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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Product Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Zynga is a mobile game developer that creates and operates social games as live services played on the Internet. It is a sub-organization of Take-Two Interactive Software. Founded in 2007, the ...

Game Designer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$153K/yr

Work with software engineers to test and verify game math model simulations using statistical methods * Analyze metrics and user feedback to derive insights and adjust game designs accordingly

Aspyr is a leading game publisher and developer dedicated to crafting high-quality games. They are seeking an Engineering Manager - Infrastructure to lead and mentor a team focused on CI/CD pipeline ...

Game Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$153K/yr

Work with software engineers to test and verify game math model simulations using statistical methods * Analyze metrics and user feedback to derive insights and adjust game designs accordingly

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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 Aug 8, 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 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.
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:
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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:
Infographic showing various Gameplay Programmer job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,043 per year, or $64.4 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Programmer

Gunfire Games

Austin, TX • On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Description:

What We Do:

At Gunfire Games, we’re passionate about creating unforgettable worlds and experiences. With a legacy built on titles like Darksiders 3, The Remnant Series and Chronos, we're driven by the future of game development. Our team thrives on innovation, collaboration, and honing our craft to its finest edge. We're looking for talented, passionate people to help shape the next chapter in our story. Gunfire Games is seeking an experienced Senior Gameplay Programmer to contribute to our upcoming title. 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 candidate has excellent C++ skills, a deep understanding of gameplay systems, and the ability to iterate and implement efficiently without sacrificing quality. We are looking for someone who is highly self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal oversight.


What you’ll do:

  • Implement Features and Tools from Provided Design: Apply your strong C++ skills to implement gameplay features and tools based on provided design documents, ensuring functionality aligns with the vision of the project.
  • Collaborate: Work closely with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure smooth integration of gameplay mechanics, artistic assets, and animations, to maintain a high-quality player experience.
  • Proactively Identify and Address Issues: Use your expertise to identify and resolve technical issues in the game, from minor bugs to critical performance problems, ensuring a smooth and optimized experience for players.
  • Self-Management: Manage your own tasks efficiently, proactively identifying areas for improvement and pushing features forward with minimal supervision.

Who you are:

  • You have 5+ years of professional game development experience and have shipped at least one title on PC or console.
  • You are highly proficient in C++, using it to develop robust and optimized code that powers engaging gameplay features and systems.
  • You have a strong grasp of Unreal Engine 5, candidates with mostly Unity experience may not be considered.
  • You have experience working on a console platform (PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch), understanding platform-specific performance optimizations, debugging, and certification processes.
  • You have excellent game design sensibilities, ensuring that your work not only functions technically but also enhances the overall player experience and aligns with the game’s vision.
  • You are highly adaptable and proactive, able to adjust efficiently to changes in project demands, always keeping the focus on maintaining high-quality results.
  • You are highly self-motivated and independent, able to manage your workload effectively and drive projects with minimal oversight.
  • You are located in the United States and are legally authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employer sponsorship.

Bonus XP:

  • Experience with multiplayer gameplay and network replication in Unreal Engine.
  • Deep understanding of animation systems and inverse kinematics.
  • Experience working on AI systems and navigation.
  • Experience working on a console platform
  • A computer science/related degree or relevant experience

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive, and the hired applicant may be required to undertake additional tasks as may be reasonably expected to perform.


Pay range: $90,000-$130,000


Title level and base pay offered will be based on candidate’s skills, experience, and other professional considerations.


Gunfire Games LLC is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran’s status (including protected veterans, as may be required by federal law), sexual orientation or any other category protected by law.


Gunfire Games LLC participates in E-Verify. All new hires are required to complete the I-9 employment eligibility verification form and provide documentation to confirm their identity and authorization to work in the United States.


Requirements: