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Game Developer Jobs in Carson, CA (NOW HIRING)

Naughty Dog

IT Hardware Generalist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

Naughty Dog, a video game developer that produces games on PlayStation systems, including the Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter franchises. It is a sub-organization of Sony Computer Entertainment ...

HoYoverse

Senior Game Recruiter

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Experienced in small to mid sized companies and helping dynamic organizations scale quickly, and at least 2+ years work experience recruiting for gameplay engineering, production, art/animation or ...

HoYoverse

Senior Game Recruiter

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Experienced in small to mid sized companies and helping dynamic organizations scale quickly, and at least 2+ years work experience recruiting for gameplay engineering, production, art/animation or ...

Unbroken Studios

Senior Engineer (UI)

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$138K - $172K/yr

Be responsible for the authoring and maintaining gameplay features and systems code while meeting ... Skills Knowledge and Expertise * 5 to 8+ years game programming experience and at least one shipped ...

TapBlaze

Game Designer, Casual F2P

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$167K/yr

Create wireframes, design documents, and prototypes that communicate your intent clearly to engineering and art. Game Economy & Balance * Design and maintain in-game economies (currencies, pricing ...

TapBlaze

Game Designer, Casual F2P

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$167K/yr

Create wireframes, design documents, and prototypes that communicate your intent clearly to engineering and art. Game Economy & Balance * Design and maintain in-game economies (currencies, pricing ...

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All JobsGame Developer JobsGame Developer Jobs in Carson, CA

Game Developer information

See Carson, CA salary details

$34K

$113.4K

$188.3K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer in Carson, CA is $113,442.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,200.00 and $129,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Carson, CA?

The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Carson, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Game Developer jobs in Carson, CA?

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

What cities near Carson, CA are hiring for Game Developer jobs?

Cities near Carson, CA with the most Game Developer job openings:

Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in Carson, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,442 per year, or $54.5 per hour.

Principal Game Designer, Competitive Systems - VALORANT

Riot Games

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

As a Principal Game Designer, you will design, tweak, and optimize the player experience. Your analytical skills, player insight, and creativity aid in crafting in- and out-of-game experiences that engage and surprise players. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and work with every tool at hand to innovate and iterate player-focused designs that'll delight millions around the world.
VALORANT is Riot's take on a character-based tactical shooter. As a Principal Game Designer on the Competitive Systems team, you'll help shape and define how players engage with competition across ranked, matchmaking, and adjacent systems that influence mastery, fairness, and long-term growth. You'll partner with product managers, engineers, analysts, and other designers to develop systems that are strategically sound, motivating to engage with, and worthy of players' investment over time. You have significant competitive multiplayer affinity and experience, understanding the challenges players encounter and the motivations that drive them. You are comfortable operating in ambiguous spaces and can design and iterate on solutions to complex systemic problems. This role reports to the Lead Metasystems Designer.
Responsibilities:
  • Define and evolve competitive systems that reward player skill, growth, and long-term investment in VALORANT.
  • Guide the design of ranked, matchmaking, and adjacent competitive systems to support fairness, competitive integrity, and player engagement.
  • Work closely with product managers, engineers, analysts, and design leadership to ensure systems are cohesive, consistent, and in line with VALORANT's overall vision.
  • Keep the focus on player value by leveraging feedback, research, and game data to iterate on designs and improve the competitive experience.
  • Create multiple design solutions and clearly articulate the trade-offs, risks, and player impact of each.
  • Provide direction, mentorship, and feedback to other designers, fostering collaboration and craft excellence across systems design.
  • Playtest VALORANT regularly and help push improvements for existing systems and new concepts.
Required Qualifications:
  • 7+ years of experience in professional Game Design.
  • Deep experience developing competitive multiplayer systems such as matchmaking, ranked, and skill systems.
  • Shipped or contributed to at least one AAA+ online competitive title.
  • Demonstrated ability to design and iterate on complex systems with a clear understanding of player impact and downstream effects.
  • Strong communication skills with proven ability to articulate design rationale, trade-offs, and decision frameworks to cross-disciplinary partners.
  • Experience working in a live-service development environment.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Deep passion for and understanding of competitive online games and their player communities.
  • Familiarity with online shooters, especially VALORANT or tactical shooters.
  • Experience balancing competitive integrity with engaging and rewarding systems.
  • Experience as a senior craft leader or thought partner on materially impactful design initiatives.
  • Ability to interpret and learn from charged or emotional player feedback to improve the product experience.
  • Experience developing across multiple platforms, including PC, console, or mobile.

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise and a collaborative spirit that prioritizes the delight of players. We will look at your past studies and experience, but for this role, we also look for dedicated people with a personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this is the role for you!
Our Perks:
Riot has a focus on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy, in addition to other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.
At Riot Games, we put players first. That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you're working directly on a new player-facing experience or you're supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we're better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we're looking forward to your application.
It's our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.
Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:
  • Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
  • Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
  • Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
  • Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.
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About Riot Games

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Riot Games was founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill with the intent to change the way video games are made and supported for players. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to worldwide acclaim. The game has since gone on to become the most played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. Players are the foundation of our community and it's for them we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2006

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