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Game Developer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Zynga is a global leader in interactive entertainment, known for its diverse portfolio of games. The Principal Software Developer will play a key role in financial analysis and data visualization ...

Senior XR/Unity Developer Location: Austin TX || Onsite Interview: Virtual Senior XR/Unity ... Master's degree in computer science, Game Development, or a related field. * Experience with ...

Senior Product Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Zynga is a mobile game developer that creates and operates social games as live services played on the Internet. It is a sub-organization of Take-Two Interactive Software. Founded in 2007, the ...

Game Guide

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$11/hr

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 ...

Game Guide

Grapevine, TX · On-site

$12/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Director of Product

Austin, TX · On-site

$231K - $241K/yr

Zynga is a mobile game developer that creates and operates social games as live services played on the Internet. It is a sub-organization of Take-Two Interactive Software. Founded in 2007, the ...

Zynga is a mobile game developer that creates and operates social games as live services played on the Internet. It is a sub-organization of Take-Two Interactive Software. Founded in 2007, the ...

Work with software engineers to test and verify game math model simulations using statistical methods * Analyze metrics and user feedback to derive insights and adjust game designs accordingly

Director of Product

Austin, TX · On-site

$231K - $241K/yr

Zynga is a mobile game developer that creates and operates social games as live services played on the Internet. It is a sub-organization of Take-Two Interactive Software. Founded in 2007, the ...

... Game Developer, Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Computer Science, Software Engineering ...

Game Designer (NPC)

Frisco, TX · Remote

$145K/yr

Our games are entrenched with rich universes that are expanded upon via transmedia storytelling ... Work closely with engineers, artists, and other designers to ensure features meet goals and ship on ...

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Game Developer information

See Texas salary details

$30.3K

$101.1K

$167.7K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer in Texas is $101,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,900.00 and $115,500.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Game Developer jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Game Developer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Game Developer jobs in TX? For Game Developer jobs in TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,057 per year, or $48.6 per hour.
Principal Software Developer - Payments

Principal Software Developer - Payments

Zynga

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Zynga is a global leader in interactive entertainment, known for its diverse game portfolio. They are seeking a Principal Software Developer to craft and maintain their core Payments platform, focusing on backend applications and services that enhance the gameplay experience.
Responsibilities:
• Design and architect new backend applications/services running in AWS
• Optimize and refactor existing services to improve reliability, scalability and to lower cost
• Document and build plans for architecture and system designs
• Take a hands-on approach in architecting, writing and reviewing code
• Review detailed tech plans from others, aligning with the team and Zynga-wide technical vision
• Proactively identify and recommend improvements to address systemic problems and tech debt
• Follow engineering standard methodologies to ensure code quality, performance and reliability
• Work collaboratively across teams to understand product/customer requirements and propose technical solutions
• Provide production and integration support for shared technology across Zynga games
Qualifications:
Required:
• Degree in a technical field (e.g., Computer Science, Computer Engineering) or equivalent experience
• 6+ years of hands-on software development experience
• Experience in programming RESTful services using Java
• Solid understanding of backend server applications and web services
• Strong familiarity and experience using AWS and/or other cloud computing platforms (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
• Strong familiarity and experience with database systems (SQL, NoSQL)
• Deep understanding of algorithms, design patterns, debugging and performance optimization
• Experience in object-oriented design of applications/systems
• Experience with agile development methodologies and tools
• Excellent interpersonal skills - particularly the ability to discuss timelines, design concerns, work with distributed teams, and provide effective feedback to team members
Preferred:
• Experience with C#/C++ and mobile client development is a strong plus
• Familiarity with containers and Kubernetes
• Familiarity with web development using JavaScript, Angular, and/or React
• Experience working with AI tools
Company:
Zynga is a mobile game developer that creates and operates social games as live services played on the Internet. It is a sub-organization of Take-Two Interactive Software. Founded in 2007, the company is headquartered in San Mateo, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.