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

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 ...

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

AI Research Engineer

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$165K - $353K/yr

Research Engineer | San Francisco | Full-Time Brief Overview Applied AI lab building world models for 3D game environments. Early-stage, well-backed, 3 weeks from beta launch. What You'll Own You'll ...

AI Research Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$165K - $353K/yr

Research Engineer | San Francisco | Full-Time Brief Overview Applied AI lab building world models for 3D game environments. Early-stage, well-backed, 3 weeks from beta launch. What You'll Own You'll ...

... gaming genres, including sports, shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment. Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers ...

... gaming genres, including sports, shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment. Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers ...

The Software Developer will create software tools and solutions to support Alluxa's manufacturing and management needs, working closely with the Software Team Manager on various projects.

POSITION SUMMARY The Software Developer creates software tools and solutions in support of Alluxa manufacturing and management needs as defined by the Software Team Manager. Specific projects can ...

... gaming genres, including sports, shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment. Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers ...

... gaming genres, including sports, shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment. Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers ...

Work with engineering support to prototype and implement hardware automation solutions to optimize factory efficiency. * Analyze the data stored in the data warehouse and makes recommendations ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 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 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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,594 per year, or $57 per hour.
Manager, Global Product Marketing, NBA

Manager, Global Product Marketing, NBA

2K

Novato, CA

$180K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studio is responsible for developing 2K's portfolio of world-class games across multiple platforms, including Visual Concepts, Firaxis, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy, Cloud Chamber, and HB Studios. Our portfolio of titles is expanding due to our global strategic plan, building, and acquiring exciting studios whose content continues to inspire all of us! 2K publishes titles in today's most popular gaming genres, including sports, shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment.
Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers, and doers, are the professional publishing stewards of our growing library of critically acclaimed franchises such as NBA 2K, Battleborn, BioShock, Borderlands, The Darkness, Mafia, Sid Meier's Civilization, WWE 2K, and XCOM.

At 2K, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment, which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We are dedicated to diversity and inclusion and want our community of candidates to reflect this commitment. We encourage all qualified applicants to explore our global positions. 2K is headquartered in Novato, California, and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

What We Need

How does a global gaming powerhouse continue to reach new heights? This role answers that question by driving the marketing initiatives that fuel NBA 2K's evolution. Reporting to the Director of Global Product Marketing, the Manager of Global Product Marketing NBA helps the team explore new markets and emerging technologies to deepen player engagement and retention. By connecting Product, Creative, and Player Services teams, this position ensures every campaign aligns with our shared vision. Can you help us turn data-driven insights into the next great player experience? 

We're committed to delivering personal, relevant, and timely content to our NBA 2K players-and we're looking for someone who shares that passion. The right person will understand the gaming landscape and its players, bring ideas to the table, big or small, utilize insights, and help turn them into real in and out of game moments. We value someone who is willing to contribute thoughtfully, ask the right questions, and bring energy, collaboration and intention to everything they do. Apply today!

This role requires you to work out of the Novato, CA HQ location onsite 3 days a week. 

What You'll Do
  • Shape the Journey: Partner with cross-functional teams to create product positioning that supports players throughout their entire lifecycle.
  • Drive Innovation: 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, ensuring assets across CRM, Social, and In-Game channels resonate with our community.
  • Optimize Delivery and Communication: Streamline how we deliver content to players, ensuring every message is timely, relevant, and high-impact.
  • Foster Collaboration: Build authentic relationships across the organization to turn ambitious ideas into reality, including Product, Creative, Player Services & Development.
What Will Make You A Great Fit
  • Industry Insight: You bring a background in video game marketing and a genuine interest in the NBA 2K ecosystem and live-service gaming.
  • Basketball Fluency: A deep knowledge of professional and collegiate basketball culture helps you connect authentically with our audience.
  • Strategic Storytelling: You enjoy interpreting data and telemetry to build actionable marketing plans that tell a story.
  • Adaptability: This environment thrives on contributors who learn quickly, ask thoughtful questions, and navigate changing priorities with ease.
  • Technical Curiosity: Experience with lifecycle marketing tools or project management platforms like Monday.com or Miro helps you stay organized.
  • Growth Mindset: You are motivated by the chance to refine processes and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.


Who We Are

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studio is responsible for developing 2K's portfolio of world-class games across multiple platforms, including Visual Concepts, Firaxis, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy, Cloud Chamber, and HB Studios. Our portfolio of titles is expanding due to our global strategic plan, building, and acquiring exciting studios whose content continues to inspire all of us! 2K publishes titles in today's most popular gaming genres, including sports, shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment.
Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers, and doers, are the professional publishing stewards of our growing library of critically acclaimed franchises such as NBA 2K, Battleborn, BioShock, Borderlands, The Darkness, Mafia, Sid Meier's Civilization, WWE 2K, and XCOM.

At 2K, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment, which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We are dedicated to diversity and inclusion and want our community of candidates to reflect this commitment. We encourage all qualified applicants to explore our global positions. 2K is headquartered in Novato, California, and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

What We Need

How does a global gaming powerhouse continue to reach new heights? This role answers that question by driving the marketing initiatives that fuel NBA 2K's evolution. Reporting to the Director of Global Product Marketing, the Manager of Global Product Marketing NBA helps the team explore new markets and emerging technologies to deepen player engagement and retention. By connecting Product, Creative, and Player Services teams, this position ensures every campaign aligns with our shared vision. Can you help us turn data-driven insights into the next great player experience? 

We're committed to delivering personal, relevant, and timely content to our NBA 2K players-and we're looking for someone who shares that passion. The right person will understand the gaming landscape and its players, bring ideas to the table, big or small, utilize insights, and help turn them into real in and out of game moments. We value someone who is willing to contribute thoughtfully, ask the right questions, and bring energy, collaboration and intention to everything they do. Apply today!

This role requires you to work out of the Novato, CA HQ location onsite 3 days a week. 

What You'll Do
  • Shape the Journey: Partner with cross-functional teams to create product positioning that supports players throughout their entire lifecycle.
  • Drive Innovation: 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, ensuring assets across CRM, Social, and In-Game channels resonate with our community.
  • Optimize Delivery and Communication: Streamline how we deliver content to players, ensuring every message is timely, relevant, and high-impact.
  • Foster Collaboration: Build authentic relationships across the organization to turn ambitious ideas into reality, including Product, Creative, Player Services & Development.
What Will Make You A Great Fit
  • Industry Insight: You bring a background in video game marketing and a genuine interest in the NBA 2K ecosystem and live-service gaming.
  • Basketball Fluency: A deep knowledge of professional and collegiate basketball culture helps you connect authentically with our audience.
  • Strategic Storytelling: You enjoy interpreting data and telemetry to build actionable marketing plans that tell a story.
  • Adaptability: This environment thrives on contributors who learn quickly, ask thoughtful questions, and navigate changing priorities with ease.
  • Technical Curiosity: Experience with lifecycle marketing tools or project management platforms like Monday.com or Miro helps you stay organized.
  • Growth Mindset: You are motivated by the chance to refine processes and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.


The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $108,900 and $161,160 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.


This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Other tasks and duties may be assigned or reassigned as needed. 2K is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. In accordance with local laws, 2K provides a fair and competitive salary range for this role, determined based on experience, qualifications, and scope.
Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.
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