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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Nexon America Inc

Gameplay Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$125K - $142K/yr

About Nexon Nexon America is a branch of Nexon Co., Ltd., a global video game publisher and leading developer of online virtual worlds for PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Nexon proudly offers ...

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 ...

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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 12, 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

Intrepid Studios

San Diego, CA • On-site

$136K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 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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