1

Game Developer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Game Master

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$12 - $13/hr

Game Masters are the face of our company, welcoming and guiding each guest with a smile. You should be friendly and attentive but not too overbearing - just enough to make sure everyone has an ...

Game Master

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12 - $13/hr

Game Masters are the face of our company, welcoming and guiding each guest with a smile. You should be friendly and attentive but not too overbearing - just enough to make sure everyone has an ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

Their tasks range from field setup, scoring keeping, announcing, music, livestream and other in game needs. The tasks will vary but are important to represent Cornell Athletics in a positive manner.

Their tasks range from field setup, scoring keeping, announcing, music, livestream and other in game needs. The tasks will vary but are important to represent Cornell Athletics in a positive manner.

Senior Software Engineer

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$113K - $150K/yr

Design, implement, and maintain client side and server side code for web based games Work on client ... developers to integrate client/server calls into client side user interfaces Qualifications:

Machine Assembly Tech I

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

American Games (504 34th Avenue Council Bluffs, IA) SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday (7:00 AM - 3:00 PM ... Coordinate effectively with production leadership, engineers, and quality teams to meet production ...

Company Description Boyd Gaming Corporation has been successful in gaming jurisdiction in which we operate in the United States and is one of the premier casino entertainment companies in the United ...

Company Description Boyd Gaming Corporation has been successful in gaming jurisdiction in which we operate in the United States and is one of the premier casino entertainment companies in the United ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Game Developer information

See Iowa salary details

$30.5K

$101.9K

$169.1K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer in Iowa is $101,883.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,600.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game developer?

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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game developer?

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 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 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.

Is a game developer a good career?

A game developer creates video games and typically requires skills in programming, design, and software tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. The field offers opportunities for creativity and growth, but it can also involve long hours and competitive job markets. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those passionate about gaming and technology.

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 technical artist. 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 the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Game Developer jobs in Iowa?

For Game Developer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Developer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Developer jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Game Developer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Game Developer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Game Developer jobs in IA?

For Game Developer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,883 per year, or $49 per hour.

Jr. Systems Developer-Gaming Systems

Accel Entertainment

Nevada, IA • On-site

$78 - $93/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Accel Entertainment rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 281 rated repair and maintenance companies


Job description

About UsAccel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: ACEL) is a growing provider of locals-focused gaming and one of the largest terminal operators in the United States, supporting more than 27,000 electronic gaming terminals in over 4,300 third-party local and regional establishments across ten states. Through exclusive long-term contracts, Accel serves licensed non-casino locations including bars, restaurants, convenience stores, truck stops, gaming cafes, and fraternal and veteran establishments. Accel also owns and operates brick and mortar casinos and a racino venue.Accel provides its local partners with a turnkey, full-service, capital-efficient gaming solution that encompasses manufacturing, content, payments, loyalty, 24/7 customer service, data analysis and reporting, and cash logistics. The Company’s racino, Fairmount Park Casino & Racing, opened in April 2025 and features over 270 electronic gaming machines, food and beverage amenities, a sports book, para-mutuel betting and 55 days of thoroughbred horse racing a year. For more information, please visit www.accelentertainment.com.Job Description:SUMMARYAccel Entertainment is seeking a Junior Systems Developer to build and maintain its gaming systems, including data interfaces, payment systems, controllers, user interfaces, and legacy applications. The Junior Systems Developer will work closely with business stakeholders and Accel engineers to implement new features and modernize existing systems. This role reports to the Senior Systems Developer. Preferred primary location: Las Vegas, NV. Preferred secondary location: Chicago, IL.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESSystems Development & ModernizationCollaborate with business stakeholders, infrastructure engineers, and quality assurance to design, build, test, and deploy gaming systemsUpgrade and enhance existing controllers, devices, user interfaces, and payment systemsBuild new thin-client user interfaces in C# and .NET to replace thick clientsReverse engineer legacy code and integrate functionality into modern C#-based servicesSystems Integration & DeliveryIntegrate gaming systems with accounting and marketing systemsCreate and manage GitHub repositories and set up and maintain CI/CD pipelines with GitHub ActionsProduction Support & DocumentationTroubleshoot and resolve production defectsCreate technical documentation and unit testsOther duties as assignedQUALIFICATIONSEducationBachelor’s degree required, preferably in marketing, communications, or a related fieldExperience2+ years of C#, JavaScript, and .NET development experience, with a focus on secure, reliable, scalable, auditable, and compliant solutionsTechnical SkillsExperience designing and building SQL databasesExperience building interfaces that use CSV and JSON file formats and REST API callsSkills & CompetenciesStrong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with business stakeholders and senior engineersStrong analytical and problem-solving skills for troubleshooting complex issuesOwnership and accountability to follow issues through from discovery to resolutionPreferred ExperienceAngularJS or React experienceExperience using tools such as Jira or Azure DevOps to manage technical workExperience setting up CI/CD processes in GitHubExperience in gaming, hospitality, or multi-state regulated industriesExperience working with infrastructure engineers and quality assurance teamsPHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENTTypical office environmentTravel may be requiredThe above is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Base Pay Range:$78,000–$93,000/yrThis range represents the low and high end of the anticipated base salary range for this position. The base salary will depend on a number of factors such as: qualifications, experience level, and skillset.Voluntary full-time employment benefits include medical, dental, and vision; life, AD&D, critical illness, and hospital insurance; short and long-term disability; identity/legal protection; as well as access to FSA and HSA accounts. Full and part-time employees are eligible to contribute to traditional and/or Roth 401(k) plans. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers counseling for a multitude of topics including (but not limited to) mental health, finances, adult care, disability, and grief.Accel Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr

What Accel Entertainment employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom