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Computer Games Developer Jobs in Pasadena, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Computer Games Developer information

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$35.5K

$118.3K

$196.3K

How much do computer games developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer games developer in Pasadena, CA is $118,320.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,900.00 and $135,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 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 near Pasadena, CA are hiring for Computer Games Developer jobs?

Cities near Pasadena, CA with the most Computer Games Developer job openings:

Computer Games Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Games Developer job openings in Pasadena, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,320 per year, or $56.9 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer, Gameplay - Teamfight Tactics

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Riot Games
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Riot Gamesexternal

$145K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 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 a software engineer, you'll work with both new and current technologies, creating innovative solutions to overcome high-volume obstacles and to deliver player value.
As a Principal Software Engineer on the Live Experiences teams within Teamfight Tactics, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enable the creation of new game features, systems, and experiences for our players. You will discuss and define the needs of art, design, and audio in a highly collaborative environment. You will build new technology in a wide variety of game systems to meet those needs. As Teamfight Tactics is a multi-platform game, supporting PC, Android, and iOS, cross-platform experience would be beneficial. You will report to the Engineering Manager accountable for the Live Experiences teams.
Responsibilities:
  • Build gameplay features and systems for TFT game modes and cosmetics
  • Build around-game UI features, including progression and monetization flows in collaboration with Visual Designers and User Experience creatives
  • Collaborate and drive on product, technical and architectural discussions, ensuring alignment with product vision and engineering strategy
  • Improve efficiency for developers and unlock their ability to create awesome experiences by improving tools and workflows
  • Align with stakeholders and disciplines spanning multiple teams across TFT to deliver awesome features
  • Provide mentorship to engineers, tech artists, and tech designers
  • Participate and improve the team's support rotation
  • Reduce ambiguity in a problem space through technical discovery & prototyping
Required Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of software development, including shipping one or more products on large code bases that span a range of platforms and tools
  • 4+ years Unreal Engine experience, with familiarity in game engine tools, workflows, & content pipelines
  • Expertise with C++ and Gameplay Engineering (Character, Camera, Controls)
  • Experience leveraging strong communication skills to collaborate across disciplines (e.g. Design, Art, QA, Production) to create solutions
  • Experience mentoring others in both soft and hard skills
  • Product sense, pragmatism, and player empathy in making tech decisions
  • BS in Computer Science, or proven understanding of Computer Science fundamentals
Desired Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with Teamfight Tactics
  • Mobile and/or multi-platform experience

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We will be looking at your past studies, experience, and your personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about the experiences of players, this could be the role for you!
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.
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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