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Game Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Motocol

Gameplay Engineer

Glendale, CA

$25/hr

An ideal candidate has Mobile Unity Game development, C# and a passion for games, mobile or any type. Samples or examples of work - can be from a prototype, in college, etc. Must be able to work ...

3M HEALTHCARE

Senior Game Data Analyst

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$124K - $187K/yr

... from early development through launch. What you will be doing As a Senior Game Data Analyst, you'll partner with game teams and publishing stakeholders to answer complex questions about player ...

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All JobsGame Development JobsGame Development Jobs in California

Game Development information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$107K

$177.6K

How much do game development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 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.

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.

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.

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 often require skills in programming languages, graphic design, and familiarity with game engines 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 are popular job titles related to Game Development jobs in California?

For Game Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles 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:

Game Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Development job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,050 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Game Design - (Various Disciplines) - Talent Pool (N Americas)

Los Angeles, CA • On-site, Remote

Side
See more jobs at Sideexternal

$167K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design, implement, and iterate on game mechanics, systems, levels, encounters, or narratives depending on specialization.

  • Work closely with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure seamless gameplay integration.

  • Develop and maintain design documentation, prototypes, and iterative improvements based on testing and feedback.

Job description

About This Opportunity
Please note, this listing is not for an immediate open position but for our Talent Pool for Co-Development Roles. By applying, you express interest in being considered for future project-based opportunities that align with your skills and experience.
These opportunities are contingent on client needs and project availability. As projects are initiated or client proposals are developed, we will review candidates from this pool and contact those who most closely align with the specific requirements of the co-development opportunity.
How We Keep You Engaged
We maintain strong relationships with our talent pool by providing regular updates, industry insights, and information on upcoming opportunities. We will check in to confirm your availability and interest.
Our hiring teams carefully vet and select top candidates who best meet project needs, ensuring that you are matched with the right opportunity when it becomes available.
Next Steps
If you are passionate about contributing to cutting-edge projects and want to be considered for future co-development opportunities, we encourage you to apply to this listing. While there may not be an immediate opening, your application ensures that you will be part of our ongoing talent review for upcoming roles.
Requirements
  • Design, implement, and iterate on game mechanics, systems, levels, encounters, or narratives, depending on your specialization.
  • Work closely with cross-disciplinary teams, including programmers, artists, and producers, to ensure seamless gameplay integration.
  • Develop and maintain design documentation, prototypes, and iterative improvements based on internal testing and player feedback.
  • Balance and refine gameplay mechanics to achieve engaging and rewarding player experiences.
  • Analyze player behavior, feedback, and data to inform design decisions and enhance engagement.
  • Participate in design reviews, offering and receiving constructive feedback to refine design implementations.
  • Ensure consistency and alignment with the game's creative vision and project objectives.

Qualifications:
    • 3+ years of professional experience in game design (level design, combat design, worldbuilding, narrative design, technical design, or encounter design).
    • Demonstrated contribution to at least one shipped title on PC, console, mobile, or VR/AR.

Technical Skills:
    • Proficiency with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
    • Familiarity with scripting languages, visual scripting tools, or proprietary game design tools.
    • Strong understanding of player psychology, game mechanics, pacing, and balance.

Collaboration and Communication Skills:
    • Ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team and integrate feedback into iterative design.
    • Strong written and verbal communication skills to convey complex design ideas clearly.

Passion for Game Design:
    • Deep knowledge of game design principles, industry trends, and player expectations.
    • Enthusiasm for problem-solving and pushing the boundaries of interactive experiences.

Preferred Skills
  • Experience working on AAA titles.
  • Knowledge of procedural design, emergent gameplay systems, or AI-driven gameplay mechanics.
  • Background in narrative design, interactive storytelling, or dialogue systems.
  • Experience with multiplayer, live-service, or co-op game design.

Note: Specific requirements may vary depending on project needs.
About the Talent Pool
This is a general game designer application. We encourage all qualified designers to apply regardless of specialization. We regularly review this pool when staffing new or ongoing projects, so even if there isn't an open role now, joining ensures you'll be top of mind when client needs arise.
Please note, this listing is not for an immediate open position but for our Talent Pool for Co-Development Roles. By applying, you are expressing interest in being considered for future project-based opportunities that align with your skills and experience.
Benefits
  • Competitive Salary.
  • Dynamic, multicultural and fun environment.
  • You will be working for the world's leading provider of game services.
  • We empower our people and offer regular progression opportunities to ensure our employees flourish.

About Side
Side (formerly PTW) is a global video game development and services provider, offering technical and creative solutions to many of the largest developers and studios around the world. Founded in 2009 and drawing on 30+ years' experience from our parent company in Japan, Side has since grown to become a global force with 20 studios in 14 countries across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.
Our industry-leading services include game development, art production, audio production, quality assurance, localization, localization QA, player support, community management, and datasets.
Experience our side of life. For more information, visit www.side.inc

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