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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in British Columbia (NOW HIRING)

Gameplay Design Director

Burnaby, BC · Hybrid

CA$153K - CA$229K/yr

You will partner closely with Engineers, Animators, Designers, and Producers to help lay the foundation, build, and innovate upon it to create world class gameplay for what will be the next massive ...

What We Need We are seeking a passionate C++ Gameplay Systems Software Engineer to help build the runtime systems that drive crowds, pedestrians, background NPCs, and other non-player actors at scale.

Final Strike Games is looking for a passionate Animation Engineer to join our Vancouver, BC studio and help us build the animation systems for an upcoming multiplayer title. The ideal candidate is an ...

In this role, you will work with a production partner to creatively lead AI Engineers, Animation ... The Gameplay Designer will work with the Gameplay Design Director to set a vision for a significant ...

What We Need We're looking for a Senior Online Software Engineer to help build the multiplayer backbone of our next AAA sports title. You'll work across Unreal Engine 5 and custom game servers ...

Proficiency in Programming or Scripting; Experience scripting gameplay moments and enemy encounters * Strong layout skills with a deep understanding of how 3D spaces impact gameplay and pacing 

To be an awesome and humble game developer! * Join a team of skilled and creative people, and create something bigger and better than anyone could have imagined * Experience developing creative and ...

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Gameplay Programmer information

See British Columbia salary details

$69K

$99.3K

$129.5K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay programmer in British Columbia is $99,318.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $114,500.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in British Columbia?

The most popular types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in British Columbia are:

What are popular job titles related to Gameplay Programmer jobs in British Columbia?

For Gameplay Programmer jobs in British Columbia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Gameplay Programmer jobs in British Columbia look for?

The top searched job categories for Gameplay Programmer jobs in British Columbia are:

What are popular job titles related to Gameplay Programmer jobs in BC?

For Gameplay Programmer jobs in BC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Gameplay Programmer job openings in British Columbia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,318 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Expert Animation Programmer (R&D)

CD PROJEKT RED

Vancouver, BC • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Company Description

To create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs which go straight to the hearts of gamers — this is our mission. Want to dive deeper into our company’s culture? Explore our social media and check out our YouTube channel and Beyond the Game Blog where we share behind-the-scenes insights and stories direct from our team members!

Job Description

CD PROJEKT RED is looking for an experienced Expert Animation Programmer to join our R&D team based in Vancouver, British Columbia. This role is focused on the development and implementation of cutting-edge, next-generation character animation systems that leverage animation generation models. You have a deep expertise in animation technology, character rigging, and tool development, and will be instrumental in defining the future of character animation in our titles. Experience in generative models and machine learning is a bonus but not required. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, implement, and maintain advanced animation systems and tools to complement generative models for realistic character motion.
  • Collaborate with machine learning researchers, engineers, animators and game designers to define and achieve high-quality animation features and workflow improvements.
  • Optimize and debug animation code and systems for usability, performance, memory and stability across multiple target platforms.
  • Prototype new animation techniques, including procedural generation and physics-based systems.
  • Mentor junior programmers and contribute to code reviews, ensuring high standards for code quality and documentation.
  • Work with lead engineers to plan project milestones and deliver high-quality work on schedule.
Qualifications
  • 7+ years of experience in game programming, with a focus on character animation systems.
  • Strong proficiency of C++ and experience with performance optimization.
  • Deep understanding of real-time 3D animation principles, kinematics (IK/FK), and rigging systems.
  • Strong math skills, particularly linear algebra and vector math.
  • Experience working with large-scale game engines, e.g. Unreal Engine, Unity, or proprietary engines (Unreal Engine preferred).

Nice to have
(please note these skills are not required for to apply for the position)

  • Experience with Motion Matching, procedural animation techniques, and physics simulation.
  • Familiarity with animation pipelines and DCC tools (Maya, Blender).
  • Prior experience shipping a AAA title.
  • Knowledge of parallel programming and GPU optimization techniques (e.g., CUDA, compute shaders).

Additional Information

The application window for this position will close by 2 October 2026.

This job can be hybrid/in-office or fully remote.

Health & Well-Being

  • Company-paid medical healthcare (dental, vision, and mental).
  • Free mental health support, including access to counseling, psychiatric care, and a variety of well-being webinars.
  • Paid leave — 26 days of vacation, 10 sick days, & 12 calendar holidays per year
  • RRSP with employer matching.
  • Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) – $100 per month to use towards fitness, wellness, internet, home office equipment, learning, streaming services, and more.
  • Menstrual leave — employees who menstruate can take one extra day off when experiencing period pain.
  • RED Parents Network — support for working parents.
  • Flexible working hours.

Perks & Professional Growth

  • Trainings, lectures, and courses — internal workshops, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes are all available.
  • A welcome pack filled with goodies — to help you feel right at home once you join the team.

Life in the Office

  • Dog-friendly office — bring your pooch with you and look after them while working! There’s always a furry friend or two to meet.
  • Truly international working environment — a chance to meet and work with a diverse selection of people from all around the world.
  • No dress-code — we like to keep it casual.

This position is a new role.

Estimated pay range for this position: $180,100 - $247,600 CAD annually. 

At CD PROJEKT RED compensation for our roles in North America are determined based on competitive market data, geographic location, and individual factors tied to business needs. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. Final offers are dependent on job-related factors like experience, qualifications, and location.

If you've observed any irregularities (i.e. legal or ethical violations) in our recruitment process, please click here to report them anonymously.

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