ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Game Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weekday AI

2D Game Developer -Defold

Remote Become a part of our customer's forward-thinking team as a 2D Game Developer focused on Defold. In this position, you will design lightweight, high-performance 2D games utilizing Lua scripting ...

Weekday AI

3D Game Developer - Panda3D

Remote Become a key member of our customer's team as a 3D Game Developer (Panda3D), contributing significantly to the development of advanced interactive 3D applications and games. Utilize your ...

Search Solutions, LLC

iOS Game Developer

Los Angeles, CA

$55.75 - $76.75/hr

We're looking for iOS engineers to join our game studio! You will work on exciting new casual games with very high visibility and will help design game-play features and optimizations on multiple ...

Catface

Mobile Game Developer

Austin, TX · Remote

Aphmau Gaming Aphmau Shuki Aphmau Fantasy Visit our websites: Aphmau Store Catface Website About the Job We are seeking a creative and talented Mobile Game Developer for a temporary-to-hire ...

Weekday AI

Junior Solar2D Game Developer

$20 - $110/hr

Junior Solar2D Game Developer Job Type: Contractor Location: Remote In this position, you will utilize your expertise to contribute to the training of next-generation AI systems. Your efforts will ...

Weekday AI

Python Game Developer

$50 - $120/hr

Python Game Developer (Panda3D) Job Type: Contract Location: Remote Job Summary: In this position, you will utilize your expertise to assist in training the next generation of AI systems. Your ...

Exploding Kittens

Principal Game Developer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Principal Game Developer is a senior leader at Exploding Kittens who plays a key role in shaping the games we bring to life. In this role, you'll make final game development decisions, guiding ...

Weekday AI

Game Developer - Java libGDX

$52.25 - $67.50/hr

Remote Become a part of our client's energetic team as a Java Game Developer (libGDX), where you will create captivating 2D and 3D cross-platform games. Utilizing Java and the open-source libGDX ...

Exploding Kittens

Principal Game Developer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Principal Game Developer is a senior leader at Exploding Kittens who plays a key role in shaping the games we bring to life. In this role, you'll make final game development decisions, guiding ...

Code Plus Inc

3D Game Developer - XR/VR

Petersburg, VA · On-site

We are seeking a 3D Developer / Game Developer with Virtual Reality (VR) and Extended Reality (XR) experience to support U.S. Army training and education initiatives at CASCOM in Fort Lee,VA. Program:

Qualitest Group

Game Engine Developer

Santa Clara, CA

$110K - $130K/yr

Role - Game Engine Developer Location - Redmond, WA (on-site) We're looking for a game engine developer to drive engine integration work with a focus on Unreal Engine. You'll work across the stack ...

Hasbro

Sr Game Developer - D&D

Renton, WA · Hybrid

We are seeking a Senior Game Developer to provide in-depth review and quality control of D&D products produced outside the Game Design team. In this role, you'll ensure that game content is ...

Weekday AI

Game Engine Developer (O3DE)

Remote Become a part of our customer's team as a Game Engine Developer focusing on the Open 3D Engine (O3DE), contributing to the creation of high-performance, AAA-quality games. You will utilize the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGame Developer Jobs

GAME Developer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$108.5K

$180K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer in the United States is $108,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Game Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Developer, you need strong programming skills (often in C++, C#, or Java), a solid understanding of computer graphics, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems, and sometimes certifications in these platforms are commonly required. Creative problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this field. These abilities are crucial for building engaging, technically robust games and collaborating successfully within multidisciplinary development teams.

Will game dev be replaced by AI?

Game developers create and design video games, and while AI tools can assist with tasks like procedural content generation and testing, they are unlikely to fully replace human developers due to the need for creativity, problem-solving, and understanding player experience. AI can enhance productivity but requires human oversight and expertise in areas such as programming, art, and storytelling.

What jobs can a game developer do?

A game developer can work in roles such as game programmer, game designer, level designer, graphics programmer, or quality assurance tester. They often collaborate with artists, sound designers, and project managers, and may specialize in areas like mobile, console, or PC game development using tools like Unity or Unreal Engine.

What Are Game Developers?

