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Game Developer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

2K

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 ...

2K

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

$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

AI Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

Cloud Chamber is dedicated to creating evocative and immersive BioShock games, and they are seeking an AI Engineer to join their development team. The role involves collaborating with engineering and ...

2K Vegas

Lead Software Engineer - Automation

Novato, CA · On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

... game projects. * Workflow Acceleration - Identify developer friction points and proactively integrate automation to streamline automation and testing lifecycles. * Cross-Studio Collaboration ...

2K Vegas

Lead Software Engineer - Automation

Novato, CA · On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

... game projects. * Workflow Acceleration - Identify developer friction points and proactively integrate automation to streamline automation and testing lifecycles. * Cross-Studio Collaboration ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Engine Programmer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Work closely with other game developers to define and implement the vision of our game. * Maintain and manage our core engine and assist with integrations from Epic. * Partner with the engine ...

2K

Senior Engine Programmer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Work closely with other game developers to define and implement the vision of our game. * Maintain and manage our core engine and assist with integrations from Epic. * Partner with the engine ...

2K

Senior Engine Programmer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Work closely with other game developers to define and implement the vision of our game. * Maintain and manage our core engine and assist with integrations from Epic. * Partner with the engine ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Engine Programmer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Work closely with other game developers to define and implement the vision of our game. * Maintain and manage our core engine and assist with integrations from Epic. * Partner with the engine ...

2K

AI Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

We are attempting new and ambitious things with AI in this game. You are a bold and curious engineer who believes in an iterative, experimental approach to game development; moving comfortably ...

2K

AI Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

We are attempting new and ambitious things with AI in this game. You are a bold and curious engineer who believes in an iterative, experimental approach to game development; moving comfortably ...

Cloud Chamber

AI Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

We are attempting new and ambitious things with AI in this game. You are a bold and curious engineer who believes in an iterative, experimental approach to game development; moving comfortably ...

Cloud Chamber

AI Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

We are attempting new and ambitious things with AI in this game. You are a bold and curious engineer who believes in an iterative, experimental approach to game development; moving comfortably ...

2K

Senior Rendering Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

You'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers including our Lead Rendering Engineer, Technical Artists, and Art Direction. You will be responsible for modifying core shaders ...

2K

Senior Rendering Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

You'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers including our Lead Rendering Engineer, Technical Artists, and Art Direction. You will be responsible for modifying core shaders ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Rendering Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

You'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers including our Lead Rendering Engineer, Technical Artists, and Art Direction. You will be responsible for modifying core shaders ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Rendering Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

You'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers including our Lead Rendering Engineer, Technical Artists, and Art Direction. You will be responsible for modifying core shaders ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior AI Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

You are bold, brave, and believe in an iterative, experimental approach to game development, moving comfortably between design and engineering, collaborating and communicating ambition and ...

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All JobsGame Developer JobsGame Developer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Game Developer information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$35.5K

$118.6K

$196.8K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer in Santa Rosa, CA is $118,594.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,100.00 and $135,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Developer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Game Developer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Developer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Game Developer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Game Developer jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Game Developer job openings:
Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,594 per year, or $57 per hour.

Gameplay Engineer

Cloud Chamber

Novato, CA • On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

As a Gameplay Engineer at Cloud Chamber you will bridge the gap between technical execution and creative vision, ensuring that our player-centric gameplay feels as impactful as it looks. You will work in close collaboration with a talented development team, report to our Associate Technical Director, and be responsible for helping the team craft compelling and immersive gameplay systems that support our creative ambitions, ultimately bringing the world of BioShock to life.
What You'll Do:
  • Work closely and constructively with design and art teams to realize creative ambitions.
  • Architect and coordinate the implementation of new Gameplay systems and features for player verbs, camera, weapon, etc.
  • Work within Unreal 5 engine, both adapting existing systems and building new technology, in order to fulfill the project's technical needs and achieve its creative goals.
  • Keep current on technological developments and advancements in the game industry.
  • Identify technical and developmental risks/obstacles and generate solutions to overcome identified risks.
  • Partner closely with design, engineering, animation, and audio to further the goals of the project.

What We'll Do Together:
At Cloud Chamber, we are champions of high standards, pushing for progress and embracing change. We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions. Together, we will stay current on technological advancements and identify solutions to overcome developmental obstacles.
Skills & Experiences:
  • 3+ years industry or related experience.
  • Previous experience being a contributor to a gameplay engineering team.
  • Strong 3D Math skills with C/C++ experience.
  • Experience with the C/C++ programming language along with a strong familiarity of Object-Oriented (OO) design principles.
  • Commitment to code quality, documentation and sound testing procedures.
  • Debugging/Problem-Solving Skills.
  • Understanding of current data structures, algorithms and methodologies.
  • Experience working with player-centric systems, such as character, camera, and control (3Cs).
  • Current console experience.
  • Strong understanding and familiarity with current Unreal Engine technology is desired.

Who You Are:
  • A reliable, positive force multiplier, actively seeking opportunities to integrate work across disciplines and contribute to a healthy, supportive team environment.
  • A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, package information for diverse audiences, and deliver difficult feedback with empathy and professionalism.
  • A persistent and self-motivated person with a proactive mindset.
  • Able to maintain effectiveness and quality under pressure, ambiguity, and fast-changing priorities.
  • An active listener able to build and maintain trust-based relationships across all levels of the organization, understand differing perspectives, and navigate organizational complexity with tact and emotional intelligence.
  • Highly open to feedback and direction, possessing a desire to learn new skills, and capable of producing quick, quality revisions based on new insights or constraints.
  • A strong owner of your tasks, who strives to drive their work forward autonomously while maintaining a critical eye for detail and organization, ensuring high standards of quality.
  • Dedicated to upholding Cloud Chamber's core values, contributing to a positive and respectful company culture while striving for excellence in all endeavors.

Who We Are:
At Cloud Chamber we strive to make BioShock games that move people: evocative, immersive, and meaningful experiences that stay with you long after you've rolled credits. Great games are born from great collaborations, supported by a culture that brings out the best in our teams. We work openly, learn through play, take ownership, push ourselves to be better, and deliver for our players.
For candidates located in Quebec:
  • Proficiency in French is required.
  • Proficiency in English is required to effectively collaborate with teams based in the United States.

#LI-Onsite
The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $85,700 and $126,860 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform their essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.
Please note that 2K Games and its studios never use instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews. When emailing prospective employees, we only use 2K.com accounts

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