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Game Developer Jobs in Simi Valley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Aghanim, Inc

Integration Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $150K/yr

Experience troubleshooting technical integrations using dashboards and developer tools * Experience working with game developers, publishers, or gaming platforms * Familiarity with payments, in-app ...

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsGame Developer JobsGame Developer Jobs in Simi Valley, CA

Game Developer information

See Simi Valley, CA salary details

$33.5K

$112K

$185.8K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer in Simi Valley, CA is $111,974.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,100.00 and $128,000.00 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 job categories do people searching Game Developer jobs in Simi Valley, CA look for?

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

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

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

Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in Simi Valley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,974 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer, Gameplay - Unpublished R&D Product

Riot Games

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$145K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Riot engineers bring deep knowledge of specific technical areas but also value the opportunity to work in many broader domains. As a software engineer, you'll also dive into projects that focus on team cohesiveness and cross-team goals. You'll lead with a clear illustration of extraordinary engineering.
As a Principal Software Engineer and technical lead you'll take technical ownership of multiple key areas. You will drive the technical vision and execution of gameplay features. You will collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to build systems that bring our players' dreams to life. If you have a passion for gameplay engineering and thrive in a dynamic, player-focused environment, this is the role for you.
Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with external teams in other business units working in the same technical spaces (including Game Designers, Artists, Animators, Quality, Engineers, and Producers) to shape player experiences
  • Give feedback to designers and artists on the technical tradeoffs for improvements of their tooling
  • Give feedback to product leaders about product direction and benefits for creative teams
  • Brainstorm, design, and implement prototypes to find answers to product, development, and technical questions
  • Lead and deliver game content tooling to support external teams (including Game Designers, Artists, Animators, and Producers)
  • Collaborate with and mentor engineering teammates
  • Deliver exciting and meaningful improvements to gameplay tools focused on opening game design space in environments, physics, audio, and navigation
  • Build projects implementing complex system changes
Required Qualifications:
  • 8-12 yrs of collective professional experience in game development
  • Experience shipping games across multiple platforms (PC, console, mobile)
  • Experience building gameplay systems and collaborating with designers
  • Expert with C++ in complex code bases
  • Experience mentoring fellow developers
  • Experience leading technical designs and technical decisions
  • Experience with building game content tools and pipelines

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 focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and 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.
Riot Games logo

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

Social media

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