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Game Programming Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tencent

Lead Engine System Engineer

Irvine, CA

$110K - $144K/yr

Experience with game console hardware * Deep understanding of multithreaded programming * Experience managing direct reports * Experience performing in a senior or principal software engineering role ...

Exploding Kittens

Principal Game Developer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Principal Game Developer is a senior leader at Exploding Kittens who plays a key role in shaping the games we bring to life. In this role, you'll make final game development decisions, guiding ...

LightSpeed Studios

Lead Engine System Engineer

Irvine, CA

$110K - $144K/yr

Experience with game console hardware * Deep understanding of multithreaded programming * Experience managing direct reports * Experience performing in a senior or principal software engineering role ...

Exploding Kittens

Principal Game Developer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Principal Game Developer is a senior leader at Exploding Kittens who plays a key role in shaping the games we bring to life. In this role, you'll make final game development decisions, guiding ...

Cloud Chamber

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

Keep current on technological developments and advancements in the game industry. * Identify ... Experience with the C/C++ programming language along with a strong familiarity of Object-Oriented ...

2K

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

Keep current on technological developments and advancements in the game industry. * Identify ... Experience with the C/C++ programming language along with a strong familiarity of Object-Oriented ...

Cloud Chamber

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA

$85K - $126K/yr

Keep current on technological developments and advancements in the game industry. * Identify ... Experience with the C/C++ programming language along with a strong familiarity of Object-Oriented ...

2K

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

Keep current on technological developments and advancements in the game industry. * Identify ... Experience with the C/C++ programming language along with a strong familiarity of Object-Oriented ...

Intrepid Studios

Gameplay Programmer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$136K - $151K/yr

Work with game designers, artists, and other engineers to create compelling experiences * Break-down design goals into smaller technical tasks * Provide feedback on gameplay and offer suggestions for ...

Striking Distance Studios

Lead Gameplay Engineer

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$112K - $147K/yr

... game development. Responsibilities : • Lead a team of Gameplay Engineers to create best in class Game Modes. • Lead the overall planning, development, and execution of the game, engine and ...

Intrepid Studios

Gameplay Programmer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$136K - $151K/yr

Work with game designers, artists, and other engineers to create compelling experiences * Break-down design goals into smaller technical tasks * Provide feedback on gameplay and offer suggestions for ...

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All JobsGame Programming JobsGame Programming Jobs in California

Game Programming information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$91.4K

$171.2K

How much do game programming jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 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.

How do I become a game programmer?

To become a game programmer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Developing strong programming skills in languages like C++ or C#, gaining experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, and building a portfolio of projects are essential steps in entering the field.

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.

How much do game coders get paid?

Game programmers typically earn between $50,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level positions often start around $50,000, while experienced developers working on advanced games or in major studios can earn higher salaries. Skills in programming languages like C++ and knowledge of game engines such as Unity or Unreal are important for higher pay.

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.

Will game dev be replaced by AI?

Game programming involves creative problem-solving, designing, and coding that currently require human expertise. While AI tools can assist with tasks like asset generation and testing, they are unlikely to fully replace game developers, who bring unique creativity and understanding of player experience to the job.

What jobs can a game developer do?

A game developer can work in roles such as gameplay programmer, graphics programmer, AI programmer, tools developer, or technical artist. These positions involve designing, coding, and optimizing game features using programming languages like C++ or C#, often within game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. Additional roles include quality assurance, technical design, and project management in the gaming industry.
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
Infographic showing various Game Programming job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,423 per year, or $44 per hour.
Senior Product Manager - Enterprise AI for Game Development

Senior Product Manager - Enterprise AI for Game Development

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Nvidia rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

We are looking for a product leader to define and take to market NVIDIA's enterprise solutions for game development. NVIDIA hardware and technology powers the world's most ambitious games - both in runtime technologies such as RTX rendering and AI game characters, but also in AI and accelerated computing technologies used to build and operate games. These span from workstations and servers used to power artist, game developer, and AI developer workflows, to generative AI technology for content creation, coding agents, and QA, to accelerated data science libraries for anti-cheat, anti-toxicity, and matchmaking.

Working alongside our business development and content management teams, this role will define and package enterprise solutions, position them, and help land them inside the world's top game developers and publishers. Success in this role will enable game studios to build better games, get them to market faster, and operate them more efficiently for hundreds of millions of gamers!

What you'll be doing:

  • Drive product strategy, feature requirements, roadmap, and go-to-market for the enterprise game developer product and technology portfolio.

  • Understand how studios build, ship, and operate games, and where NVIDIA should invest in products and technology to address market needs.

  • Lead a cross-functional team of engineering, developer relations, developer marketing, business development, and sales account managers to ship features, launch products, and grow adoption.

  • Partner with ISVs and engine developers to integrate NVIDIA enterprise technology natively into production workflows.

  • Work closely with OEM partners shipping enterprise solutions to drive go to market into the game development industry.

  • Own positioning, messaging, tradeshow strategy, and sales enablement.

  • Build personas, user journeys, and industry-specific narratives.

  • Build technical demos, trade-show narratives, and case studies working with lighthouse studios.

What we need to see:

  • 8+ years of combined product management and product marketing experience, with meaningful time on game developer tools, game technology, graphics, or AI products.

  • Deep familiarity with modern game development workflows: real-time rendering, asset pipelines, build and test infrastructure, and live ops.

  • First-hand experience as a game developer, engine programmer, technical producer, or related role- you have shipped real content or code and can hold your own in a technical conversation with a studio's principal engineer.

  • Knowledge of at least one major game engine (Unreal, Unity, or a proprietary AAA engine).

  • Strong written and verbal communication; able to translate deep technical material into crisp positioning for studios, executives, press, and partners.

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Game Development, or equivalent experience.

  • Ability to work in the Santa Clara, CA office.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Background in enterprise developer platforms, on-prem AI deployments, or workstation/server product lines used by studios.

  • Established relationships across the game development community - studios, publishers, and engine teams.

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us. If you're creative and autonomous, we want to hear from you!

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 168,000 USD - 258,750 USD for Level 4, and 208,000 USD - 327,750 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until June 13, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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