ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Game Developer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Iron Galaxy Studios

Graphics Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$135K - $167K/yr

Stay up to date on game programming practices, be receptive to feedback from teammates and leads, and mentor more junior engineers. * Serve as a people leader as it relates to management of projects ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Nashville, TN · 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.

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Chattanooga, TN · 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.

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Kingsport, TN · 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.

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Murfreesboro, TN · 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.

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Memphis, TN · 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.

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Knoxville, TN · 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.

Wilderness Territory

Arcade Game Tech

Sevierville, TN · On-site

$15/hr

A Game Technician completes inspections and upkeep of various attractions, games, and equipment inside the Arcade. The Technician is responsible for keeping attractions and games in a working ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGame Developer JobsGame Developer Jobs in Tennessee

Game Developer information

See Tennessee salary details

$29.5K

$98.5K

$163.4K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer in Tennessee is $98,450.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $112,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the 80 20 rule in game development?

In game development, the 80/20 rule suggests that approximately 80% of the game's value comes from 20% of the features or effort. Developers often focus on the most impactful features to optimize time and resources, ensuring a better player experience while managing scope and deadlines.

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.

Will game dev be replaced by AI?

Game developers create and design interactive entertainment, and while AI tools can assist with tasks like asset generation and coding, they are unlikely to fully replace human creativity, problem-solving, and storytelling skills essential to game development. AI can enhance productivity but requires human oversight and expertise to produce high-quality, engaging games.

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 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.

Is game developer in high demand?

Game developers are in high demand due to the growing gaming industry and increasing investment in mobile, console, and PC games. Skills in programming languages like C++ and Unity or Unreal Engine are highly valued, and job opportunities are expected to grow as the industry expands globally.

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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Developer jobs in Tennessee? For Game Developer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Developer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Game Developer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Game Developer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Game Developer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Game Developer jobs in TN? For Game Developer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,450 per year, or $47.3 per hour.
Game Guide (Downtown Nashville)

Game Guide (Downtown Nashville)

The Escape Game

Nashville, TN • On-site

$13/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

The Escape Game rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 5 rated escape rooms

Job description

We are located in Downtown Nashville! Copy & paste the link below to learn more about our company and the open position!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y6M935SR83Ae1YFQhTw8kzmjWCqonXZn/view?usp=sharing


THE ROLE:

Game Guides are world-class hospitality experts who are genuinely delighted to anticipate each individual guest’s needs, enthusiastically serve them, and do whatever it takes to make their day!

Game Guides at The Escape Game will lead guests through our escape rooms – thrilling, immersive adventure games where players work together to complete a mission (and escape a themed room) before time runs out. To progress through the game, players must find clues and solve puzzles.

Game Guides set the tone for the entire experience by delivering an upbeat, conversational introduction to groups of 2-12 guests, and they connect with guests of all ages to make their visit as fun and memorable as possible. During gameplay, Game Guides use TEG’s software to monitor team progress and ensure every single guest enjoys their experience. After the game, Game Guides celebrate with guests and reset game components accurately and efficiently.


HOW GAME GUIDES SERVE OUR GUESTS AND OUR TEAM

● Embodying our mission, vision, and values during every shift

● Leading groups of 2-12 in fun, friendly conversation

● Collecting information and making meaningful connections with guests

● Enthusiastically explaining TEG games and products

● Using Game Guide software to monitor games and assist guests

● Using HMI (Human-Machine Interface) to operate our games

● Giving a recap of the experience in the outro

● Ensuring operational excellence on shift by:

○ Ensuring game components function properly

○ Using setup sheets to accurately reset games

○ Cleaning games and TEG’s facility

○ Being timely and exemplifying excellent time management skills in order to stay on schedule for the games assigned

○ Restocking inventory

○ Completing necessary reports

● Immediately and graciously resolving service failures

● Ensuring each guest has a five-star experience and leaves happy


REQUIREMENTS

● Flexible availability. This role works nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

● Must be able to handle physical activity as it relates to the job, such as deep cleaning, painting, standing, crawling,

bending, lifting 30-40 lbs, and minor game repairs.

● Must be able to use small tools and strong magnets when resetting our games.

● Quickly resetting numerous locks, drawers, shelves, and game components within specific time frames outlined in training.

● Excellent communication skills when speaking with our guests.

● Align with TEG’s Uniform Standards.


BENEFITS FOR FULL TIME TEAM MEMBERS
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Health Insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Vision insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Life insurance
  • Flexible schedule

What The Escape Game employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom