In Foundations, we focus on the game engine, content pipelines, developer workflows, and other critical core capabilities. As a Staff Software Engineer on VALORANT's Foundations Developer Experience ...
In Foundations, we focus on the game engine, content pipelines, developer workflows, and other critical core capabilities. As a Staff Software Engineer on VALORANT's Foundations Developer Experience ...
Game Designer
$78K - $116K/yr
Cat Daddy is seeking a Game Designer to join our team of artists, engineers, and product managers to collaborate on game feature designs and monetization strategies for free-to-play mobile games. The ...
Game Designer
$78K - $116K/yr
Cat Daddy is seeking a Game Designer to join our team of artists, engineers, and product managers to collaborate on game feature designs and monetization strategies for free-to-play mobile games. The ...
Mobile Game Build Engineer
Seattle, WA · On-site
Mobile Game Build Engineer Location: Seattle, WA Openings: 1 Type: Full-time Hire CLIENT is an innovative developer and world-class publisher of a diverse portfolio of casual game franchises. We ...
Mobile Game Build Engineer
Seattle, WA · On-site
Mobile Game Build Engineer Location: Seattle, WA Openings: 1 Type: Full-time Hire CLIENT is an innovative developer and world-class publisher of a diverse portfolio of casual game franchises. We ...
Game Designer
$78K - $116K/yr
Cat Daddy is seeking a Game Designer to join our team of artists, engineers, and product managers to collaborate on game feature designs and monetization strategies for free-to-play mobile games. The ...
Game Designer
$78K - $116K/yr
Cat Daddy is seeking a Game Designer to join our team of artists, engineers, and product managers to collaborate on game feature designs and monetization strategies for free-to-play mobile games. The ...
Game Designer
Kirkland, WA · On-site
$78K - $116K/yr
Cat Daddy is seeking a Game Designer to join our team of artists, engineers, and product managers to collaborate on game feature designs and monetization strategies for free-to-play mobile games. The ...
Game Designer
Kirkland, WA · On-site
$78K - $116K/yr
Cat Daddy is seeking a Game Designer to join our team of artists, engineers, and product managers to collaborate on game feature designs and monetization strategies for free-to-play mobile games. The ...
Senior Software Development Engineer, Luna Gen AI
$139K - $183K/yr
You will architect next-generation AI solutions that will drive AI adoption for both external game developers and internal engineering teams. You will be a hands-on builder who designs, develops, and ...
Senior Software Development Engineer, Luna Gen AI
$139K - $183K/yr
You will architect next-generation AI solutions that will drive AI adoption for both external game developers and internal engineering teams. You will be a hands-on builder who designs, develops, and ...
Game Designer
Kirkland, WA · On-site
$78K - $116K/yr
Cat Daddy is seeking a Game Designer to join our team of artists, engineers, and product managers to collaborate on game feature designs and monetization strategies for free-to-play mobile games. The ...
Game Designer
Kirkland, WA · On-site
$78K - $116K/yr
Cat Daddy is seeking a Game Designer to join our team of artists, engineers, and product managers to collaborate on game feature designs and monetization strategies for free-to-play mobile games. The ...
Build and maintain a robust pipeline of high-potential mobile game developers, publishers, and strategic partners. * Drive revenue growth through the acquisition of new licensing partnerships and the ...
Build and maintain a robust pipeline of high-potential mobile game developers, publishers, and strategic partners. * Drive revenue growth through the acquisition of new licensing partnerships and the ...
Senior Product Manager (Technical), AWS Game Tech
Seattle, WA · On-site
$129K - $178K/yr
Game developers complete against all other forms of entertainment for attention from players, and have increasingly migrated toward building "always on, live" multiplayer games since they retain and ...
Senior Product Manager (Technical), AWS Game Tech
Seattle, WA · On-site
$129K - $178K/yr
Game developers complete against all other forms of entertainment for attention from players, and have increasingly migrated toward building "always on, live" multiplayer games since they retain and ...
Senior Software Development Engineer, Luna Gen AI
Seattle, WA · On-site
$139K - $183K/yr
You will architect next-generation AI solutions that will drive AI adoption for both external game developers and internal engineering teams. You will be a hands-on builder who designs, develops, and ...
Senior Software Development Engineer, Luna Gen AI
Seattle, WA · On-site
$139K - $183K/yr
You will architect next-generation AI solutions that will drive AI adoption for both external game developers and internal engineering teams. You will be a hands-on builder who designs, develops, and ...