As a game developer, you write the code for video game software. Your code, combined with the work of other developers, brings video games to life on computers and gaming consoles. Your responsibilities are to design core game features and to collaborate with a team of other developers, graphic designers, and artists. Your job duties include game testing, debugging, and production in all aspects of gaming—player character creation, non-player characters, backgrounds, and gameplay. Being a gamer yourself gives you a solid understanding of the importance of game mechanics and storytelling.

How do I get a job as a game developer?

To become a game developer, you should gain proficiency in programming languages such as C++ or C#, develop a strong portfolio of completed projects, and acquire knowledge of game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. A relevant degree in computer science, game design, or a related field can also improve your chances, along with experience in teamwork and understanding of game development processes.

Is 30 too old to start game development?

Game development is a field open to individuals of all ages, and starting at 30 is common among professionals who often bring valuable experience and skills. Success depends on learning relevant tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, building a portfolio, and continuously updating technical knowledge, regardless of age.

What are some common challenges game developers face when working on large team projects?

Game developers working on large team projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating across multiple disciplines (programming, art, design, audio), ensuring clear communication, and managing dependencies between different parts of the game. Balancing creative vision with technical constraints and deadlines can also be demanding. Adapting to shifting priorities and integrating feedback from playtesting are key aspects of the collaborative process, making strong teamwork and flexibility essential in this role.

What does a game developer do?

A game developer is responsible for designing, creating, and programming video games for computers, consoles, or mobile devices. Their work involves coding, testing, and debugging game software, as well as collaborating with artists, designers, and other team members to bring a game concept to life. Game developers may specialize in areas like gameplay programming, graphics, or artificial intelligence, and often use game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine to build their projects.

What is the difference between Game Developer vs Game Designer?

AspectGame DeveloperGame Designer
Primary RoleProgram and build game mechanics, code, and softwareDesign game concepts, storylines, and gameplay experiences
Skills & CertificationsProgramming languages (C++, C#), software developmentCreative design, storytelling, game design tools
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, coding environments, software studiosDesign teams, creative studios, collaborative spaces
Industry UsageUsed across game studios for technical implementationUsed for conceptualization and gameplay design

While both roles are essential in game development, Game Developers focus on coding and technical implementation, whereas Game Designers craft the gameplay experience and story. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and collaboration in the gaming industry.

More about GAME Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Game Developer jobs? Cities with the most Game Developer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Game Developer jobs? The top employers for Game Developer jobs are:
What states have the most Game Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Game Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Game Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Game Developer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Developer jobs? For Game Developer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
GAME Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,471 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

2D Game Developer -Defold

Weekday AI

Remote

Contractor

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

This role is for one of our clients
$50 - $120/hourpay
Job Type: Contract
Location: Remote
Become a part of our customer's forward-thinking team as a 2D Game Developer focused on Defold. In this position, you will design lightweight, high-performance 2D games utilizing Lua scripting and a component-based workflow. If you excel in dynamic, fast-moving settings and have a passion for delivering smooth mobile and web gaming experiences, we would love to connect with you.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
  1. Create, develop, and launch 2D games using the Defold engine, prioritizing optimal performance and minimal build sizes.
  2. Develop sturdy gameplay mechanics and systems through Lua scripting within a modular framework.
  3. Work closely with designers and artists to rapidly prototype games and enhance the user experience.
  4. Ensure games run smoothly by optimizing performance across various mobile and web platforms.
  5. Write efficient, well-documented code following industry best practices in game development.
  6. Identify, profile, and fix performance issues to guarantee stable game releases.
  7. Offer innovative solutions to technical problems and contribute ideas for gameplay and UI improvements.

Required Skills and Qualifications
  1. Demonstrated experience in developing and releasing 2D games with the Defold engine.
  2. Proficient in Lua scripting and knowledgeable about component-based game architecture.
  3. Proven ability to create lightweight, performance-optimized builds suitable for mobile and web platforms.
  4. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with a collaborative and proactive mindset.
  5. Ability to quickly iterate and deliver results within an agile development environment.
  6. Good understanding of deployment workflows across multiple platforms.
  7. Keen eye for detail and enthusiasm for crafting engaging user experiences.

Preferred Qualifications
  1. Experience with cross-platform deployment and performance tuning.
  2. Knowledge of continuous integration and automated testing methodologies for games.
  3. A strong portfolio featuring released 2D games or prototypes.

Apply