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Game Programming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Title: Game Solution Engineer Location: Seattle, WA Openings: 1 Type: Long-Term Contract Provide Solutions for a Hit Game Team The Clients team needs a highly capable Full Stack Game Solution ...

Role Overview This Expert Game Engineer works in our studio organization to develop high quality features and exciting new gameplay modes for our portfolio of successful mobile games. You will work ...

Title: Game Solution Engineer Location: Seattle, WA Openings: 1 Type: Long-Term Contract Provide Solutions for a Hit Game Team The Clients team needs a highly capable Full Stack Game Solution ...

Stardock is currently seeking a talented Senior Game Developer. The ideal candidate is well versed in C++, has shipped titles in the past and loves strategy games. This is a salaried, full-time ...

Senior Game Developer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Stardock is currently seeking a talented Senior Game Developer. The ideal candidate is well versed in C++, has shipped titles in the past and loves strategy games. This is a salaried, full-time ...

... 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 ...

Title: Unity Game Solutions Engineer Location: Seattle, WA Openings: 1 Type: Long-Term Contract We Provide Solutions for Game Teams The Clients team needs a highly capable Unity Game Solution ...

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Game Programming information

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$11K

$92.6K

$173.5K

How much do game programming jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for game programming 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 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 with specialized skills or working in high-cost areas can earn higher salaries. Knowledge of programming languages like C++ and experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal can influence compensation.

Is game programming a good career?

Game programming is a viable career that involves designing and developing video games using programming languages like C++ and tools such as game engines. It requires strong coding skills, creativity, and often a bachelor's degree in computer science or related fields. The industry offers opportunities in entertainment, education, and simulation, with job stability depending on industry trends and individual skill level.

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, design, 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 as a software engineer, game designer, level designer, graphics programmer, or quality assurance tester. These roles involve programming, designing game mechanics, creating assets, and testing for bugs, often using tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. Additional skills in C++, scripting, and understanding of game physics are also valuable.
More about Game Programming jobs
What cities are hiring for Game Programming jobs? Cities with the most Game Programming job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Programming jobs? The most popular types of Game Programming jobs are:
What states have the most Game Programming jobs? States with the most job openings for Game Programming jobs include:
Infographic showing various Game Programming job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,636 per year, or $44.5 per hour.
Senior Gameplay Engineer, Game Studio

Senior Gameplay Engineer, Game Studio

Netflix

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Posted 24 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

Netflix is one of the world's leading entertainment services with 278 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.

The Role

Senior Gameplay Engineer, Game Studio

ABOUT OUR TEAM

We're a group of developers, artists, and storytellers who make games full of wonder, danger, and humor. Everyone at our studio, whether an industry vet or a new voice, impacts each game through collaborative feedback, mutual respect, and creative empowerment. If you want to make games that leave a meaningful impact on players, we want to hear from you.

We're looking for new teammates who deeply care about the work they do, the stories they tell, and the people they create with. As part of the Netflix team, we strive to hire the best and value integrity, excellence, respect, inclusion, and collaboration.

Learn how our story-loving game people came to join Netflix's team of game-loving story people.

ENGINEERING AT NIGHT SCHOOL

Software development is just as creative as other roles at Night School. Our engineering team highly values cross-disciplinary thinking. Creating great gameplay experiences requires engineers to not only imagine elegant, extensible, and optimized systems, but also to appreciate, communicate, and integrate with art, design, and narrative. Here, you'll flex your ingenuity and skill in multiple areas as needs arise, whether directly in our games, as part of a development support system, or as part of our in-house storytelling toolset, NightTools.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We're looking for a talented, driven, and passionate gameplay engineer to help us build the best experiences possible for our existing and upcoming games. As a Senior Gameplay Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the design and development of gameplay mechanics that will define the player experience in our upcoming titles. We're seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual with proven experience in gameplay development, a keen eye for game design, and a passion for creating memorable gameplay experiences.

Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate closely with the design team to understand gameplay objectives and translate them into technical solutions.

  • Iterate with design to ensure those technical solutions "feel" right.

  • Optimize and maintain existing gameplay systems to ensure fluid and engaging player experiences.

  • Mentor and provide guidance to junior engineers, sharing your expertise in gameplay development.

  • Identify technical challenges and propose innovative solutions to overcome them.

  • Debug and resolve gameplay-related issues, ensuring high-quality and bug-free gameplay experiences.

  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies to continually enhance our gameplay capabilities.

Skills & Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent work experience).

  • 7+ years of professional experience in gameplay development.

  • High proficiency with Unity.

  • Two or more published games for mobile, consoles, or desktop platforms.

  • Significant experience with C#.

About you:

  • Driven to maintain the highest-quality experiences for players.

  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as in a team.

  • Skilled at writing code that is elegant, extensible, and optimized.

  • A keen eye for design and the "feel" of a game.

  • Proficient at giving and receiving quality feedback.

  • Self-starter willing to seek out solutions and ask questions when necessary.

  • Mindful of the needs of a team as individuals and as a whole.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity of thought and background 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