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Game Developer Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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:

Spellbrush

Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Unity Engineer Role: We are looking for an experienced game engineer with strong C# and Unity skills. You will be working closely with a small, multidisciplinary team to build out our upcoming ...

Spellbrush

Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Unity Engineer Role: We are looking for an experienced game engineer with strong C# and Unity skills. You will be working closely with a small, multidisciplinary team to build out our upcoming ...

UnannouncedGameStudio

Game Programmer

Fairfax, VA

An Unannounced Game Studio based in Fairfax, VA and led by industry veterans is searching for Jr-Mid Programmers to join a talented team in creating amazing games. Responsibilities Write portable ...

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:

YO AI Labs

Cocos2d-x Junior Game Developer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$78K - $102K/yr

Cocos2d-x Junior Game Developer Job Type: Contractor Location: Remote Job Summary: In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models ...

Bluberi

Unity Game Software Developer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

The Game Software Developer III joins each element of a game: graphics, animation, audio and mathematic formulas, to deliver high quality, captivating and performing games while guiding other studio ...

DevSelect

Game Solution Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

Gather feedback from our game developer partners and help improve our processes and documentation. * Become familiar with the game's codebase in order to offer technical advice or help troubleshoot ...

Apple

Senior Gaming Platform Engineer

Seattle, WA

$142K - $263K/yr

Join the Game Services Framework team to help us build the developer-facing technologies that drive discovery, engagement, and connectivity for games in the Apple ecosystem. We have an exciting ...

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 ...

DevSelect

Unity Game Solutions Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

Gather feedback from our game developer partners and help improve our processes and documentation. * Become familiar with the game's codebase in order to offer technical advice or help troubleshoot ...

Candywriter

Unity Developer

Miami Beach, FL · On-site

We are a small but mighty game studio known for putting out fun and innovative mobile games such as ... As a Unity Developer, you will be responsible for planning and implementing game functionality ...

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All JobsGame Developer Programmer Jobs

Game Developer Programmer information

See salary details

$11K

$92.6K

$173.5K

How much do game developer programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer programmer in the United States is $92,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,000.00 and $145,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Game Developer Programmer do?

A Game Developer Programmer is responsible for writing the code that brings video games to life. They work closely with game designers, artists, and other team members to implement gameplay mechanics, graphics, artificial intelligence, and user interfaces. Their tasks include troubleshooting bugs, optimizing performance, and ensuring the game runs smoothly on different platforms. Game Developer Programmers often specialize in areas such as graphics, audio, or network programming, and are essential to the technical development of a game.

What are some common challenges faced by Game Developer Programmers when working in multidisciplinary teams?

Game Developer Programmers often collaborate closely with artists, designers, and audio engineers, which can present challenges in aligning technical limitations with creative vision. Effective communication is key, as programmers must frequently translate complex technical concepts for non-technical team members and accommodate evolving gameplay requirements. Balancing performance optimization with graphical fidelity and gameplay features is another common challenge, requiring programmers to make trade-offs and iterate solutions quickly in a fast-paced environment.

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

To thrive as a Game Developer Programmer, you need strong proficiency in programming languages such as C++, C#, or Java, along with a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals and often a relevant degree. Familiarity with industry-standard game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems, and possibly certifications in game development are highly valuable. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and tackling complex development challenges. These skills and qualities are crucial for building high-quality, engaging games that meet technical requirements and player expectations.

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

AspectGame Developer ProgrammerGame Designer
Primary RoleWriting code, implementing game mechanics, and developing softwareCreating game concepts, storylines, and gameplay experiences
Required SkillsProgramming languages (C++, C#), software development, problem-solvingCreativity, storytelling, game mechanics design
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, coding environmentsDesign studios, collaborative creative teams
Common Industry UsageUsed in game development companies for technical implementationUsed in game studios for conceptual and gameplay design

While both roles are essential in game creation, Game Developer Programmers focus on coding and technical implementation, whereas Game Designers concentrate on creating engaging gameplay and story elements. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and collaboration in the gaming industry.

More about Game Developer Programmer jobs
What cities are hiring for Game Developer Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Game Developer Programmer job openings:
What states have the most Game Developer Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Game Developer Programmer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Game Developer Programmer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Game Developer Programmer jobs are:
Game Developer Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Developer Programmer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,636 per year, or $44.5 per hour.
Principal Game Developer

Principal Game Developer

Exploding Kittens

Los Angeles, CA

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

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 concepts from idea to finished product while ensuring every game meets our high bar for clarity, innovation, delight, and replayability.

You have a deep love for game mechanics, especially mass-market party games, and a strong instinct for what makes a game truly fun. You combine experience, sharp taste, and playtest-driven insights to refine gameplay and elevate every product you touch. You'll also mentor and influence other designers and developers, helping raise the bar across the team.

If you're someone who thinks about games constantly (in a good way), obsesses over what makes people laugh, connect, and come back for more, and loves turning great ideas into unforgettable experiences, you'll fit right in.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

  • Serve as gameplay authority - making final calls on mechanics, balance, and player experience.

  • Refine games to ensure strong audience fit across family, adult, and kids categories.

  • Lead playtesting process and analyze and synthesize playtest footage into clear development direction. 

  • Creatively solve complex gameplay challenges, always keeping the player top of mind.

  • Evaluate inventor submissions and contribute to greenlight and portfolio decisions.

  • Write and/or refine instruction manuals to ensure clarity, accessibility, and brand/tone alignment.

  • Mentor designers and developers, implementing and raising product standards and best practices across the team.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with the rest of Creative Operations, Production & Sourcing, and key stakeholders to bring outstanding, innovative, and disruptive games to shelf.

WHAT WE NEED:

  • 10+ years of tabletop game design/development experience or equivalent expertise.

  • Proven track record of developing successful and commercially viable mass retail party games.

  • Deep understanding of mass retail party games, game mechanics, player psychology, rules balance, and replayability.

  • Extensive experience running, observing, and analyzing playtests.

  • Strong ability to diagnose gameplay issues and implement effective solutions.

  • Excellent writing and editing skills, especially for rules, instruction manuals, and "how to play" videos.

  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and elevate other designers.

  • Exceptional taste, strong judgment, and a sustained focus on the audience experience.

$120,000 - $140,000 a year
This salary represents a range for the position and will ultimately depend on the individual's qualifications and years of experience, location, and is subject to change.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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