience will help empower game developers to leverage platform technologies in areas like social experiences, commerce/payments, accounts and identity to name a few. Your work will help game teams leverage some of the most used features and services across Riot. You will report to the Software Engineering Manager of the SDK Foundations team.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop and support our client-side SDKs running on console, desktop, and mobile used by millions of players
  • Develop and support Unreal plugins that interface with the client-side SDK and Riot's Platform Services
  • Build high quality and performant client-side SDKs used by all of Riot's games to leverage critical features like network connectivity, messaging, and game engine integrations
  • Be an individual contributor on the team who creates reference designs, tackles challenging and ambiguous technical solutions, conducts architectural and code reviews
  • Design, code, and improve release processes for the products and solutions produced on your team
  • Balance short-term technical trade-offs and with long-term technical needs to ensure we are building stable, operational, extensible services and SDKs
  • Develop high-quality software by writing unit, functional, and integration tests
  • Partner with product owners and technical leads to build and operate features end-to-end including technical discovery, product development, and production release
  • Invest in team's complete ownership of our products by participating in on-call rotation

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, a related field, or equivalent professional experience
  • 4+ years deep hands-on programming experience as a software engineer and proficiency in C++ 14 or newer
  • 2+ years hands-on programming experience with Unreal Engine 4.2x/5.x building tools, plugins, or gameplay components.
  • Experience contributing to a large code base with millions of active users
  • Expertise with continuous development and deployments of large-scale systems
  • Experience defining and delivering technical solutions to technical users

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with scripting languages like Python or TypeScript
  • Experience with telemetry providers like Data Dog and/or Sentry
  • Experience developing client applications and/or client SDKs that leverage highly distributed systems
  • Experience with globally deployed platforms as well as distributed teams

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes your fellow Rioters, who are the customers of your work. Being a dedicated fan of games is not necessary for this position!
Our Perks:
Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.
At Riot Games, we put players first . That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you're working directly on a new player-facing experience or you're supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we're better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we're looking forward to your application.
It's our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.
Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:
  • Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
  • Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
  • Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
  • Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.
  • (Los Angeles Only) Base salary range between $161,500.00 - $227,000.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.
Riot Games logo

About Riot Games

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Riot Games was founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill with the intent to change the way video games are made and supported for players. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to worldwide acclaim. The game has since gone on to become the most played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. Players are the foundation of our community and it's for them we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2006

Social media

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