Senior Software Development Engineer, Luna Gen AI
Seattle, WA · On-site
$139K - $183K/yr
You will architect next-generation AI solutions that will drive AI adoption for both external game developers and internal engineering teams. You will be a hands-on builder who designs, develops, and ...
Senior Software Development Engineer, Luna Gen AI
Seattle, WA · On-site
$139K - $183K/yr
You will architect next-generation AI solutions that will drive AI adoption for both external game developers and internal engineering teams. You will be a hands-on builder who designs, develops, and ...
Experience in game development or other games industry background. BS/MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or similar technical field or at least 5+ years of comparable experience. Pay & Benefits At ...
Experience in game development or other games industry background. BS/MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or similar technical field or at least 5+ years of comparable experience. Pay & Benefits At ...
Software Design Engineer
Redmond, WA · On-site
We are looking for an experienced game developer to join us as we update our portfolio of Microsoft Casual Games. Responsibilities: You will be responsible for client development and feature ...
Software Design Engineer
Redmond, WA · On-site
We are looking for an experienced game developer to join us as we update our portfolio of Microsoft Casual Games. Responsibilities: You will be responsible for client development and feature ...
Software Design Engineer
Redmond, WA · On-site
We are looking for an experienced game developer to join us as we update our portfolio of Microsoft Casual Games. Responsibilities: You will be responsible for client development and feature ...
Software Design Engineer
Redmond, WA · On-site
We are looking for an experienced game developer to join us as we update our portfolio of Microsoft Casual Games. Responsibilities: You will be responsible for client development and feature ...
Game Engine Engineer, Platform
Redmond, WA · On-site
$100K - $130K/yr
Experience: 0 to 4+ years in real‑time/game physics engineering; shipped a title, AA/AAA preferred. * Programming: Experience C++ (modern standards), data‑oriented design, memory management ...
Quick apply
Game Engine Engineer, Platform
Redmond, WA · On-site
$100K - $130K/yr
Experience: 0 to 4+ years in real‑time/game physics engineering; shipped a title, AA/AAA preferred. * Programming: Experience C++ (modern standards), data‑oriented design, memory management ...
Gaming experience preferred. Experience supporting iOS/Android or worked on services that support ... Look for a developer that has either iOS or Android, with back-end coding experience (Java) and ...
Gaming experience preferred. Experience supporting iOS/Android or worked on services that support ... Look for a developer that has either iOS or Android, with back-end coding experience (Java) and ...
Principal Game Engine Engineer, Platform
Redmond, WA · On-site
$160K - $200K/yr
The Principal Game Engine Engineer will participate in the design, implementation, and optimization of the real‑time physics systems that underpin the simulation in our applications. You will ...
Quick apply
Principal Game Engine Engineer, Platform
Redmond, WA · On-site
$160K - $200K/yr
The Principal Game Engine Engineer will participate in the design, implementation, and optimization of the real‑time physics systems that underpin the simulation in our applications. You will ...
Our work bridges engineering simulation and compelling storytelling: we take real-world demos ... Experience shipping a AAA game title
Our work bridges engineering simulation and compelling storytelling: we take real-world demos ... Experience shipping a AAA game title
Senior Applied Scientist, AWS GameTech Cortex
Seattle, WA · On-site
$104K - $142K/yr
In this role, you will drive the development and deployment of machine learning solutions that directly impact how game developers build, operate, and optimize their games on AWS. You will work at ...
Senior Applied Scientist, AWS GameTech Cortex
Seattle, WA · On-site
$104K - $142K/yr
In this role, you will drive the development and deployment of machine learning solutions that directly impact how game developers build, operate, and optimize their games on AWS. You will work at ...
Senior Applied Scientist, AWS GameTech Cortex
$104K - $142K/yr
In this role, you will drive the development and deployment of machine learning solutions that directly impact how game developers build, operate, and optimize their games on AWS. You will work at ...
Senior Applied Scientist, AWS GameTech Cortex
$104K - $142K/yr
In this role, you will drive the development and deployment of machine learning solutions that directly impact how game developers build, operate, and optimize their games on AWS. You will work at ...
Game Engineer information
See Bothell, WA salary details
$58.7K - $71.6K
2% of jobs
$71.6K - $84.5K
0% of jobs
$84.5K - $97.4K
1% of jobs
$97.4K - $110.3K
4% of jobs
$110.3K - $123.2K
6% of jobs
$123.2K - $136.1K
11% of jobs
$136.8K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$136.1K - $149K
10% of jobs
The median wage is $161.9K / yr.
