ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Game Dev Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Atari

Senior Producer (Game Development)

Emeryville, CA · On-site

... game projects concurrently, balancing priorities and guiding them toward successful, high-quality releases. • Manage internal teams and collaborate with key external development partners, ensuring ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGame Dev JobsGame Dev Jobs in California

Game Dev information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$107K

$177.6K

How much do game dev jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for game dev 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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the game development industry, senior roles such as Lead Game Developer, Technical Director, or Executive Producer at large studios can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and leadership responsibilities, often in high-demand markets or successful companies.

How can I get a job as a game developer?

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

What jobs can a game developer do?

A game developer can work as a software engineer, game designer, level designer, or technical artist, focusing on creating, programming, and testing video games across platforms. They often use tools like Unity or Unreal Engine and may specialize in areas such as graphics, AI, or gameplay mechanics. Many roles require programming skills, knowledge of game engines, and a strong understanding of game design principles.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Game developers can earn around $3,000 a month through freelance work, indie projects, or entry-level positions that prioritize skills in programming, design, and game engines like Unity or Unreal. Building a strong portfolio and gaining experience with relevant tools can help achieve this income level without a formal degree.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Game Dev position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Dev, you need strong programming skills (such as proficiency in C++, C#, or Java), a solid understanding of game engines, and often a relevant degree in computer science, game design, or a related field. Experience with industry-standard tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, version control systems, and, in some cases, relevant certifications are commonly required. Creativity, teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that help developers excel within dynamic, multidisciplinary teams. These abilities enable the development of engaging, bug-free games while ensuring smooth collaboration and successful project delivery.

What does a typical workday look like for a Game Dev and how do they interact with other team members?

As a Game Dev, your daily responsibilities often include coding new features, debugging, integrating assets, and optimizing game performance. You’ll regularly attend team meetings or stand-ups to discuss project progress and coordinate tasks with designers, artists, and project managers. Collaboration is a central part of the job, so you'll be sharing feedback, reviewing code, and brainstorming creative solutions to technical challenges. Most teams use agile methodologies, which means you’ll frequently work in sprints with clearly defined goals and timelines. This environment fosters both individual focus and strong teamwork to create compelling gaming experiences.

What does a Game Developer do?

A Game Developer designs, programs, and tests video games across various platforms. They work with a team of artists, designers, and writers to bring a game from concept to completion. Developers focus on coding gameplay mechanics, optimizing performance, and fixing bugs. Their role may also include integrating audio, creating physics systems, and enhancing user experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Dev jobs in California? The most popular types of Game Dev jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Dev jobs in California? For Game Dev jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Dev jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Game Dev jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Game Dev jobs? Cities in California with the most Game Dev job openings:
Game Dev jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Dev job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,050 per year, or $51.5 per hour.
Software Engineer (ML/Game Development)

Software Engineer (ML/Game Development)

GungHo Online Entertainment America, Inc.

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$75K - $119K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

About the company:

Located in Redondo Beach, CA, GungHo Online Entertainment America Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of the Japanese game company GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. Publishing titles across multiple platforms ranging from console to handheld and mobile, our group is comprised of veterans from various aspects of the industry brought together by one simple thing: a love of gaming.


Position Summary:

This position is responsible for designing, finetuning, and shipping machine learning and generative AI features for our new, internally developed game, as well as general debugging and troubleshooting. You will work at the intersection of applied ML and game development.


What you will be doing:

  • Design, implement, and debug ML/AI-driven features for our internally developed game, with a focus on LLM-powered NPC dialogue and model infrastructure.
  • Finetune, evaluate, and optimize models for in-game use, balancing quality against latency, memory, and cost.
  • Build and maintain inference systems and data pipelines that integrate cleanly with the game engine and runtime.
  • Contribute to gameplay features and general game code alongside your ML work. This is a hands-on role on both sides.
  • Ship other generative AI features as the game evolves.
  • Discuss, design, and plan AI features with artists, game designers, and gameplay engineers.
  • Test prototypes of future titles and AI systems to provide constructive feedback.
  • Attend industry conventions and live events as needed.


Qualifications:

  • 4 years experience in programing, professionally or in school is a plus.
  • B.S. or equivalent in Computer Science is preferred. 
  • C++ and game-engine experience (Unreal) is a huge plus
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience finetuning or deploying ML models. Whether through professional work, personal projects, or self-directed experimentation. We're looking for hands-on ML experience outside of coursework.
  • Solid general programming proficiency (any language); comfortable working in a production codebase.
  • No specific stack required — we care more about what you have actually built than which tools you used.
  • Experience deploying models for low-latency, real-time inference is a plus.
  • Familiarity with 3D graphics, shaders, or GPU programming is a plus.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Desire to learn and to grow, including into the game-development side.
  • Ability to work in small, agile team environments.
  • Passion for narrative games


Why you want to work here:

At GungHo, we’re enthusiastic about creating fun games and we’re always looking for talented individuals with whom we can share our passion. We have a highly collaborative culture where everyone wants to work together to get things done!


 Perks:

  • 100% employer-paid insurances: Health Insurance (PPO Medical, Dental, and Vision), Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance, and Long Term Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Competitive paid time off: Vacation, Personal time, Sick Leave, Holidays, and Winter Breaks.
  • An incentive may be provided based on business performance.


Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM in Pacific Time

Salary Range: $75,000 - $119,000 per year (DOE)


Note: Only applications submitted through the online system or formally referred by the designated recruiter will be deemed official and accepted. Any resumes submitted through alternative channels will not be recognized as valid applications.