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Game Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join the Game Services Framework team to help us build the developer-facing technologies that drive discovery, engagement, and connectivity for games in the Apple ecosystem. We have an exciting ...

Senior Gaming Platform Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$139.50 - $258.10/hr

Join the Game Services Framework team to help us build the developer-facing technologies that drive discovery, engagement, and connectivity for games in the Apple ecosystem. We have an exciting ...

AI Programmer

Cary, NC · On-site

$119K - $132K/yr

ENGINEERING - GAMES What We Do Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We're always improving on the tools and ...

Game Developer

New York, NY · On-site

$38 - $40/hr

As the Game Developer for Hellbreak TCG, you will analyze card designs and manage our external playtest networks to ensure the game remains balanced, engaging, and mechanically sound. You will ...

We are searching for an Unreal game developer intern (Pflichtpraktikum / mandatory internship) who is motivated to contribute to the success of our game development. Join the Core Squad We will ...

Gameplay Programmer

Miami, FL · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

FrameShift is a Roblox game studio based in Miami. We started in 2024 with a simple goal: make ... Conduct peer code reviews and maintain engineering standards You Have * Solid Luau experience and ...

Senior Gameplay Programmer

Austin, TX · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

The gameplay programmer will work with the technical leadership to implement gameplay features ... Use your expertise to identify and resolve technical issues in the game, from minor bugs to ...

In this exciting role you'll be working at the intersection of math, software engineering, and game design-partnering with cross-functional teams to turn concepts into fully realized games, test how ...

Game Tools & Modding Engineer Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote We are looking for a Game Tools & Modding Engineer with strong expertise in graphics programming, rendering systems, and engine ...

Showing results 41-60

Game Programmer information

See salary details

$11K

$92.6K

$173.5K

How much do game programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for game programmer in the United States is $92,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,000.00 and $145,500.00 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 cities are hiring for Game Programmer jobs?

Cities with the most Game Programmer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Programmer jobs?

The most popular types of Game Programmer jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Game Programmer jobs?

The top employers for Game Programmer jobs are:

What states have the most Game Programmer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Game Programmer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Game Programmer jobs?

For Game Programmer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Game Programmer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,636 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Senior Gaming Platform Engineer

Apple

Seattle, WA • On-site

$142K - $263K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Own and evolve the infrastructure that connects game developers to Apple's devices and services.

  • Maintain and expand Apple's open source Unity plugins and develop new tooling and frameworks for Apple technologies.

  • Design and implement cross-platform bridging solutions, automated C#/Swift interoperability systems, and developer tools to reduce integration complexity.


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 684 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Apple Games is the home of gaming on Apple’s platforms, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Vision Pro. Join the Game Services Framework team to help us build the developer-facing technologies that drive discovery, engagement, and connectivity for games in the Apple ecosystem. We have an exciting roadmap of features supporting games ranging from mobile, to indie, to AAA, and interacting with a wide variety of operating system areas. Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Apple Books, and the App Store. Our products operate at a massive scale, meeting Apple’s high expectations with high performance to deliver a huge variety of entertainment to more than 150 countries in over 35 languages. The engineers on our team build secure, end-to-end solutions. We develop the custom software used to process all the creative work, the tools that providers use to deliver media, all the server-side systems, and the APIs for many Apple services. We use those systems to build out delightful and easy-to-use customer experiences for our media services. Thanks to Apple’s unique integration of hardware, software, and services, engineers here partner to get behind a single unified vision. That vision always includes a deep commitment to strengthening Apple’s privacy policy, one of Apple’s core values. Although services are a bigger part of Apple’s business than ever before, these teams remain small, nimble, and multi-functional, offering greater exposure to the array of opportunities here.
Description
As a Senior Gaming Platform Engineer on the Apple Games Frameworks team, you will own and evolve the critical infrastructure that connects game developers to the full capabilities of Apple's devices and services. Your mission is to unlock the unique features of Apple platforms-from advanced graphics and spatial computing to social gaming services-making them accessible to developers across diverse game engines and development environments. Your primary focus will be maintaining and expanding Apple's open source Unity plugins while building the next generation of tooling and frameworks that will make a broader range of Apple technologies available to Unity developers and extend our reach to additional game engines and development environments. You'll be responsible for designing and implementing cross-platform bridging solutions, automated C#/Swift interoperability systems that eliminate manual binding code, and developer tools that reduce integration complexity for game developers. Your work will directly impact thousands of developers and millions of players, enabling richer gaming experiences that take full advantage of what makes Apple platforms special. This role requires deep technical knowledge of game development platforms, runtime systems, and cross-platform integration challenges, particularly in Windows-based development environments where most game developers operate.
Preferred Qualifications
Unity Engine plugin development experience and familiarity with Unity's native plugin architecture
C# and .NET/Mono runtime experience
Swift, Objective-C, or other Apple platform development experience
Experience with other game engines (Unreal, Godot, etc.) and their plugin systems
Background in compiler toolchains, code generation, or language runtime implementation
Client/server networking and multiplayer game development experience
Previous experience building developer tools or SDKs at scale
Minimum Qualifications
5+ years of experience with multi-platform systems programming and API development
Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming (essential for game engine integration)
Experience with C# or Objective-C/Swift, with willingness to learn and work across both ecosystems
Strong knowledge of memory management, runtime systems, and platform-specific integration challenges
Proficiency with Windows development environments and toolchains used by game developers
Experience with cross-language integration, data marshalling, or native API binding challenges
Understanding of game engine architectures and plugin development patterns
Experience maintaining open source projects and working with developer communities
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience
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 $142,300 and $263,300, 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.

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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