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Game Development Jobs in Pasadena, CA (NOW HIRING)

NxT Level

Senior Tools Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$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 ...

Naughty Dog

Producer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$139K - $141K/yr

Our ideal candidate is someone with a deep understanding of the complexities of game development and a track record of building processes to help the team achieve their highest potential. You'll ...

Naughty Dog

Producer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$64.47 - $80.58/hr

Our ideal candidate is someone with a deep understanding of the complexities of game development and a track record of building processes to help the team achieve their highest potential. You'll ...

thatgamecompany

Technical Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$80K - $140K/yr

Multiplayer game development * Online operation of a live game * Maya or 3D game engines * Portfolio of your work * Ok to take a test as part of our process Nice to haves: * Seek adventure and ...

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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 8, 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.

Senior Tools Engineer

NxT Level

Los Angeles, CA • On-site, Remote

$112K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Our client is looking for a Tools Programmer to join their fully remote team to build next generation MMOs and Multiplayer Games. They currently need a programmer passionate about terrain and graphical tools. 

What are the responsibilities?

  • Develop and maintain tools for terrain and graphics within our game engine. Ensure that our terrain and graphical tools are efficient and scalable, supporting a smooth experience across a range of hardware.
  • Collaborate with artists and designers to create powerful, user-friendly tools that facilitate the creation of detailed, dynamic game environments.
  • Implement and optimize rendering techniques for terrain and environmental effects.
  • Work on procedural generation systems for large-scale landscapes.

What are the requirements? 

  • 1+ Shipped AAA MMO or Multiplayer Online title.
  • 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 game engines or a desire to build a custom game engine.
  • Deep knowledge of graphics programming, including shaders and graphics APIs (DirectX, OpenGL, Vulkan).
  • Solid mathematical skills, particularly in linear algebra and geometry.
  • Experience with terrain generation and manipulation techniques.
  • Familiarity with performance optimization in game development.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and a keen eye for detail.
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
  • Passionate about game development and creating immersive game worlds.

Nice to Haves:

  • Experience with real-time networked game systems.
  • Knowledge of AI programming in game environments.
  • Knowledge of Voxel Systems
  • Previous work on MMO or large-scale open-world games.
  • Contributions to open-source game development projects or personal game projects.
  • Experience with cross-platform development.

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