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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Naughty Dog

Gameplay Programmer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$144K - $160K/yr

As a Gameplay Programmer, you will collaborate closely across disciplines such as Design and Animation to create and iterate on various new and existing systems based on the needs of the project with ...

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 ...

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 ...

Echtra Games

Gameplay Engineer

San Francisco, CA

Gameplay Engineer Do you love programming? Does talking about game designs excite you? Do you enjoy making something engaging and magical happen on the screen? We're searching for a Gameplay Engineer ...

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 ...

LightSpeed Studios

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$147K - $343K/yr

Work with and lead a gameplay engineering team to craft development of innovative gameplay content systems and experiences * Work with design and production and engineering leadership to manage the ...

Tencent

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$147K - $343K/yr

Work with and lead a gameplay engineering team to craft development of innovative gameplay content systems and experiences * Work with design and production and engineering leadership to manage the ...

2K

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

As a Gameplay Engineer at Cloud Chamber you will bridge the gap between technical execution and creative vision, ensuring that our player-centric gameplay feels as impactful as it looks. You will ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Sr. Gameplay Engineer (Temporary) Who We Are 2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K Games is ...

Cloud Chamber

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

As a Gameplay Engineer at Cloud Chamber you will bridge the gap between technical execution and creative vision, ensuring that our player-centric gameplay feels as impactful as it looks. You will ...

2K

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

As a Gameplay Engineer at Cloud Chamber you will bridge the gap between technical execution and creative vision, ensuring that our player-centric gameplay feels as impactful as it looks. You will ...

Cloud Chamber

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

As a Gameplay Engineer at Cloud Chamber you will bridge the gap between technical execution and creative vision, ensuring that our player-centric gameplay feels as impactful as it looks. You will ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Sr. Gameplay Engineer (Temporary) Who We Are 2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K Games is ...

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All JobsGameplay Programmer JobsGameplay Programmer Jobs in California

Gameplay Programmer information

See California salary details

$95.2K

$133.5K

$141.6K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay programmer in California is $133,461.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $141,100.00 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.
More about Gameplay Programmer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in California? The most popular types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Gameplay Programmer jobs in California? For Gameplay Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Gameplay Programmer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Gameplay Programmer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Gameplay Programmer jobs? Cities in California with the most Gameplay Programmer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Gameplay Programmer jobs in CA? For Gameplay Programmer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gameplay Programmer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,461 per year, or $64.2 per hour.
Gameplay Programmer

Gameplay Programmer

Naughty Dog

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$144K - $160K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

This is a hybrid/ onsite position.

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5. We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Parts I and II are now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we're busy at the kennel working onIntergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us. 

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contributes to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together. 

In service of these goals, Naughty Dog is growing our Programming team! Come help us to push the technical limits of video games by implementing new ideas to make our characters and their world feel more real and more alive.  As a Gameplay Programmer, you will collaborate closely across disciplines such as Design and Animation to create and iterate on various new and existing systems based on the needs of the project with some of the best developers in the world. 

What you will do: 

  • Work closely with the Design and Animation teams to bring ideas and new gameplay features into the game 

  • Collaborate with the team to design and implement and iterate on new enemy types, modifying existing features and creating new features to support the design

  • Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed 

What skills you will use: 

  • Minimum of 2 years working in the video game industry 

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent work experience 

  • Solid math skills with emphasis on 3D math 

  • Solid knowledge of C and C++ programming languages 

  • Possesses the ability and drive to contribute and advance all aspects of a game 

 Bonus Skills: 

  • Experience programming on enemies, including AI 

  • Design or scripting experience in implementing enemies

  • Console programming experience 

  • Passion for playing and developing exceptional games 

  • Interest in crafting and iterating on moment-to-moment gameplay 

As part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates should expect to be given a technical interview.

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