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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Advanced areas of instruction include systems, real time and game programming, data mining, databases, security, theory, and artificial intelligence. Considerations: Exceptions to standard rates may ...

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

DevOps Engineer - Wizard of Oz Slots Austin, TX; Bay Area, CA; Chicago, IL; Toronto, Canada Level ... Fan-favorites and latest hits include FarmVille™, Words With Friends™, Zynga Poker™, Game of ...

Exciting projects with opportunities for creating positive change to our game engineering ecosystem. And if that is not enough; you will get to enjoy a stunning work location and flexible working ...

Wand makes gaming magical. Through game customization and guidance, we build tools that helps ... Delivering on that mission depends on a small group of engineers working at one of the trickier ...

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Gameplay Programmer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$95.4K

$133.7K

$141.9K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay programmer in Elgin, IL is $133,678.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,500.00 and $141,400.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Gameplay Programmer jobs in Elgin, IL? For Gameplay Programmer jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Gameplay Programmer job openings in Elgin, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,678 per year, or $64.3 per hour.
Adjunct Faculty in Game Programming

Adjunct Faculty in Game Programming

DePaul

Chicago, IL • On-site

Part-time

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


Job description

Adjunct Faculty in Game Programming
Full-time Faculty Positions
Full-time faculty positions will be posted on a per-opening basis. Postings are organized by college/school and department. Applicants will be evaluated at the college/school level for the position which they are submitting an application. Unless noted by a close date, positions will remain open until they are filled. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Part-time Faculty Positions
DePaul University invites expressions of interest for a pool of qualified Part Time Faculty to teach courses in a variety of disciplines across all 10 colleges and schools. Individuals may enter expressions of interest by submitting their credentials to any posting for which they are qualified to teach. Postings are organized by college/school and department. Screening of individuals in the pool is ongoing, depending on curricular need and funding. Individuals will be contacted by the department if they reach the finalist stage for teaching a particular course or set of courses. The pool will remain in place until the closing date specified in the posting details; those interested in remaining in the pool beyond that time must resubmit. All individuals in the pool will be notified by email when the posting is closed.
Below you will find the details for the posting including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening or submitting your interest in teaching. To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button.
Posting Details
Job ID: 47765
College/School: Chicago, IL - Jarvis College of Computing & Digital Media
Position Description:
DePaul's Jarvis College of Computing & Digital Media (CDM) is located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, the central business district of Chicago. Our students represent many different experiences, perspectives, and cultures, and the university strives to recruit and sustain a faculty community where all backgrounds are valued and supported. Part-time teaching positions are available throughout the academic year, including summer sessions. Academic course schedules fluctuate from quarter to quarter, and the college will work with selected individuals to determine a quarterly schedule. Courses are not guaranteed, however the college does its best to give ample notice about available courses. Applicants with expertise that matches course scheduling needs will be contacted for an interview.
The School of Computing (SoC) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs including Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Game Programming, Health Informatics, Human-Computer Interaction, Information Systems, Information Technology, Intelligent Systems Engineering, Network Engineering and Security, and Software Engineering. Find out more about SoC at .
Qualifications:
Minimum requirements include a master's degree in the discipline, or 18 semester/27 quarter hours of graduate work in the discipline, or an undergraduate degree with a minimum of five years demonstrated relevant professional experience. Exceptions may be considered with approval of the dean.
Application Instructions:
We offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in Game Programming.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Game Programming trains students in the fundamentals of programming with a focus towards the interdisciplinary aspect of game development. Gameplay programmers bring their technical understanding of game internals to the problem of delivering engaging game experiences to players. Throughout the program, students collaborate on interdisciplinary teams with programmers, artists, game designers, producers, writers, and audio designers. Areas of study include level design, game scripting, computer graphics development, tool making, game physics, and artificial intelligence programming.
The Master of Science degree in Game Programming is designed for those interested in game programming at the highest level, including real time computing, computer graphics and professionals retooling for the game industry. Students learn about software engineering, computer graphics, artificial intelligence, animation, software architecture and networking. The game programing degree addresses the real-world needs of industry through special, topic-based classes. Courses are taught with a mixture of theory and applied practice. Covering both emerging trends and proven knowledge, the program's content is always relevant and current. This combination of approaches allows students to understand the connection between realized applied systems and issues they'll likely face professionally in years to come.
Considerations:
Exceptions to standard rates may apply to courses with unique credit hours, supervision, labs, clinical/practicum courses, coaching, administrative tasks, and courses that are either over-enrolled or under-enrolled.
General Compensation/Benefits Statement:
DePaul University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the qualifications, education, experience, and training of the selected candidate, the scope and responsibilities of the position, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
DePaul University offers a variety of benefit options for qualified part-time employees. Further information regarding benefits can be found here:
About DePaul University's Academic Calendar:
Except for the College of Law, DePaul University operates on a quarter system. Classes in Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters are 11 weeks in length (including finals week) and Summer courses, in two sessions, are typically 5 weeks in length. The College of Law operates on the semester system. Classes in the Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks in length (including finals week) and it offers a Summer Session of 7 weeks (including final exams).
Salary Information: The anticipated hiring rate of this position is between $4,800 and $6,100 per course, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Applicant Documents
Cover Letter(1)
C.V.(1)