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Game Developer Japan Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nintendo

Sr Engineer, Multimedia (NTD)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$117K - $160K/yr

... Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch system and the ... Develop new features for deployment in massively used gaming console. * Architect and design ...

Nintendo

Sr Engineer, Multimedia (NTD)

Redmond, WA

$145K - $261K/yr

... Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch™ system and the ... Develop new features for deployment in massively used gaming console. * Architect and design ...

Nintendo

Sr Engineer, ML (NTD)

Redmond, WA · On-site +1

$117K - $160K/yr

... Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch system and the ... Develop and prototype new algorithms and workflows to improve developer experience. * Research ...

Nintendo

Sr Engineer, Display (NTD)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$117K - $160K/yr

... Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch system and the ... Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS family of systems, Super NES, Nintendo 64, Nintendo ...

Nintendo

Sr Engineer, Device Driver (NTD)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$117K - $160K/yr

... Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch system and the ... Design and develop device drivers for current and future gaming consoles. * Implement robust ...

Rapsodo

Senior UI/UX Designer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

... Japan, and Malaysia, Rapsodo represents more than just sports technology and data analytics. It ... Powered by Athletes who get it, and Engineers who can do it. Role Purpose As we expand ...

Nintendo

Sr Engineer, Display (NTD)

Redmond, WA

$145K - $261K/yr

... Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch™ system and the ... Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS™ family of systems, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™, Nintendo ...

Rapsodo

Senior UI/UX Designer

Saint Louis, MO

... Japan, and Malaysia, Rapsodo represents more than just sports technology and data analytics. It ... Powered by Athletes who get it, and Engineers who can do it. Role Purpose As we expand ...

Rapsodo

Senior UI/UX Designer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

... Japan, and Malaysia, Rapsodo represents more than just sports technology and data analytics. It ... Powered by Athletes who get it, and Engineers who can do it. Role Purpose As we expand ...

Nintendo of America Inc

Sr Engineer, ML (NTD)

Redmond, WA · On-site +1

$145K - $261K/yr

... Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch™ system and the ... DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES Develop and prototype new algorithms and workflows to improve developer ...

Nintendo

Sr Engineer, ML (NTD)

Redmond, WA · On-site +1

$145K - $261K/yr

... Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch™ system and the ... Develop and prototype new algorithms and workflows to improve developer experience. * Research ...

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All JobsGame Developer Japan Jobs

Game Developer Japan information

See salary details

$32.5K

$108.5K

$180K

How much do game developer japan jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer japan 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 in Japan, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Developer in Japan, you need strong programming skills (C++, C#, or Java), a solid understanding of game design principles, and often a relevant degree in computer science or game development. Familiarity with industry-standard engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems, and sometimes Japanese language proficiency or business etiquette are highly valued. Creativity, teamwork, and effective communication set exceptional candidates apart in this collaborative environment. These skills are crucial for creating innovative, high-quality games that meet both technical and cultural expectations in the Japanese market.

What is the difference between Game Developer Japan vs Game Programmer Japan?

AspectGame Developer JapanGame Programmer Japan
Primary RoleDesigning, developing, and managing overall game projectsWriting code, implementing game mechanics, and debugging
Required SkillsGame design, project management, programming basicsProgramming languages (C++, C#), software development
Work EnvironmentCreative teams, project planning, cross-disciplinary collaborationSoftware development teams, coding environments
Industry UsageUsed in game studios for project oversightUsed in game studios for technical implementation

Game Developer Japan focuses on overseeing game projects, combining design and management skills, while Game Programmer Japan specializes in coding and technical implementation. Both roles are essential in game development but differ in responsibilities and skill sets.

What are the common challenges game developers face when working in Japan, and how can they be addressed?

Game developers in Japan often encounter challenges such as tight project deadlines, frequent revisions based on client or market feedback, and the need to balance creativity with strict quality standards. Additionally, communication across multidisciplinary teams, sometimes with language barriers, can require strong collaboration skills. Embracing agile development practices, continuous learning, and open communication with team members can help mitigate these challenges and foster a productive work environment.

What does a Game Developer in Japan do?

A Game Developer in Japan is responsible for designing, programming, and creating video games for various platforms such as consoles, PC, or mobile devices. Their tasks may include coding game mechanics, developing graphics, testing for bugs, and collaborating with artists and designers to bring a game to life. The Japanese game industry is known for its innovation and global influence, so developers often work in dynamic teams and use cutting-edge technology. They may also be involved in localization and adapting games for international markets.
More about Game Developer Japan jobs
What cities are hiring for Game Developer Japan jobs? Cities with the most Game Developer Japan job openings:
What states have the most Game Developer Japan jobs? States with the most job openings for Game Developer Japan jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Game Developer Japan jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Game Developer Japan jobs are:
Game Developer Japan jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Developer Japan job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 23% As Needed, 23% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 44% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,471 per year, or $52.1 per hour.
Manager, Competitive Programs

Manager, Competitive Programs

The Pokémon Company International

Bellevue, WA

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Get to know The Pokémon Company International
The Pokémon Company International manages the Pokémon property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing and marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children's entertainment properties in the world.
Learn more online at corporate.pokemon.com and pokemon.com.
Get to know the role
  • Job Title: Manager, Competitive Programs
  • Job Summary: The Manager of Competitive Programs will drive the competitive live operations for the path to the Pokémon World Championships covering multiple product categories. This role is responsible for managing a team which will drive the planning and execution of competitive events, as well as developing long-term plans with game developers, evaluating the competitive landscape, and leading the creation of systems that qualify players from North America, Europe, Latin America, MESA, and Oceania to the annual Pokémon World Championships with a focus on increasing annual engagement and long-term value. Key responsibilities include the development and review of competitive event schedules, point systems, player rewards, game incentives, budgets and event reports, as well as a commitment to developing career paths for team members and contributing to the development of TPCi's overall competitive vision.
  • FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt
  • People Manager: Yes

