How much do gameplay developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay developer in Ashburn, VA is $138,289.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,900.00 and $146,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Gameplay Developer vs Game Designer?

Aspect Gameplay Developer Game Designer Primary Focus Implementing gameplay mechanics, coding, scripting Conceptualizing game features, designing user experience Required Skills Programming, scripting, technical problem-solving Creativity, storytelling, game mechanics design Work Environment Game development teams, programming studios Design studios, creative teams, collaborative environments Common Tools Unity, Unreal Engine, C++, scripting languages Design software, storyboarding tools, game design documentation While both roles are essential in game development, a Gameplay Developer focuses on coding and implementing gameplay features, whereas a Game Designer concentrates on creating game concepts and mechanics. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and collaboration within game development teams.

What jobs can a gameplay developer do?

A gameplay developer can work on designing, programming, and implementing game mechanics, features, and systems for video games. They often collaborate with artists, designers, and testers, and may specialize in areas such as AI, physics, or user interface development using tools like Unity or Unreal Engine.

$131k-$146k Gameplay Developer Jobs Ashburn, VA (NOW HIRING)

UnannouncedGameStudio

Game Programmer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

An Unannounced Game Studio based in Fairfax, VA and led by industry veterans is searching for Jr-Mid Programmers to join a talented team in creating amazing games. Responsibilities Write portable ...

UnannouncedGameStudio

Game Programmer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

An Unannounced Game Studio based in Fairfax, VA and led by industry veterans is searching for Jr-Mid Programmers to join a talented team in creating amazing games. Responsibilities Write portable ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

AI/ML Engineer, Mid

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$77.60 - $176/hr

As an AI/ML Engineer, you know that machine learning is critical to understanding and processing massive datasets. Your ability to conduct statistical analyses on business processes using ML ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

AI/ML Engineer, Mid

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$77.60 - $176/hr

As an AI/ML Engineer, you know that machine learning is critical to understanding and processing massive datasets. Your ability to conduct statistical analyses on business processes using ML ...

George Mason University

Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design - Sound

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Extensive knowledge working with all primary game design, game programming, and management software applications, engines, and tools, as well as related hardware; * Knowledge of sound design and game ...

George Mason University

Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design - Sound

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Extensive knowledge working with all primary game design, game programming, and management software applications, engines, and tools, as well as related hardware; * Knowledge of sound design and game ...

George Mason University

Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Extensive knowledge working with all primary game design, game programming, and management software applications, engines, and tools, as well as related hardware; * Knowledge of 3D Modeling and ...

George Mason University

Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Extensive knowledge working with all primary game design, game programming, and management software applications, engines, and tools, as well as related hardware; * Knowledge of 3D Modeling and ...

CACI International, Inc.

AI Prompt Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of Travel: Local * * * The Opportunity: CACI is ...

CACI International, Inc.

AI Prompt Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of Travel: Local * * * The Opportunity: CACI is ...

Vantor

Ontology Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA · On-site

Collaborate with analysts, data scientists, engineers, and Government stakeholders to capture requirements and translate mission needs into formal knowledge models. * Develop and maintain ontology ...

Vantor

Ontology Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA · On-site

Collaborate with analysts, data scientists, engineers, and Government stakeholders to capture requirements and translate mission needs into formal knowledge models. * Develop and maintain ontology ...

IC-CAP LLC

Innovation Engineer Mid-Level 112-007

Springfield, VA · On-site

Innovation Engineer (Mid) : Overall Assignment Description : The contractor shall provide business process engineering; backlog management; assist with innovation prioritization; editorial support to ...

IC-CAP LLC

Innovation Engineer Mid-Level 112-007

Springfield, VA · On-site

Innovation Engineer (Mid) : Overall Assignment Description : The contractor shall provide business process engineering; backlog management; assist with innovation prioritization; editorial support to ...

Vantor

Ontology Engineer (TS/SCI) with Security Clearance

Herndon, VA · On-site

Collaborate with analysts, data scientists, engineers, and Government stakeholders to capture requirements and translate mission needs into formal knowledge models. * Develop and maintain ontology ...

Vantor

Ontology Engineer (TS/SCI) with Security Clearance

Herndon, VA · On-site

Collaborate with analysts, data scientists, engineers, and Government stakeholders to capture requirements and translate mission needs into formal knowledge models. * Develop and maintain ontology ...

Game Plan Tech

DevOps Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$55 - $75.25/hr

Game Plan Tech is a mission-driven consulting and services firm that helps government teams access innovative technologies. They are seeking a DevOps Engineer with expertise in Google Cloud Platform ...

Game Plan Tech

DevOps Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$55 - $75.25/hr

Game Plan Tech is a mission-driven consulting and services firm that helps government teams access innovative technologies. They are seeking a DevOps Engineer with expertise in Google Cloud Platform ...

Maxar

Ontology Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA · On-site

Collaborate with analysts, data scientists, engineers, and Government stakeholders to capture requirements and translate mission needs into formal knowledge models. * Develop and maintain ontology ...

Maxar

Ontology Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA · On-site

Collaborate with analysts, data scientists, engineers, and Government stakeholders to capture requirements and translate mission needs into formal knowledge models. * Develop and maintain ontology ...