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Gameplay Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Intrepid Studios

Gameplay Programmer

San Diego, CA

$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 ...

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 ...

Templar Media

Lead Gameplay Programmer

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$125K - $139K/yr

As an independent developer and publisher, Templar develops the games that we want, on our own schedule. We are actively staffing up for both in-house game development and supporting published titles.

Gunfire Games

Senior Gameplay Programmer

Austin, TX · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

The gameplay programmer will work with the technical leadership to implement gameplay features, optimize performance, and resolve technical issues within our Unreal Engine 5-based codebase. The ideal ...

Epic Games

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 ...

Epic Games

Gameplay Engineering Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Programmer, you will be in a leadership role on a small and focused team, playing a critical role in driving current and future projects. You will be responsible for driving core ...

Echtra Games

Gameplay Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Echtra Games is a small game studio in San Francisco seeking a Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and shape the future of the company. The role involves collaborating with engineers ...

Echtra Games

Gameplay Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Echtra Games is a small game studio in San Francisco seeking a Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and craft future projects. The role involves collaborating with engineers, designers ...

Motocol

Gameplay Engineer

Glendale, CA

$25/hr

... Programmer) to join its team of passionate gamers. Ability to drive gameplay aspects of the game development process. Work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, artists ...

Echtra Games

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and collaborate with a team of veteran developers to create engaging gameplay experiences. Responsibilities : • Understand ...

AGBO

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

They are seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer who will collaborate with designers and the engineering team to enhance gameplay systems, ensuring a satisfying and immersive player experience.

Holospark

Holospark is looking for an experienced Gameplay Engineer to join and help us create and impliment exciting and compelling gameplay for our games. The Role * Own the design, development, and ...

AGBO

Principal Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

They are seeking a Principal Gameplay Engineer to work within their Interactive team, focusing on core gameplay systems and collaborating with design and creative leadership to tackle ambitious ...

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All JobsGameplay Programmer Jobs

Gameplay Programmer information

See salary details

$96.5K

$135.2K

$143.5K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay programmer in the United States is $135,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Gameplay Programmer vs Game Developer?

AspectGameplay ProgrammerGame Developer
Primary FocusImplementing gameplay features, mechanics, and systemsDesigning, developing, and managing entire game projects
Skills & CredentialsProgramming skills, understanding of game engines, scriptingProgramming, design, project management, often with broader skill set
Work EnvironmentTypically within a development team, focused on coding and implementationVaries from coding to design, often in larger teams or studios

While both roles involve programming, Gameplay Programmers specialize in creating and implementing gameplay mechanics, whereas Game Developers oversee broader aspects of game creation, including design and project management. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the gaming industry.

What is a gameplay programmer?

A gameplay programmer helps develop, document, test, and debug online or mobile game systems. Responsibilities include writing code with scripting languages such as C++, JavaScript, HTML, and Python; looking for ways to modify code; implementing functionalities such as controls, AI, and NPC behaviors within an established framework; and fixing design issues. They must communicate and work closely with other programmers to provide technical and creative feedback and meet project goals. Qualifications to become a gameplay programmer include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a similar field and fluency in programming languages.

What does a gameplay programmer do?

A Gameplay Programmer is responsible for implementing the interactive elements of a video game, such as character controls, game rules, and mechanics. They work closely with designers and artists to turn creative concepts into playable features, ensuring that gameplay is both fun and functional. Their tasks often include writing code for player actions, AI behavior, and in-game systems, as well as debugging and optimizing game performance. Gameplay Programmers play a crucial role in shaping the overall experience and feel of a game.

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

To thrive as a Gameplay Programmer, you need a strong background in computer science, proficiency in programming languages like C++ or C#, and experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine. Familiarity with version control systems, debugging tools, and, in some cases, relevant certifications in game development is also valuable. Creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving are crucial soft skills for collaborating with designers and artists to bring game mechanics to life. These skills ensure the creation of engaging, efficient, and high-quality gameplay experiences that meet both technical and creative goals.

How does a gameplay programmer typically collaborate with designers and artists during game development?

Gameplay programmers work closely with designers to translate creative concepts into interactive mechanics, implementing features such as controls, rules, and character abilities. They also collaborate with artists to ensure animations, visual effects, and assets integrate smoothly with the codebase. Regular communication, prototyping, and iterative testing are crucial, as gameplay programmers often participate in multidisciplinary meetings and provide technical feedback to refine the player experience. This dynamic teamwork helps ensure that gameplay elements are both fun and technically feasible.
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Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gameplay Programmer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,232 per year, or $65 per hour.

Gameplay Programmer

Intrepid Studios

San Diego, CA

$136K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Founded in 2015, Intrepid Studios is the independent developer and publisher of the upcoming and Most Anticipated MMORPG, Ashes of Creation and the last-man-standing action game, Ashes of Creation Apocalypse. Intrepid's rapidly-growing studio in beautiful Southern California has assembled a veteran AAA team of tremendous talent and experience in the MMORPG industry, and we're always seeking self-driven and passionate individuals to share in our common goal: making fun games.

Job Description
  • Develop online gameplay features in Unreal engine
  • Learn and adopt the coding standards and development philosophies that are embraced by the team
  • 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 improvement
  • Evaluate and communicate the potential impact of code changes to stakeholders
Qualifications
  • Demonstrated proficiency in C++
  • Experience with implementing networked gameplay features
  • Solid understanding of basic trigonometry
  • Bachelor's degree in CS, Math, Engineering, etc. or equivalent ability or experience
  • Minimum of 2 years game industry experience, or equivalent
  • Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize work
  • Must be an effective communicator, both verbally and written
  • Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and the desire to work in a highly collaborative team environment
  • Passion and enthusiasm for video games
  • One or more shipped AAA multi-player titles preferred
  • Experience working with visual scripting environments (e.g. Blueprints)
  • Perforce and Jira experience is a plus
  • Understanding of linear algebra is a solid bonus
Additional Information

 The gaming industry can be a turbulent storm of hiring cycles and layoffs. We've set out to do something different, to break this cycle and create an independent studio capable of withstanding the chaos of this industry. The studio is designed to be an open place for collaboration and communication, a place that is conducive to team building and success. Our goal is to build a family that will laugh together, play together, succeed together, and stay together.

All posted positions are on-site, full-time, with generous medical benefits options, paid sick/vacation days, and 401k. Intrepid Studios also offers an upbeat, casual, and collaborative environment with snacks provided daily and company lunch Fridays.

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