What you'll do
  • Manage and develop team members responsible for strategic execution of various competitive products such as the Pokémon TCG, VG, Pokémon UNITE, and Pokémon GO.
  • Oversee the global qualification process for multiple products across North America, Europe, Latin America, MESA, and Oceania.
  • Plan, budget, and allocate support in line with underlying business and company priorities for each product.
  • Develop quarterly and annual goals meeting department and company objectives.
  • Manage competitive program and live ops calendars, as well as oversee the creation of prizing tables, digital rewards, and other player incentives.
  • Lead and partner with internal and external teams, including game developers, to build the path to Worlds for multiple products.
  • Work closely with Organized Play, Marketing, Legal, Broadcast and Events teams to ensure the path to Worlds is supported as designed.
  • Conduct annual performance evaluations for reporting team members.
  • Develop standards of documentation, tracking, and system design to ensure a consistent and fair approach in annual qualification to Worlds.
  • Generate event reports for internal stakeholders and track KPIs for each competitive product and provide updates in relation to company goals and objectives.
  • Advise game product development teams on any relevant product concerns relating to competitive players based on player research and trends.
  • Collaborate closely with Trust and Safety, Legal, and game development teams to manage creation and revisions of rulesets, penalties, and related guidelines so that they may be clearly applied to competitive events.
  • Provide leadership for industry objectives, strategy, and content to ensure that competitive pillars are appropriately designed and supported.
  • Develop the competitive gaming market data needed to support the customer journey to grow player engagement.
  • Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with external vendors globally.

What you'll bring
  • Five+ (5+) years of relevant professional experience, plus two (2+) years of people management experience, managing a team(s) of direct reports.
  • Bachelors degree required.
  • Five+ (5+) years of experience in esports, competitive gaming, events or sports management.
  • Deep knowledge and passion for competitive systems and player engagement mechanisms, including competitive formats including single elimination, double elimination, swiss, and round robin.
  • Proven success in managing and a passion for developing a team of diverse skill sets and backgrounds including with multi-office reports.
  • Excellent process-oriented analytical skills with proven ability to manage multiple projects at once.
  • Expert in competitive systems including season long qualification planning and point design.
  • Outstanding communication skills with the ability to work across teams and communicate competitive gaming priorities at the team, department, executive, and company levels.
  • Ability to understand and provide constructive review of floorplans, network diagrams and other technical requirements for tournament play hardware such as mobile phones and the Nintendo Switch.
  • Ability to adapt to changing deadlines, emerging needs, policy changes, and the variety of quick pivots which can happen in events and product development.
  • Ability to operate at a strategic level to define new competitive opportunities and build towards desired outcomes.
  • Experience working with external partners, particularly international ones.
  • While passion for the Pokémon brand is a plus, it is not required. However, knowledge of and a willingness to learn more about the brand is a must. Ability to become a SME of multiple products at a competitive level is a must.
  • Travel required, approx. 6-8 weeks/year.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Base Salary Range: For this role, new hires generally start between $119,300 - $158,700 per year. The full range is $119,300 - $215,000 per year. This range is applicable for the labor market where the role is intended to be hired. The final base salary is directly related to the candidate's qualifications and professional experience uniquely.
#LI-CK1 #LI-Hybrid
How you'll be successful
  • Passion for Pokémon: Develops an understanding of the Pokémon brand, the impact it has on our people, culture, business, fans, and communities, and applying that knowledge and passion to everything you do.
  • Challenging the Expected: Approaches challenges with curiosity and creativity, embracing the possibility of failure as an opportunity to learn something new, develop innovative ideas, solve complex problems and identify unique opportunities.
  • Integrity and Respect: Demonstrates integrity and respect by leading with empathy, listening to others, seeking out different perspectives, and taking personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and results.
  • Dedicated to Quality: Takes ownership to maintain and promote high standards, looks for new ways to learn and improve, and embraces a growth mindset to seek and apply feedback from others in an effort to continuously improve.
  • Building Relationships: Develops and strengthens relationships, adopting a "team first" mentality and working collaboratively to solve problems and meet shared goals.
  • Delighting Customers: Listens and understands the interests and needs of our customers and stakeholders, making them feel heard and important, and embracing these learnings to continue delivering a unique Pokémon experience.

What to expect
  • An innovative culture driven by impact, delivering meaningful outcomes.
  • Company events that celebrate the spirit of Pokémon.
  • Competitive cash-based compensation programs.
  • 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for you.
  • Generous paid family leave.
  • Employer-paid life insurance.
  • Employer-paid long and short-term income protection insurance.
  • US Employees: 401k Employer Matching.
  • UK/IRE/MX Employees: Pension Employer Contributions.
  • Fitness reimbursement.
  • Commuter benefit.
  • LinkedIn learning.
  • Comprehensive relocation package for certain roles.
  • Hybrid work environment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this role. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. For roles in the United Kingdom, candidates will need the right to work. In some cases, and for some roles, the Company may be able to arrange a visa. For roles in Ireland, this role requires candidates to have the right to live and work in the Republic of Ireland. However, we welcome applications from all nationalities and may consider supporting an employment permit application, in appropriate and suitable cases.
The Pokémon Company International is committed to the inclusion of all qualified applicants for consideration in our job application process. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at accommodationrequest_ta@pokemon.com.

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