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Game Development Jobs in Pasadena, CA (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 ...

NxT Level

Senior Tools Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Game Development, or related field. * Proficient in C++, C#, or Python with strong understanding of software engineering principles. * Experience with customer ...

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All JobsGame Development JobsGame Development Jobs in Pasadena, CA

Game Development information

See Pasadena, CA salary details

$35.5K

$118.3K

$196.3K

How much do game development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for game development in Pasadena, CA is $118,320.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,900.00 and $135,300.00 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 Pasadena, CA?

The most popular types of Game Development jobs in Pasadena, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Game Development jobs in Pasadena, CA?

For Game Development jobs in Pasadena, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Development jobs in Pasadena, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Development jobs in Pasadena, CA are:

What cities near Pasadena, CA are hiring for Game Development jobs?

Cities near Pasadena, CA with the most Game Development job openings:

Game Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Development job openings in Pasadena, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,320 per year, or $56.9 per hour.

AI Game Developer (Designer, Artist, Or Engineer)

Scopely

Culver City, CA • On-site, Remote

$169K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Get excited to join Scopely's AI-native incubation team, which is focused on discovering the next generation of mobile games. This role can be remote in the US or hybrid in Culver City, LA.

Rather than spending years developing a single title, we believe one of the most effective ways to find great games is to rapidly transform ideas into playable experiences, launch them to real players, and learn from live market feedback.

We're pioneering a new approach to game creation-one in which AI enables creators to work across traditional discipline boundaries, take greater ownership of ideas from concept through launch, and bring more great games to players.

What You'll Do

If you're passionate for rapid experimentation, enjoy navigating ambiguity, and love bringing ideas to life, you'll feel at home on this team.

We don't organize our work strictly around traditional disciplines. We believe AI enables skilled creators to contribute to more of the game development process than ever before. Whether your background is in engineering, design, art, or another discipline, we're looking for people who are excited to work across boundaries, develop new skills, and use AI to turn ideas into playable games.

As an AI Game Developer, you'll:

  • Own game ideas from concept through launch, helping to generate concepts and shape mechanics, player experiences, and creative direction.
  • Rapidly transform concepts into playable prototypes using AI-native workflows, modern game engines, and development tools.
  • Use AI to accelerate programming, design, art, content creation, testing, and production.
  • Design internal tools, automations, and agentic workflows that increase team velocity and unlock new creative possibilities.
  • Evaluate emerging AI technologies and experiment with new applications in game development.
  • Collaborate across disciplines to rapidly iterate on gameplay, features, and player experiences.
  • Launch prototypes to real players, analyze qualitative and quantitative feedback, and use those insights to guide future iterations.
  • Balance speed and quality by making thoughtful trade-offs that maximize learning.
  • Help define AI development practices that can scale across Scopely.
  • Challenge traditional game development workflows and help pioneer new approaches to creating games.
What We're Looking For
  • Strong expertise in at least one game development discipline, such as engineering, game design, art, technical art, or UX.
  • Enthusiasm for using AI to expand beyond your primary discipline and broaden your capabilities as a game creator.
  • Experience incorporating AI into creative or development workflows.
  • A preference for building, testing, and learning rather than relying on lengthy planning cycles.
  • Curiosity and adaptability, with an interest in learning new tools and techniques as the AI landscape evolves.
  • Strong product instincts and an understanding of what makes games engaging.
  • The ability to work effectively through ambiguity, rapid iteration, and changes in direction informed by player feedback.
  • Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Apply