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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

IGT

Game Mathematician I

Austin, TX · On-site

Overview As a Game Mathematician , you will play a key role in shaping the player experience by designing and analyzing the mathematical models behind our games. You will contribute across the full ...

Songwriters Texas LLC

Expert Game Technician

Austin, TX · On-site

This role involves re-keying, cleaning, testing, and programming gaming machines, organizing warehouse inventory, and ensuring quality control. The Expert Game Technician will also be responsible for ...

Cloud Imperium Games

Community Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

Founded in 2012 by renowned game developer Chris Roberts, Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) is one of the largest global independent studios, 1,000+ employees, dedicated to delivering next-generation AAA ...

TW Group LLC

Slot Game Designer - Remote

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$151K/yr

Position: Slot Game Designer Location: Las Vegas, NV, or Chicago, IL ( or fully-remote ) Your ... Background in mathematics and/or programming to add complexity to your designs. * Time Traveler:

Hasbro

Social Media Content Creator (Contract)

Austin, TX · On-site

$58/hr

We also believe that game studios should empower top developers and challenge them with ambitious projects that are shaped by a strong, clearly communicated creative vision. What You'll Do: * Develop ...

Cloud Imperium Games

Community Manager

Bee Cave, TX · On-site

Founded in 2012 by renowned game developer Chris Roberts, Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) is one of the largest global independent studios, 1,000+ employees, dedicated to delivering next-generation AAA ...

Hasbro

Social Media Content Creator (Contract)

Austin, TX · On-site

$58/hr

We also believe that game studios should empower top developers and challenge them with ambitious projects that are shaped by a strong, clearly communicated creative vision. What You'll Do: * Develop ...

SciPlay

2D Game Artist

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 ...

Marencor

Senior XR/Unity Developer

Austin, TX · On-site

Senior XR/Unity Developer Location: Austin TX || Onsite Interview: Virtual Senior XR/Unity ... Master's degree in computer science, Game Development, or a related field. * Experience with ...

SciPlay

2D Game Artist

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsGameplay Programmer JobsGameplay Programmer Jobs in Austin, TX

Gameplay Programmer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$95.7K

$134K

$142.2K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 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 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.

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:

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

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 49% In-person, and 51% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,043 per year, or $64.4 per hour.

Unreal Systems Developer

Allen Control Systems

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup developing advanced robotics and software solutions. They are seeking highly experienced game developers with expertise in Unreal Engine to lead the development of real-time simulations and optimize high-performance code for their autonomous defense systems.
Responsibilities:
• Lead the development and integration of real-time systems in Unreal Engine for our defense simulation projects.
• Implement and optimize high-performance code in C++ to ensure smooth and responsive simulations under constrained hardware conditions.
• Work closely with the electrical engineering and machine learning teams to integrate real-world data and control systems into Unreal simulations via AirSim.
• Conduct extensive testing, debugging, and optimization to ensure reliable and efficient system performance.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the growth of Unreal Engine and C++ development expertise within the company.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Strong passion for building high-performance real-time systems using C++ and Unreal Engine.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience with Unreal Engine and possess strong C++ development skills.
• Proficient in debugging, profiling, and optimizing C++ code for real-time applications.
• Familarity with networking, multiplayer systems, or parallel processing in Unreal Engine environments.
• You enjoy working closely with engineers from various disciplines to solve complex technical challenges.
Preferred:
• Direct experience working with AirSim and are familiar with integrating simulations with real-world autonomous systems.
• Experience in Robotics systems.
• Unreal Engine C++ Plugin Development experience.
Company:
Allen Control Systems develops autonomous defense technologies designed to detect, track, and counter unmanned aerial threats. Founded in 2022, the company is headquartered in Austin, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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