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Game Development Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Tempe, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Mesa, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Software Engineer II

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

We are actively recruiting for a Software Engineer II within the Interactive Game Engine Development team. Qualified candidates will be responsible for developing game engines and game clients for ...

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 ...

Blender Tutor

Glendale, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Blender Tutor

Scottsdale, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Blender Tutor

Phoenix, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Blender Tutor

Mesa, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Blender Tutor

Gilbert, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Blender Tutor

Chandler, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Blender Tutor

Tempe, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

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Game Development information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$32.3K

$107.7K

$178.7K

How much do game development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for game development in Phoenix, AZ is $107,702.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,900.00 and $123,100.00 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 Phoenix, AZ?

The most popular types of Game Development jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

What job categories do people searching Game Development jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Development jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

Infographic showing various Game Development job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 10% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,702 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Game Programming Professor - Full-Time, Part-Time, or Adjunct

University of Advancing Technology

Tempe, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

If you love game programming and have a passion for education, UAT is the place for you!


WhoWe Are:

University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is an elite private college in Tempe, AZ focused on educating students in advancing technology who innovate in the areas of emerging technology disciplines including Computer Science, Cyber Security, Robotics, Digital Fabrication, Game and more.


We are an entrepreneurial, results-oriented company recognized for delivering high standards of innovation and service. As an organization designed to change the lives of some of the brightest young minds, we rely on the excellence of every member of our team to continuously exceed our own standards and our students' expectations. If you are a smart, fast, fun, friendly team player, you're on your way to being a great fit for UAT.


WhoYouAre:

Have you ever wanted to teach others about game programming? We aresearching for an addition to ourastounding team of faculty. You must be an expert in various programming languages and development techniques associated with game applications. An exemplary UAT instructor can relate their knowledge and experience in using both object oriented and scripting languages, while guiding our students through industry standard game engines such as Unreal and Unity.


The instructor should be a wizard of many wands and be a master in PC, iOS, console and Android platforms. The instructor needs to be able to present on the theoretical aspects of game programming that include topics such as: game AI, collisions, input device integration, 2D graphics, 3D graphics, object transformations, database integration and optimization. The individual that joins the UAT family must be able to relate to our technophile, high performing, all-things-geek students, best practices associated with application development processes, such as agile models, along with documentation. We need a game-changing (pun intended) professor that will inspire our students and arm them with the skills they'll need to stay ahead of the game design industry.


Don't have teaching experience - that's where we come in. UAT's team of faculty and staff will work with you as you:


Essential Duties:

  • Facilitation of innovative student game projects
  • Mentoring geeky technology driven students
  • Development and delivery of collegiate learning experiences related to game programming
  • Development of course materials related to college level game programming courses


Skills and Education Required:

  • Industry experience developing computer game applications
  • Skills in developing applications using both object oriented and script based tools
  • Experience with application development approaches
  • Game application documentation
  • Development experience in PC, console and mobile platforms
  • Experience working within game engines such as Unity, Unreal, etc.
  • Experience applying computer game concepts such as rendering, transformations, lighting, collisions, AI, UI and gameplay
  • Experience with database integration into game applications
  • Master's degree in Game Programming or related field with 18credit hours in game programming required
  • 3+ years viable work/industry experience and academic credentials


Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain game systems and mechanics for a variety of game genres and platforms.
  • Implement core gameplay features such as AI, character controls, physics, animations, and multiplayer systems.
  • Collaborate with designers and artists to create smooth, engaging, and immersive gameplay experiences.
  • Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code in languages like C++, C#, or Python.
  • Optimize game performance for both high-end and low-end platforms, ensuring smooth frame rates and minimal loading times.
  • Design and implement efficient algorithms to solve complex in-game problems (e.g., pathfinding, AI decision-making).
  • Use game engines such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or proprietary engines to implement gameplay features and tools.
  • Conduct unit testing, debug code, and perform integration testing to ensure stability and quality.
  • Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in the game industry, including VR/AR, AI, and cloud-based gaming solutions.


Preferred Skills & Qualifications:

Note: A combination of the following skills is preferred; not all are required.

  • Proficiency in C++, C#, or other programming languages commonly used in game development
  • Experience with game engines such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or Godot
  • Strong understanding of 3D mathematics (linear algebra, vector operations, matrix transformations)
  • Knowledge of game physics, collision detection, and optimization techniques
  • Familiarity with shader programming (GLSL/HLSL) and rendering pipelines
  • Understanding of AI programming for games (pathfinding, decision trees, finite state machines)
  • Experience with multiplayer game programming and networking (client-server architectures, data synchronization)
  • Comfortable with version control systems (e.g., Git, SVN) and agile development methodologies
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team, with strong communication skills
  • Experience in VR/AR development and/or mobile game development is a plus


Pedagogy:

UAT's Synchronic Learning model is designed especially for students of advancing technology. Tailored to both undergraduate and graduate students, Synchronic Learning provides an education framework that prepares superior graduates to become tomorrow's innovators. This model embodies UAT's methodologies, curricula, and people dedicated to fostering an environment of innovation that promotes demonstrated mastery and job readiness. An integral part of this framework is SyncFlex, a flexible learning approach with an emphasis on mentored education that provides real project experience to cultivate superior graduates.


Important Notes:

Location Requirements: This is not a remote position; candidates must be willing to work in-person at our campus in Tempe, AZ.


Adjunct Pay: $3,000 for in-person courses; $2,400 for hybrid/online courses


Part-Time Pay: $42,500 - $55,000 dependent on Education and Experience


Full-Time Salary + Benefits: $85k-$110k dependent on Education and Experience.

  • Medical insurance option with UAT covering 60% of the premium cost, depending on coverage selection.
  • UAT has your BACK, by covering 100% of the monthly premium for Short-Term and Long-Term coverage.
  • Dental, Vision, 401k, Life Insurance, and AD&D Options
  • Over 15 Paid Holidays - we work hard, but give you that extra time to play hard as well!
  • Competitive Employee and Dependent Scholarship Programs; we take pride in your educational background and look forward to supporting your families' academic goals and endeavors.
  • Meal Benefit at University Cafe. HANGRY? Never heard of here. Come get your lunch at the cafe, on us, YUM!
  • University Store Discount amongst other Discount Programs.
  • Positive, open, and transparent Work Environment and culture that includes Kudos Program, Casual Fridays and Select Work Weeks, Employee Wellness Activities, Bring your Pet to Campus, along with Summer and Winter Happiness Events.
  • Employee Training and Development: Essential Skills Modules are scheduled on the job, allowing for learning, working, and implementation.


We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.


UAT does not sponsor foreign visa's. Thank you for your understanding.