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

Senior Level Artist

Novato, CA

$149K - $178K/yr

In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to construct visually stunning and gameplay-enhancing game worlds, create and maintain modular kits to optimally build ...

Senior Level Artist

Novato, CA · On-site

$149K - $178K/yr

In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to construct visually stunning and gameplay-enhancing game worlds, create and maintain modular kits to optimally build ...

Senior Engineer, Server - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $174K/yr

As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to ... What We Need: We're seeking a Senior Engineer with a passion for server-side development to join ...

As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to ... What We Need: We're seeking a Senior Engineer with a passion for server-side development to join ...

As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to ... What We Need: We're seeking a Senior Engineer with a passion for server-side development to join ...

Senior Engineer, Server - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $174K/yr

As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to ... What We Need: We're seeking a Senior Engineer with a passion for server-side development to join ...

Graphics Engineer - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site

$120K - $174K/yr

As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to ... Our talented NBA 2K team is looking for a Graphics Engineer with a passion for cutting-edge ...

Graphics Engineer - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $174K/yr

As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to ... Our talented NBA 2K team is looking for a Graphics Engineer with a passion for cutting-edge ...

Graphics Engineer - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $174K/yr

As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to ... Our talented NBA 2K team is looking for a Graphics Engineer with a passion for cutting-edge ...

Graphics Engineer - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site

$120K - $174K/yr

As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to ... Our talented NBA 2K team is looking for a Graphics Engineer with a passion for cutting-edge ...

Manager, Global Product Marketing, NBA

Novato, CA · On-site

$180K/yr

Collaborate with Developers, Product and Commercial leads to launch marketing workstreams for new in-game technologies. * Lead Creative Execution: Guide the briefing process for new products ...

Collaborate with Developers, Product and Commercial leads to launch marketing workstreams for new in-game technologies. * Lead Creative Execution: Guide the briefing process for new products ...

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of designers, artists, and engineers to create industry-leading AI characters and combat gameplay. You will ...

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of designers, artists, and engineers to create industry-leading AI characters and combat gameplay. You will ...

Required Qualifications, Knowledge, and Job-Related Skills * 4+ years in product management within the gaming industry, preferably on the developer side. * Experience with LiveOps strategy and ...

Required Qualifications, Knowledge, and Job-Related Skills * 4+ years in product management within the gaming industry, preferably on the developer side. * Experience with LiveOps strategy and ...

Anvil Builders is a dynamic general contracting and civil engineering firm boasting a diverse scope ... Daily game plans * CO & RFI tracking * Cost and labor tracking and projections Requirements

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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.

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:
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.
Senior Level Artist

Senior Level Artist

2K

Novato, CA

$149K - $178K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

As a Senior Level Artist at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to shape the next installment of the BioShock franchise. In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to construct visually stunning and gameplay-enhancing game worlds, create and maintain modular kits to optimally build believable and detailed spaces, and propel the narrative through environmental storytelling, bringing the richly imagined world of BioShock to life. 

What You'll Do:

  • Collaborate closely with the Level Design, Modeling, Narrative, Concept, Combat, and Cinematic teams. 
  • Create believable, functional, and visually strong environments from scratch.
  • Gather references, concept art, and translate Art Direction into clear and repeatable. architectural and world construction rules, communicating and championing those rules to peers both in and out of the Art Department. 
  • Iterate on layouts using blocking to support and enhance combat and level design requirements, scene composition, and general world logic. 
  • Create and compose modular kits and collection sets to form optimized yet dramatic and detailed spaces.
  • Assume full long term creative, technical, and production ownership over your levels. Contribute to the artistic vision of your space, ensure that dependencies are properly communicated, and your work is technically compliant according to best practices established by the Tech Art and Core Tech teams.
  • Participate in look development, creating visual benchmark environments and level layouts to present to your team and develop processes in which to replicate those successes.
  • Communicate effectively with team members, production, and management to ensure that project goals and deadlines are met.
  • Work with Leads to develop world building and modeling processes, alignment decks, documentation and tutorials, and ensure that quality is maintained for environment art.
  • Receive, give, and apply feedback effectively while maintaining a constructive, team centric attitude.

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 to deliver a world-class AAA experience.

Skills & Experiences:

  • Experience shipping at least one 3D AAA title in FPS or Third Person (using Unreal 4 or Unreal 5).
  • Professional experience working with Unreal 5.
  • Experience working within cross-discipline strike teams on collaborative assignments effectively and constructively.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Art, or equivalent work experience.
  • Superior eye for composition, contrast, color, and detail.
  • Proficient in the creation of modular kits and proxy models for high-quality, stylized environments.
  • Solid understanding of form, shape, structure, and silhouette as it relates to world building.
  • Solid understanding of architectural structure, spatial design, industrial design, and the details necessary for crafting the building blocks of believable environments. 
  • Experience creating and maintaining asset libraries, organized by theme and function.
  • Experience with materials and shaders, knowing what is needed and where to use them for difficult visual targets is a plus.
  • An interest in relevant adjacent disciplines such as architecture, urban design, interior design, photography, film, lighting, and drawing is beneficial.

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.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $100,200 and $148,320 USD 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.

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.

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.