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Game Programmer Jobs in Redmond, WA (NOW HIRING)

This role oversees the development of GameKit, a core technology that empowers game developers while delivering seamless, engaging experiences for players in the new Apple Games app and gaming ...

Have lots of fun partnering with passionate game developers * Join the mastermind group and learn from top game developers * Volunteer recognition & awards Games for Love is an equal opportunity ...

Have lots of fun partnering with passionate game developers * Join the mastermind group and learn from top game developers * Volunteer recognition & awards Games for Love is an equal opportunity ...

Have lots of fun partnering with passionate game developers * Join the mastermind group and learn from top game developers * Volunteer recognition & awards Games for Love is an equal opportunity ...

Sr Game Developer - D&D

Renton, WA · On-site

$112K - $168K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Game Developer to provide in-depth review and quality control of D&D products produced outside the Game Design team. In this role, you'll ensure that game content is ...

English ABOUT HARDSUIT LABS We are an independent game developer founded in 2015 in Seattle, Washington. We believe that great games can only be built with great people and that great people thrive ...

Level / Game Designer - Senior

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$80K - $120K/yr

English ABOUT HARDSUIT LABS We are an independent game developer founded in 2015 in Seattle, Washington. We believe that great games can only be built with great people and that great people thrive ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Game Programmer information

See Redmond, WA salary details

$12.3K

$103.7K

$194.3K

How much do game programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for game programmer in Redmond, WA is $103,748.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26,900.00 and $163,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a demand for game programmers?

Game programmers are in demand due to the growth of the gaming industry, which continues to expand with advancements in technology such as virtual reality and mobile gaming. Skills in programming languages like C++ and Unity or Unreal Engine are highly valued, and employment opportunities are available in both large studios and indie development. The industry offers roles that often require a strong understanding of software development and game design principles.

Is a game programmer a good career?

A game programmer develops software for video games, often requiring skills in programming languages like C++ and knowledge of game engines such as Unity or Unreal. The field offers opportunities for creativity and technical growth, with job prospects influenced by industry demand and experience levels. It can be a rewarding career for those passionate about gaming and technology.

What is the difference between Game Programmer vs Game Designer?

AspectGame ProgrammerGame Designer
Primary RoleWriting code to develop game mechanics, features, and systemsCreating game concepts, storylines, and gameplay experiences
Required SkillsProgramming languages (C++, C#), software development, problem-solvingCreativity, storytelling, game mechanics design
Work EnvironmentTypically in a development team, coding in studios or remoteDesign studios, collaborative teams, often in creative settings
Common UsageUsed in technical development phasesUsed in conceptual and planning phases

While both roles are essential in game development, game programmers focus on coding and technical implementation, whereas game designers concentrate on creating engaging gameplay and story elements. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and collaboration in the industry.

What does a game programmer do?

Game programmers develop video game concepts into functioning programs. A career as a game programmer involves paying close attention to details, analyzing lines of code, and troubleshooting to find solutions. As a game programmer, you use coding languages, such as C++ and Java, to build an interactive gaming experience. There are different kinds of game programmers who have specialized skills to produce a specific purpose in the game, but they all work together to create the final product. For example, some game programmers focus on the 2D and 3D graphics for the game, while others generate user interfaces to make the game fun and easy to use.

What are some common challenges game programmers face when working on large-scale projects?

Game programmers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as optimizing performance for different hardware platforms, managing complex codebases, and ensuring smooth collaboration with designers and artists. Balancing feature implementation with bug fixing and meeting tight deadlines are also common hurdles. Effective communication with other departments and staying up-to-date with evolving game engines and development tools are essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering a high-quality product.

What is a game programmer?

Game Programmers are software engineers who specialize in writing code for video games. They work closely with designers, artists, and other team members to turn game concepts into playable experiences by developing game mechanics, graphics, artificial intelligence, and user interfaces. Game Programmers use programming languages such as C++, C#, or Python and may focus on specific areas like gameplay, graphics, physics, or networking. Their work ensures that games run smoothly and are engaging for players.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game programmer?

To thrive as a Game Programmer, you need strong programming skills in languages like C++ or C#, a solid understanding of computer science principles, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines (such as Unity or Unreal Engine), version control systems, and debugging tools is typically required. Creative problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate with designers and artists to bring game concepts to life. These skills ensure efficient development, smooth gameplay experiences, and successful project delivery within the dynamic gaming industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Programmer jobs in Redmond, WA? The most popular types of Game Programmer jobs in Redmond, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Programmer jobs in Redmond, WA? For Game Programmer jobs in Redmond, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Programmer jobs in Redmond, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Game Programmer jobs in Redmond, WA are:
What cities near Redmond, WA are hiring for Game Programmer jobs? Cities near Redmond, WA with the most Game Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Game Programmer job openings in Redmond, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,748 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Software Engineering Manager - Games

Apple

Seattle, WA

$225K - $338K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Apple Games is seeking a dynamic engineering manager to lead the Game Center team, driving the next generation of social and connected gaming experiences across Apple platforms. This role oversees the development of GameKit, a core technology that empowers game developers while delivering seamless, engaging experiences for players in the new Apple Games app and gaming overlay. You’ll guide a talented team working at the intersection of Apple’s platform services and the games developers are creating for millions of players worldwide.
Description
In this role, you’ll balance creativity with technical rigor-translating developer feedback into solutions that align with Apple’s strategic objectives. You’ll work side-by-side with your manager and leaders across Apple to advocate for games as a first-class experience on our devices, ensuring our technologies resonate deeply with the global game development community. This is an opportunity to lead a talented team at the heart of Apple’s gaming efforts and help define how great games are built and experienced on our platforms.","responsibilities":"As the manager of the Game Center engineering team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping Apple’s gaming ecosystem-championing the needs of developers while advancing Apple’s vision for exceptional player experiences. You’ll collaborate closely with teams across Apple to define and deliver frameworks, APIs, and services that make it easier and more rewarding to build games for our platforms. With a strong understanding of both developer workflows and system-level architecture, you’ll design and guide the creation of modern, elegant frameworks that developers love to adopt.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with iOS or macOS development using Swift or Objective C is preferred but not required.
Minimum Qualifications
Proven ability to hire, develop, and mentor high-performing engineering teams
Track record of delivering developer-facing or internal APIs that power great products
Experience in the game industry, either building games or shipping technologies for game developers
Deep passion for improving the developer experience and enabling creativity through better tools and frameworks
Exceptional communication skills-able to collaborate effectively with both technical and non-technical partners
Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills
Solid understanding of multithreaded concepts, concurrency, and performance optimization
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $225,600 and $338,400, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Apple logo

About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976