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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

De Circle

Animation Engineer - EmptyVessel

Austin, TX · On-site +1

Empty Vessel is an emerging game development studio focusing on immersive gaming experiences. With ... We are seeking 1-2 mid-level Animation Engineers with exceptional Unreal Engine 5 expertise to join ...

Zynga

Principal Game Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$153.60K/yr

Zynga is a mobile game developer that creates and operates social games as live services played on the Internet. Founded in 2007, the company is headquartered in San Mateo, USA, with a team of 1001 ...

Zynga

Principal Game Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$153.60K/yr

Zynga is a mobile game developer that creates and operates social games as live services played on the Internet. Founded in 2007, the company is headquartered in San Mateo, USA, with a team of 1001 ...

SciPlay

Associate Gameplay Analyst

Austin, TX

SciPlay is a leading developer and publisher of digital games on mobile and web platforms, providing highly entertaining free-to-play games that millions of people play every day for their ...

Zynga

Sr DevOps Engineer - Wizard of Oz Slots

Austin, TX · On-site

$128.90K - $165.50K/yr

Zynga is a global leader in interactive entertainment, known for its diverse game portfolio. The Sr DevOps Engineer will design, architect, and support back-end services, develop new technologies ...

SciPlay

Director, Gameplay Analytics

Austin, TX

SciPlay is a leading developer and publisher of digital games on mobile and web platforms, providing highly entertaining free-to-play games that millions of people play every day for their ...

Bethesda

Senior Backend Programmer

Austin, TX · On-site

Bethesda Game Studios strives to offer its employees a well-balanced home and work life by ... In your role as Senior Backend Programmer , you will... * Help architect, build, and maintain cloud ...

SciPlay

Manager, Gameplay Analytics

Austin, TX · On-site

SciPlay is a leading developer and publisher of digital games on mobile and web platforms, providing highly entertaining free-to-play games that millions of people play every day for their ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$217K - $246K/yr

Skydance Games , a division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, is building the future of ... The Principal Engineer plays a critical role in driving innovation and ensuring that the ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · Remote

$217K - $246K/yr

Skydance Games , a division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, is building the future of ... The Principal Engineer plays a critical role in driving innovation and ensuring that the ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · Hybrid

$217K - $246K/yr

Skydance Games , a division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, is building the future of ... The Principal Engineer plays a critical role in driving innovation and ensuring that the ...

2K Vegas

Lead Software Engineer - Automation

Austin, TX · On-site

$101.60K - $133.80K/yr

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of ... Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers ...

2K Vegas

Lead Software Engineer - Automation

Austin, TX · On-site

$101.60K - $133.80K/yr

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of ... Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers ...

2K Vegas

Lead Software Engineer - Automation

Austin, TX · On-site

$101.60K - $133.80K/yr

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of ... Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers ...

2K

Lead Software Engineer - Automation

Austin, TX · On-site

$101.60K - $133.80K/yr

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of ... Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers ...

2K

Lead Software Engineer - Automation

Austin, TX · On-site

$101.60K - $133.80K/yr

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of ... Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers ...

2K Vegas

Lead Software Engineer - Automation

Austin, TX · On-site

$101.60K - $133.80K/yr

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of ... Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers ...

Zynga

Principle Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Zynga is a global leader in interactive entertainment, known for its diverse game portfolio. They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead financial analysis and data modeling efforts within ...

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Gameplay Programmer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$95.7K

$134K

$142.2K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay programmer in Austin, TX is $134,043.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,900.00 and $141,700.00 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 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 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 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.

More about Gameplay Programmer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in Austin, TX? The most popular types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in Austin, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Gameplay Programmer jobs in Austin, TX? For Gameplay Programmer jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Gameplay Programmer jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Gameplay Programmer jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Gameplay Programmer jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Gameplay Programmer job openings:
Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gameplay Programmer job openings in Austin, TX as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,043 per year, or $64.4 per hour.

Animation Engineer - EmptyVessel

De Circle

Austin, TX • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 5 hours ago

Job description

Empty Vessel is an emerging game development studio focusing on immersive gaming experiences. With a commitment to crafting captivating narratives and engaging gameplay, we're dedicated to pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment. As we expand our presence in Europe, we're seeking talented individuals to join our growing team and contribute to our exciting projects.
Position Overview:
We are seeking 1-2 mid-level Animation Engineers with exceptional Unreal Engine 5 expertise to join our team in Europe. The ideal candidates will possess a strong background in animating within Unreal Engine, with a focus on creating immersive experiences for players. Candidates should have experience with animation systems, interaction with environments, and troubleshooting technical issues.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain an animation system within Unreal Engine, facilitating player interaction with environments.
  • Ensure seamless interaction between characters and environments, optimizing performance and visual fidelity.
  • Collaborate closely with animation creators to implement animations effectively within the game environment.
  • Troubleshoot and debug game crashes, utilizing knowledge of C++ and Unreal Engine to identify and resolve issues promptly.
  • Utilize Autodesk Maya for keyframe animation and animation techniques, implementing key poses to enhance character movement.
  • Work within Visual Studio IDE to write and optimize code, ensuring smooth integration with the game engine.

  • Strong proficiency in Unreal Engine 5, with experience developing and implementing animation systems.
  • Experience with Autodesk Maya for keyframe animation and animation techniques.
  • Proficiency in C++ and familiarity with Visual Studio IDE.
  • Prior experience with shipping a shooter game, preferably an AAA title, demonstrating a deep understanding of large, complex game development processes.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and debug technical issues efficiently.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with animation creators and other team members.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, with a commitment to meeting project deadlines and delivering high-quality work.

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