$149K - $161.9K
16% of jobs
$161.9K - $174.8K
16% of jobs
$182.2K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$174.8K - $187.8K
16% of jobs
$187.8K - $200.7K
18% of jobs
$58.7K
$158.7K
$200.7K
How much do game engineer jobs pay per year?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Game Engineer, and why are they important?
What is the 80 20 rule in game development?
How do Game Engineers typically collaborate with designers and artists throughout the game development process?
What Does a Game Engineer Do?
A game engineer is a software developer that produces video games. As a game engineer, your duties may be in any phase of the game design process. You typically work as part of a large team of engineers, designers, and programmers, carrying out the visual and functional aspects of the video game. Your responsibilities include ensuring that the visual elements of the game are properly designed and can work on various pieces of hardware. Some game engineers work independently, creating smaller games meant to function on a mobile phone or computer. However, to produce games for consoles or performance gaming computers, you must generally work for a larger game design company.
What does a game engineer do?
Will game dev be replaced by AI?
What is the difference between Game Engineer vs Game Developer?
| Aspect | Game Engineer | Game Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field; programming skills | Bachelor's in Computer Science, Game Design, or related; programming and design skills |
| Work Environment | Develops game engines, tools, and core systems; often works closely with programmers and technical teams | Designs and implements game features, levels, and content; collaborates with artists and designers |
| Industry Usage | Commonly employed in technical roles within game studios, focusing on underlying systems | More prevalent in creative roles, focusing on gameplay and content creation |
While both roles require programming skills and a background in computer science, Game Engineers primarily focus on building the technical infrastructure, such as game engines and tools. Game Developers concentrate on creating gameplay features, levels, and content. The roles often overlap, but Game Engineers tend to work more on the technical backbone, whereas Game Developers focus on the user experience and game design.
Is 30 too old to start game development?

Staff Software Engineer, Developer Experience & Workflows - VALORANT
Mercer Island, WA • On-site
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 6 days ago
Job description
Engineers join Riot to become masters of their craft. They bring a deep passion for helping bring joy to players via technical solutions. In Foundations, we focus on the game engine, content pipelines, developer workflows, and other critical core capabilities.
As a Staff Software Engineer on VALORANT's Foundations Developer Experience & Workflows team, you will work directly on VAL's development team, hand-in-hand with engineers, designers, artists, producers, and QA to build systems that enable them to move faster, work with greater confidence, and deliver amazing new experiences to players. To do this, you will design and evolve the platforms, tools, and workflows that power how VALORANT's game developers create, iterate on, and validate content for both PC and console. Your work will span a diverse set of technical areas, adapting VALORANT's development platform to meet needs wherever they emerge. This includes leveraging AI to accelerate development while establishing the appropriate guardrails for trust, quality, and reliability. This role will report to the Engineering Manager on the Foundations Developer Experience & Workflows team.
Responsibilities:
- Create tools and systems that improve developer experience and efficiency.
- Work with stakeholders across the organization to address their pain points and exceed their expectations for what development on VALORANT can be.
- Influence software engineering best practices for development.
- Develop sustainable solutions that are testable, robust, and will ensure a consistent player experience across platforms.
- Provide mentorship to more junior members of the team.
- Contribute to development efforts through effective breakdown and execution on multi-month development efforts.
Required Qualifications:
- 6+ years of professional experience in software engineering, including experience delivering live or shipped games at scale
- 2+ years professional experience with Unreal Engine
- 2+ years professional experience with C++
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and/or equivalent experience
- Have collaborated on cross-team development efforts (3+ months in scope), including requirements gathering, planning, and release
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience serving on a team that builds player-facing areas of a live game, such as characters, maps, modes, systems, or other in-game experiences.
- Experience building shared game development tooling
For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We will be looking at your past studies, experience, and your personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about the experiences of players, this could be the role for you!
Our Perks:
Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.
At Riot Games, we put players first . That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you're working directly on a new player-facing experience or you're supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we're better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we're looking forward to your application.
It's our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.
Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:
- Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
- Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
- Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
- Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters
These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.
- (Mercer Island only) Base salary range between $192,500.00 - $269,400.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.
About Riot Games
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Riot Games was founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill with the intent to change the way video games are made and supported for players. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to worldwide acclaim. The game has since gone on to become the most played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. Players are the foundation of our community and it's for them we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.
Industry
Computer and electronic product manufacturing
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Los Angeles, CA, US
Year founded
2006