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Game Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Game Expert: Subject matter expert in game development, helps ensure the game vision and feature choices align with player tastes. You should be player-focused and genuinely care about the player ...

Executive Producer, Party Games

Los Gatos, CA · On-site +1

$144K - $146K/yr

Game Expert: Subject matter expert in game development, helps ensure the game vision and feature choices align with player tastes. You should be player-focused and genuinely care about the player ...

Executive Producer, Party Games

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$133K - $135K/yr

Game Expert: Subject matter expert in game development, helps ensure the game vision and feature choices align with player tastes. You should be player-focused and genuinely care about the player ...

Executive Producer, Party Games

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$133K - $135K/yr

Game Expert: Subject matter expert in game development, helps ensure the game vision and feature choices align with player tastes. You should be player-focused and genuinely care about the player ...

Executive Producer, Party Games

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$133K - $135K/yr

Game Expert: Subject matter expert in game development, helps ensure the game vision and feature choices align with player tastes. You should be player-focused and genuinely care about the player ...

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Game Development information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$107K

$177.6K

How much do game development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for game development in California is $107,050.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $122,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is game development?

Game development is the process of creating video games, encompassing everything from concept and design to programming, art, sound, testing, and release. It often involves a team of professionals with different skills, such as game designers, programmers, artists, writers, and testers. The process may use game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine to build the game's mechanics, graphics, and overall experience. Game development can be done by large studios or individual indie developers, and projects can range from simple mobile games to complex, multi-platform titles.

How much money do game devs make?

Game developers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and company size, but the median annual salary in the industry typically ranges from $60,000 to $120,000. Entry-level positions often start around $50,000, while experienced developers or those in senior roles can earn over $100,000. Skills in programming, design, and familiarity with tools like Unity or Unreal Engine can influence earning potential.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in game development teams?

Game development often involves tight deadlines, rapidly changing project requirements, and the need to balance creative vision with technical constraints. Team members regularly collaborate across disciplines—such as programming, design, art, and sound—which can lead to communication challenges and the need for strong teamwork skills. Additionally, adapting to new technologies and tools is essential, as the industry evolves quickly, requiring continuous learning and flexibility.

Is AI replacing game devs?

AI is increasingly used in game development to assist with tasks such as procedural content generation, testing, and animation, but it does not replace game developers. Developers are needed to design, program, and oversee AI tools, ensuring creative and technical quality. The role of game devs continues to evolve alongside advancements in AI technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Game Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Game Development, you need strong programming skills (commonly in C++, C#, or Java), a solid understanding of computer graphics, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as version control systems such as Git, is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that help in designing engaging gameplay and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for creating technically sound, innovative, and commercially successful games.

What is the difference between Game Development vs Game Design?

AspectGame DevelopmentGame Design
Primary FocusProgramming, coding, and technical implementation of gamesConcept creation, story, and gameplay mechanics
Required SkillsProgramming languages, software engineering, problem-solvingCreativity, storytelling, user experience design
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, coding labs, software studiosDesign studios, creative teams, collaborative workshops
Common CertificationsComputer Science, Software Engineering, Programming coursesGame Design degrees, Creative Arts, Storytelling courses

Game Development involves the technical creation and programming of games, focusing on coding and software engineering. Game Design centers on crafting game concepts, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. Both roles often collaborate but require different skill sets and educational backgrounds, making them distinct yet interconnected careers in the gaming industry.

Is 30 too old to start game development?

Game development is a field open to individuals of all ages, and starting at 30 is common among many successful developers. Skills in programming, design, and familiarity with tools like Unity or Unreal Engine are more important than age, and many professionals transition into game development later in life.

What jobs are there in game development?

In game development, common roles include game designer, programmer, artist, animator, sound designer, and quality assurance tester. These positions require skills in programming languages, graphic design, storytelling, and familiarity with development tools like Unity or Unreal Engine.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Game Development jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Game Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Game Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Game Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Game Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Game Development job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 13% Full Time, 75% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,050 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

$85K - $105K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Producer - Digital EclipseEmeryville, California

Salary + benefit package | On-Site Preferred 

($85,000 - $105,000)

The Company

Classic video games deserve better. At Digital Eclipse, we treat them with the same care and respect given to other artistic mediums. In its original incarnation in 1994, Digital Eclipse pioneered accurate video game re-releases, emulating vintage arcade games well before "emulation" was a household word. 30 years later, we've been reborn as a new kind of studio - one dedicated to not only restoring gaming's heritage, but to preserving it and keeping it alive and available for future generations.  

We've launched critically acclaimed titles like Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection, and Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration, while also developing successful original IPs like #IDARB and collaborating with industry leaders such as Capcom and Disney. And we're just getting started.

The Role

As a Producer, you'll work with the Digital Eclipse team across a variety of upcoming projects. You'll collaborate with a cross-discipline team to craft our documentary-style, classic game compilations as well as totally original titles and help take these projects to the finish line, solving problems and improving our internal development processes along the way. You'll report to the Head of Production and interact directly with all disciplines of the development team. The ideal Producer candidate is organized, proactive, has great communication skills, and consistently wants to learn and improve.

What You'll Do

  • Take ownership of development on singular project (or a couple of smaller scope projects) and track schedule, identify current and future risks, and troubleshoot communication and dependency problems
  • Guide development priorities to deliver the best possible game experience while remaining within scope and schedule
  • Facilitate communication across the development team and external groups including the Publisher, QA, Localization, etc.
  • Learn new production, design, and communication techniques as needed per project requirements
  • Contribute to establishing best practices and improving processes for the production department 
  • Act as a key production point of contact with licensing and other external partners

Must Haves

  • 4+ years' experience in a production role in the videogame industry
  • Demonstrated ability to produce project results across multiple departments
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills
  • Strong project management skills
  • Demonstrates a high degree of initiative and a proactive mindset
  • Great relationship-building skills
  • Solid knowledge of Jira, Google Docs, and MS Office

Bonus Points

  • University-level degree
  • Detail orientation without forgetting the bigger picture
  • Contributed extensively to the development for at least two shipped console games
  • Additional skills outside of production, including art, writing, coding, scripting, etc., that could assist in a game development environment

Compensation, Benefits + Perks:

  • Salary range: $85,000 - $105,000.  Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
  • Medical and dental benefits
  • 15+ paid holidays + PTO
  • Opportunity to work with a passionate and dedicated team.
  • A friendly office with collaborative and talented colleagues, an arcade, and rooftop deck to enjoy office lunches and BBQs

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter.

EEO Statement

Digital Eclipse is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.  We are committed to equal employment regardless of race, religion or lack thereof, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, medical condition, veteran status, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.