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Gameplay Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Gameplay Programmer Intern

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

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

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 ...

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.

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Gameplay Programmer information

See salary details

$96.5K

$135.2K

$143.5K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 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 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.

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.

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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 83% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,232 per year, or $65 per hour.

Gameplay Programmer Intern

Cary, NC • On-site

Epic Games
PC Games • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Epic Gamesexternal

$119K - $132K/yr

Internship

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
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 technology that empower content developers worldwide.
GAMEPLAY PROGRAMMER INTERN
What You'll Do
We are taking LEGO Fortnite to the next level with continuous live improvements and additions. As a Gameplay Programmer Intern, you will contribute to the development of core gameplay features for our updates and get hands-on experience working alongside other programmers, designers, and artists.
In this role, you will
  • Assist in prototyping and implementing gameplay features in collaboration with art and design
  • Help debug, test, and fix bugs in gameplay systems
  • Learn to write clean, maintainable C++ code in Unreal Engine
  • Participate in team discussions, offering ideas and feedback
What we're looking for
  • Strong C++ knowledge
  • Interest in gameplay programming
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Passion for learning things and delivering results
  • Great interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to communicate within a team
  • The ability to react and respond effectively to constructive feedback

This internship has a flexible start date in 2027. Recruitment will be ongoing until teams find an ideal match. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the posting location for the duration of the internship. For more information about Epic's Early Career Program, visit epicgames.com/earlycareers. This is going to be Epic!
ABOUT US
Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.

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