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Game Programmer Jobs in Vancouver, BC (NOW HIRING)

You will work with directors, designers, engineers, and artists to deliver games that put smiles on the faces of people around the world.โ€ฏโ€ฏโ€ฏ * Create carefully crafted gameplay moments that ...

We're seeking passionate and driven professionals across all areas of game development to help ... What We Need We're looking for an Expert Gameplay AI Software Engineer to help build the ...

Gameplay Design Director

Burnaby, BC ยท Hybrid

CA$153K - CA$229K/yr

Experience with, and passion for, systemic game design * Experience leading a design team (5+) & directing a sizable development team (20+) * Experience working with Animation Software Engineers and ...

Final Strike Games is looking for a passionate Animation Engineer to join our Vancouver, BC studio and help us build the animation systems for an upcoming multiplayer title. The ideal candidate is an ...

Gameplay Systems Software Engineer

Burnaby, BC ยท Hybrid

CA$71K - CA$105K/yr

... game development and bring 2K's next groundbreaking sports franchise to life. Headquartered in ... We are looking for engineers with strong C++ fundamentals, production Unreal experience, and the ...

2D Generalist (Mobile Game)

Vancouver, BC ยท On-site

CA$55K - CA$90K/yr

Founded in 2006, IGG has grown into a leading global game developer and publisher, with studios and operations across China, the Philippines, Singapore, the United States, and Canada, where IGG ...

... game development and bring 2K's next groundbreaking sports franchise to life. Headquartered in ... What We Need We are looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to contribute to the development of new ...

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Game Programmer information

See Vancouver, BC salary details

$21.1K

$85.2K

$126.1K

How much do game programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for game programmer in Vancouver, BC is $85,204.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,858.00 and $104,514.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Game Programmer jobs in Vancouver, BC?

The most popular types of Game Programmer jobs in Vancouver, BC are:

Infographic showing various Game Programmer job openings in Vancouver, BC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,204 per year, or $41 per hour.

Activision 2027 Summer Internshps - Game Engineering (Vancouver)

Treyarch

Vancouver, BC โ€ข On-site

Full-time, Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Job Title:Activision 2027 Summer Internshps - Game Engineering (Vancouver)Requisition ID:R027982Job Description:

Activision is looking for talented and innovative students to join our teams for summer 2027. All interns will receive a meaningful project and an unparalleled experience. We'll provide the tools and resources you need to learn. The challenging and creative work you do throughout your internship will directly impact the team you are contributing to.

All internships will be conducted in-person. Hosting managers will determine when and how often interns work in the office. Canada interns are eligible for domestic relocation support if they live 150km+ away from the internship location.

Program Requirements

  • Currently enrolled in a post-secondary or graduate program and graduating December 2027 - June 2028

  • Available to participate in a 12-week internship starting mid-May 2027

  • Currently residing in Canada or open to relocating themselves to Canada

  • Exhibits learning agility; has the ability to think differently, and/or grasp and apply new skills and concepts

  • Approaches problems in a clear, well-organized, and solutions-oriented manner

  • Works well with others and contributes to team tasks

  • Able to effectively communicate problems, solutions, needs, or priorities

  • Is engaged, seeks to learn, and is able to manage time effectively

  • A passion for significantly impacting game development

  • Applicants must apply with a resume and code samples

Internship Opportunities

Gameplay Engineering Intern

As a Gameplay Engineering Intern, you will be fully embedded into our core engine and gameplay team rather than working on isolated side projects. You will do the same hands-on, high-impact work as full-time engineers-writing production code, debugging complex systems, and optimizing mechanics across PC and console platforms. If you want to build high-performance systems and features that will be played by millions of consumers around the globe, this is the place to start your career in game development.

Within this role, you will help write clean, efficient C++ code to implement core, player-facing features like movement physics, weapon mechanics, camera controls, AI behaviors, and hit detection. You'll profile and optimize game code to maintain high framerate stability and low latency while troubleshooting complex crashes, multithreading issues, and memory leaks in a large-scale codebase. You'll also collaborate closely with designers and animators to expose low-level framework parameters, participate in code reviews with senior engineers, and maintain architectural integrity across the entire development team.

Requirements

  • Programming Languages: Strong fluency in C++. Computer Science Fundamentals: Deep - based on data structures, algorithms, memory management, and multithreading.

  • 3D Mathematics: Solid knowledge of linear algebra, vector math, matrices, and 3D transformations.

  • Low-Level Engine Systems: Demonstrated experience with custom C++ engine components, memory allocation, physics solvers, or low-level systems programming.

  • Systems & Network Awareness: Familiarity with multiplayer concepts such as client-side prediction, interpolation, spatial partitioning, or network latency management.

  • Exposure to FPS game genre and can speak to it

Hosting Locations: Treyarch (Vancouver)

Our World

At Activision, we strive to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment. We're driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy, together. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty, Crash Bandicoot, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, and Guitar Hero. As a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and products, our "press start" is simple: delight hundreds of millions of players around the world with innovative, fun, thrilling, and engaging entertainment experiences.

We're not just looking back at our decades-long legacy; we're forging ahead to keep advancing gameplay with some of the most popular titles and sophisticated technology in the world. We have bold ambitions to create the most inclusive company as we know our success comes from the passionate, creative, and diverse teams within our organization.

We're in the business of delivering fun and unforgettable entertainment for our player community to enjoy. And our future opportunities have never been greater - this could be your opportunity to level up.

Ready to Activate Your Future?

The video game industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com. General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.

Rewards
We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

  • Extended health plan, including medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, for employees and their dependents, as well as disability insurance;
  • RRSP with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
  • Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other benefit programs like supplemental life & critical illness, legal service, and others;
  • If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.


Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company.

The standard base pay range for this role is $38,745.00 - $81,990.00 CAD. These values reflect the expected annualized base pay range of new hires in British Columbia, Canada. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance and location. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed.Employment Type: INTERN