ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Game Developer Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Roblox

Software Engineering Manager, Engine UI

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$118K - $158K/yr

Work closely with our game developer community to help achieve their creative vision * Have fun learning about what makes Roblox an amazing platform and place to work, while supplying to industry ...

Discord

Solutions Architect, SF Bay Area

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$220K - $247K/yr

As a Solutions Architect on the Games team at Discord, you'll serve as the technical owner for AAA game developer partnerships. You'll lead the architectural and integration work that helps studios ...

Discord

Solutions Architect, SF Bay Area

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$220K - $247K/yr

As a Solutions Architect on the Games team at Discord, you'll serve as the technical owner for AAA game developer partnerships. You'll lead the architectural and integration work that helps studios ...

ClassDojo, Inc

Senior Game Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$123K - $169K/yr

YYou'll bring gameplay ideas to life through rapid prototyping, then refine and ship them to ... React * Experience and familiarity of working with DevOps and Platform Infrastructure such as:

Cloud Chamber

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

As a Gameplay Engineer at Cloud Chamber you will bridge the gap between technical execution and ... Keep current on technological developments and advancements in the game industry. * Identify ...

Cloud Chamber

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

As a Gameplay Engineer at Cloud Chamber you will bridge the gap between technical execution and ... Keep current on technological developments and advancements in the game industry. * Identify ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGame Developer JobsGame Developer Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Game Developer information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$39.8K

$132.8K

$220.4K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer in Berkeley, CA is $132,816.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,800.00 and $151,800.00 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 Berkeley, CA? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Developer jobs in Berkeley, CA? For Game Developer jobs in Berkeley, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Developer jobs in Berkeley, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Game Developer jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Game Developer jobs? Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Game Developer job openings:
Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in Berkeley, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,816 per year, or $63.9 per hour.

Cocos2d-x Junior Game Developer

YO AI Labs

San Francisco, CA • Remote

$78K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Title: 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 learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input. No prior experience in AI is required — your domain knowledge is what matters.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Develop and refine game logic, mechanics, and features using Cocos2d-x for prototype and production-level projects.
  2. Collaborate closely with the customer's team to provide high-quality real-world input for AI training processes.
  3. Create, modify, and troubleshoot game assets and scenes to support a diverse set of training objectives.
  4. Test, debug, and optimize Cocos2d-x code to ensure robust and efficient gameplay experiences.
  5. Document code and processes thoroughly, ensuring clarity for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  6. Engage in open, clear written and verbal communication to report project status and challenges.
  7. Work iteratively in response to feedback, consistently improving deliverables for AI development needs.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

  1. Solid knowledge of Cocos2d-x and hands-on experience with 2D game development workflows.
  2. Strong problem solving and troubleshooting abilities in a game development context.
  3. Experience collaborating remotely with distributed teams in a fast-paced environment.
  4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on clear, concise updates and documentation.
  5. Ability to follow technical specifications and adapt to evolving project requirements.
  6. Understanding of game design principles and player experience optimization.
  7. Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to grow within a dynamic AI training environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  1. Experience working on projects for AI training or data generation purposes.
  2. Familiarity with additional game engines or programming languages.
  3. Background in collaborating with AI or machine learning specialists.