ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Game Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Echtra Games

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Responsibilities : • Understand the game design and make it a reality. • Collaborate with other engineers, designers, and artists to craft a great user experience. • Decide what's needed and ...

Motocol

Gameplay Engineer

Glendale, CA

$25/hr

An ideal candidate has Mobile Unity Game development, C# and a passion for games, mobile or any ... The Client is seeking a talented Gameplay Engineer (Designer Programmer) to join its team of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGame Developer JobsGame Developer Jobs in California

Game Developer information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$107K

$177.6K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer 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 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.

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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in California? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Developer jobs in California? For Game Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Game Developer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Game Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Game Developer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Game Developer jobs in CA? For Game Developer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,050 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Business Development (mobile games)

Adways Interactive

San Francisco, CA

$50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Adways Interactive is a mobile advertising firm based in downtown San Francisco with the ambition to be #1 mobile advertising firm in USA. Adways is currently serving AAA clients such as Twitter, Disney and Warner Brothers in app marketing. 

We have recently launched a pre-registration platform called PreLaunch.me. PLM is a pre-registration platform for hardcore mobile games and looking for sales professional to grow our service. 

Learn more at https://www.prelaunch.me/ 

Job Description

The candidates' main duty will be to develop relationships with both existing and new mobile game developer partners.

Key Responsibilities:

- Approach mobile game developers and evangelize PreLaunch.Me. 

- Maintain relationships with existing game developer partners.

- Go to trade shows to evangelize our product. 

Qualifications

Required:

  • Hunger to succeed and passion to work hard! These are the most important quality. 
  • At Least 1 year of professional experience in sales or client service environment. 
  • Legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred:

  • Game enthusiast a major plus.
  • Experience in the mobile app industry a major plus. 
Additional Information

Start date: June- July 2016

Employment structure: Full time or contractor depending on candidates' experience level. 

Benefits

  • $50,000 and above in annual salary with up to $80,000 in commission bonus. 
  • 10 days of flexible paid time off and 5 days of sick leave annually from first year of employment.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Commute Benefit. Awesome office near Bart station. 
  • Enjoyable team and office events.
  • Free beer, tea, coffee, and fruits in the office! 


Please attache your resume & cover letter to be considered! Only successful candidate will get a reply. 

*** MUST commute to our office in San Francisco***

Apply