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Game Developer Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Lightspeed Studios

Gameplay Engineer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$78.39 - $202.90/hr

S.-based, AAA game development studio for Tencent Games. Lightspeed LA is focused on building ... What the Role Entails Lightspeed LA is seeking a talented and enthusiastic gameplay engineer to ...

Lightspeed Studios

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$116.20 - $269.10/hr

S.-based AAA game development studio for Tencent Games. Lightspeed LA focuses on building ... Collaborate directly and proactively with engineers, designers, artists, and QA to explore and ...

The Escape Game

Game Guide

Irvine, CA · On-site

$16 - $16.90/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 ...

Lightspeed Studios

Lead Graphics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$150 - $275.50/hr

LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is a leading global game developer, with teams across China, United States, Singapore, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and United Arab Emirates.

Bitus Labs

Game Math Designer (Mandarin Required)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$166K/yr

You will collaborate with game designers, product managers, and engineers in a fast-paced, on-site environment, driving both research and product impact. We're looking for a dedicated researcher in ...

New

Lightspeed Studios

Senior Mission Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$93.10 - $216.70/hr

Collaborate with other game development teams--game designers, narrative designers, artists, and programmers--to ensure that the mission design aligns with the game's overall vision and mechanics.

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Game Developer information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$34.9K

$116.4K

$193.2K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer in Irvine, CA is $116,431.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,500.00 and $133,100.00 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.
More about Game Developer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Irvine, CA?

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Game Developer jobs in Irvine, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Developer jobs in Irvine, CA are:

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

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

Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,431 per year, or $56 per hour.

Software Engineer, Gameplay Combat - Unannounced Game

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Blizzard Entertainment rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 78 rated media

Job description

Team Name:
Unannounced Project
Job Title:
Software Engineer, Gameplay Combat - Unannounced Game
Requisition ID:
R028084
Job Description:
At Blizzard, we craft genre-defining games and legendary worlds for all to share. Through unparalleled creativity and storytelling, we create immersive universes and iconic characters that are beloved across platforms, borders, backgrounds, and generations, only made possible by building a work environment that cultivates the artistry of game development and unleashes the aspirations of our people.
We are looking for a Gameplay Engineer, Combat to help create the next generation of gameplay experiences in an unannounced title. You will be responsible for developing combat experiences, character behaviors, navigation systems, and gameplay technologies that make combat gameplay fun. Alongside a talented team of engineers, designers and artists, you will build the foundations that power engaging, responsive, and immersive gameplay.
This role offers a hybrid work week, with a mix of work-from-home and on-site days, based out of our Irvine, CA location.
This role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain combat systems supporting interactions between players and NPCs, with a strong emphasis on performance, scalability, and maintainability.

  • Partner with encounter, character, and system designers to transform gameplay goals into robust technical solutions.

  • Collaborate with designers, artists, animators, and gameplay engineers to implement polished combat experiences.

  • Identify performance bottlenecks, technical risks, and implementation challenges while proposing practical solutions.

  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary and technical partners to diagnose issues and drive fixes to resolution.

Requirements
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in gameplay engineering or a combination of applicable training and related experience.

  • Contributions on action focused combat systems, NPC AI, navigation, or gameplay features on at least one shipped title.

  • Strong C++ programming skills, including performance analysis and optimization.

  • Experience delivering high-quality features as part of a cross-functional team including designers, artists, animators, level designers, FX artists, etc.

Bonus Points
  • Experience working with Unreal Engine

  • Experience and interest in character animation, navigation, combat or gameplay mechanics

  • Experience and interest in combat gameplay

  • Console development experience

Your Platform
At Blizzard Entertainment, we pour our hearts and souls into everything we create. Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft, we've been creating genre-defining games for millions of players around the world for more than 30 years. We're on a quest: bring our dreams to life and craft the most epic entertainment experiences...ever. Hard work, iteration, and polish go into the Blizzard "secret recipe," but the most important ingredients come from talented people who share our vision. If that sounds like you, join us.
Our World
Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, and StarCraft®, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc., a division of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industry's most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years, with a track record that includes multiple Game of the Year awards. Blizzard Entertainment engages tens of millions of players around the world with titles available on PC via Battle.net®, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.
Our ability to build immersive and innovative worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional, and financial well-being for Every World - we've got our employees covered.
Rewards
We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:
  • Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
  • 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
  • Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
  • If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.
In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $38.08 - $70.44 Hourly. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role's range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.

What Blizzard Entertainment employees say

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Benefits

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Blizzard Entertainment logo

About Blizzard Entertainment

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blizzard Entertainment is a globally recognized leader in the Digital Gaming industry, renowned for creating some of the world's most popular video games such as "World of Warcraft," "Overwatch," and "Diablo." The company was founded in 1991 and is currently based in Irvine, California, USA. Aside from creating engaging video games, Blizzard Entertainment also develops and supports a wide range of software products within the realm of entertainment. The company prides itself on its commitment to quality, an element that can be recognized in its vast array of legendary games. Notably, its creation, World of Warcraft, remains one of the highest-grossing video games of all time.

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

1991

Social media

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