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Game Programming Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tencent

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$131K - $246K/yr

... game programming experience * Experience bringing a large-scale game title to completion on PC and consoles * Expert in C++, debugging, and 3D math * Enjoy working closely with creative and technical ...

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Game Programming information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$91.4K

$171.2K

How much do game programming jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for game programming in California is $91,423.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23,700.00 and $143,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Game Programming vs Software Development?

AspectGame ProgrammingSoftware Development
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, programming skills, knowledge of game enginesBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, programming skills, software engineering knowledge
Work EnvironmentGame studios, entertainment industry, collaborative teamsTech companies, various industries, team-based or individual projects
Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming and entertainmentBroad, including finance, healthcare, enterprise apps
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Game programming focuses on creating interactive entertainment using specialized game engines and graphics techniques, while software development encompasses a wide range of applications across industries. Both roles require strong programming skills and similar educational backgrounds, but game programming is more specialized towards gaming platforms and real-time graphics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Game Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Programmer, you need strong programming skills in languages such as C++, C#, or Java, along with a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems, and debugging tools is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork distinguish outstanding game programmers in collaborative development environments. These skills ensure efficient code development, innovative gameplay experiences, and seamless project execution in the dynamic gaming industry.

How do game programmers typically collaborate with designers and artists during the development process?

Game programmers work closely with designers and artists to bring the creative vision of a game to life. They translate design documents into functional gameplay systems, implement features, and ensure that artistic assets are integrated seamlessly into the game engine. Regular meetings, collaborative tools, and iterative feedback loops are common, allowing teams to quickly identify and resolve issues. Clear communication and flexibility are essential, as requirements often evolve throughout development.

What is game programming?

Game programming is the process of writing code to create video games. Game programmers use programming languages, such as C++ or C#, to develop the mechanics, graphics, physics, and interactions that make up a video game. They work closely with game designers, artists, and sound engineers to bring a game to life, ensuring it runs smoothly and meets the desired gameplay experience. Game programming also involves debugging, optimizing performance, and sometimes creating tools for other team members. It is a key part of the game development process, blending technical skill with creativity.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Programming jobs in California? The most popular types of Game Programming jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Programming jobs in California? For Game Programming jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Programming jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Game Programming jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Game Programming jobs? Cities in California with the most Game Programming job openings:
Game Programming jobs near you
Senior Game Engineer, GenAI - Games

Senior Game Engineer, GenAI - Games

Netflix

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Netflix rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 65 rated media

Job description

At Netflix, our mission is to entertain the world. Together, we are writing the next episode - pushing the boundaries of storytelling, global fandom and making the unimaginable a reality. We are a dream team obsessed with the uncomfortable excitement of discovering what happens when you merge creativity, intuition and cutting-edge technology. Come be a part of what's next.
We are seeking a Senior Game Engineer who is passionate about the next frontier of interactive storytelling and player agency. In this role, you won't just be building models; you'll be building experiences. You will leverage Generative AI to break traditional scripted boundaries, creating dynamic gameplay systems that respond to players in ways previously thought impossible.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design-Led Engineering:Work elbow-to-elbow with Game Designers to prototype and ship AI-augmented gameplay.
  • Player-Centric AI:Implement GenAI features that directly enhance the player experience, ensuring that AI-generated content feels intentional, high-quality, and most importantly, fun.
  • Core Systems Integration: Architect how GenAI hooks into core game systems (AI behavior trees, narrative engines, and world-building tools) to ensure seamless, low-latency performance.
  • Guardrails & UX:Develop the "logic layer" that sits between raw AI outputs and the player, ensuring content remains on-theme, safe, and balanced within the game's mechanics.
  • Rapid Gameplay Iteration:Use GenAI to accelerate the "find the fun" phase of development, building internal tools that allow for faster level blocking, asset variation, and playtesting loops.
  • Technical Troubleshooting: Debug complex interactions where AI systems meet deterministic game logic, maintaining the stability of the live game environment.

Qualifications
  • Gameplay Engineering Core: 5+ years of professional experience in game development. You have a deep understanding of game architecture, player controllers, and real-time systems.
  • Applied GenAI Skills: Proven experience using LLMs or Diffusion models to solve specific product problems. You know how to prompt, fine-tune, and chain models to get predictable results in an unpredictable game world.
  • Systems Thinker: You understand how a change in an AI's "personality" or "generation parameters" affects game balance and the overall player journey.
  • Technical Proficiency: Expert-level C++ or C# (Unity/Unreal) and a grasp of Python for tooling and data pipelines.
  • Passion for Innovation: You are excited by "impossible" design challenges and believe GenAI is the key to unlocking new genres of play.

Generally, our compensation structure consists solely of an annual salary; we do not have bonuses. You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To determine your personal top of market compensation, we rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, skills, and experience to determine your compensation in the market range. The range for this role is $280,000.00 - $400,000.00.
Netflix provides comprehensive benefits including Health Plans, Mental Health support, a 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match, Stock Option Program, Disability Programs, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, Family-forming benefits, and Life and Serious Injury Benefits. We also offer paid leave of absence programs. Full-time hourly employees accrue 35 days annually for paid time off to be used for vacation, holidays, and sick paid time off. Full-time salaried employees are immediately entitled to flexible time off. See more details about our Benefits here.
Netflix is a unique culture and environment. Learn more here.
Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.
We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.

What Netflix employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Netflix

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with 222 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries, feature films and mobile games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Gatos, CA, US

Year founded

1997

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