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Game Developer Jobs in Tempe, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Game Development is an iterative process, and you will be constantly refining games to deliver the best possible product to the field. Your Responsibilities: * Making games with a diverse team of ...

Software Engineer II

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

When working on game engines, the developer will also act as a liaison to game client developers when designing the communication layer between the client and game engine. This position requires a ...

Director, DevOps

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$52.25 - $71.75/hr

Champion chaos engineering, game days, and disaster recovery testing in coordination with Cloud Engineering to validate resilience of hybrid systems. Security & Compliance * Partner with Information ...

Director, DevOps

Mesa, AZ · Hybrid

$52.25 - $71.75/hr

Champion chaos engineering, game days, and disaster recovery testing in coordination with Cloud Engineering to validate resilience of hybrid systems. Security & Compliance * Partner with Information ...

Junior Product Developer

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

And we'll keep showing golfers what the game can be. About The Role Bad Birdie is looking for a highly organized and detail-oriented Junior Product Developer to support the development of our apparel ...

ClifyX is a company focused on developing advanced AI solutions, and they are seeking a highly skilled AI Prompt Engineer to design, develop, and optimize enterprise-grade AI solutions. The role ...

Senior Developer

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

CA$130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

... game. * You'll use AI to streamline processes, reduce friction, and give time back for the work ... Deep engineering fundamentals: SOLID principles, domain-driven design, performant queries, and a ...

Sr. Web Analytics Developer

Scottsdale, AZ

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're passionate about improving the fan experience and providing game-changing solutions for our ... The Senior Web Analytics Developer will lead implementation of analytics tools, oversee tag ...

Sr. Web Analytics Developer

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're passionate about improving the fan experience and providing game-changing solutions for our ... The Senior Web Analytics Developer will lead implementation of analytics tools, oversee tag ...

Audio Engineer Job Summary: Position: Audio Engineer - Full Time/Exempt Reports to: Audio Manager ... games, the Fiesta Bowl, other major sporting events, and a wide range of premier live events ...

Electrical Engineer (3-5 yrs)

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site +1

$90K - $110K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The right team is more than an advantage; it's a game changer! Come work with a team of professionals dedicated to design excellence at Coffman Engineers' Phoenix, Arizona Office. We are seeking a ...

Showing results 41-60

Game Developer information

See Tempe, AZ salary details

$31.6K

$105.5K

$175K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer in Tempe, AZ is $105,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,200.00 and $120,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Tempe, AZ? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Tempe, AZ are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Developer jobs in Tempe, AZ? For Game Developer jobs in Tempe, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Tempe, AZ are hiring for Game Developer jobs? Cities near Tempe, AZ with the most Game Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in Tempe, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,460 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Advanced Game Testing and Debugging - Adjunct Faculty - Traditional Campus - (Fall 2026) - College o

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Grand Canyon Education rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 77 rated education support services


Job description

Make a Difference at Grand Canyon University
The College of Engineering and Technology employs faculty and faculty leaders who are passionate about engaging and mentoring students to best prepare them for the continuously changing worlds of IT and Engineering. Our faculty are energetic advisors who are committed to helping our students grow academically, spiritually, and personally. They are experts in their respective fields, in addition to being passionate educators and collaborators who help enhance the college experience for all students.
Join our mission in helping others find their purpose and start your instructor career with GCU. The College of Engineering and Technology offers rewarding opportunities for adjunct faculty to teach part-time, face-to-face instruction at our Phoenix campus. If you are highly motivated and passionate about teaching exceptional quality instruction in modern facilities with smaller class sizes, we'd like to hear from you.
Why Work at GCU:
  • Tuition benefits specifically for the adjunct employee
  • 401(k)
  • Employee Perks and Discounts
  • Gym and Fitness Center
  • Canyon Health & Wellness Center

GCU Traditional Campus - Phoenix, AZ:
  • Courses are in-person and on-campus for the Fall 2026 Semester (09/08/2026 - 12/18/2026)

Course: Advanced Game Testing and Debugging
This course teaches advanced testing and debugging methods to ensure high-quality game development. Students learn automated testing, performance profiling, and error handling.
What You Will Do:
  • Facilitate classroom lecture and discussions
  • Engage students in learning course objectives and topics
  • Assess student performance and mentor success in the classroom
  • Provide a positive example to students by supporting the University's Doctrinal Statement, Ethical Position Statement, and Mission of Grand Canyon University

What You Will Bring:
  • Preferred: BS in any STEM field + MS in Game Development OR BS in any field + MS in Game Development + portfolio of Game projects.
  • Minimum: BS in Game Development + 20 Graduate credits in any Science, Engineering, Business, or Social Studies field OR BS in any STEM field + 20 Graduate credits in Game Development AND Portfolio of game projects.
  • Knowledge of Game IDEs (e.g., Unity, Unreal).

Before submitting your application, please attach the following to review:
  • Your unofficial transcript reflecting degree earned with 18 graduate credit hours in the areas listed above
  • Your unofficial transcripts for any applicable conferred graduate degrees

#gcu #gamedev #gametesing #debugging #QA #INDLOPESUP

What Grand Canyon Education employees say

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About Grand Canyon Education

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Grand Canyon Education (GCE) is a rapidly growing educational service company that has long been an industry leader in providing educational, operational and technological support services to the post-secondary education sector. Formerly part of Grand Canyon University (GCU), GCE still works closely with GCU to benefit thousands of students, families and the local inner-city community. We put people first, drive innovation, and do good in the community that we live and work in.

Industry

Education

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

Year founded

1983