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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

Apple Games is seeking a dynamic engineering manager to lead the Game Center team, driving the next generation of social and connected gaming experiences across Apple platforms. This role oversees ...

Title: Game Solution Engineer Location: Seattle, WA Openings: 1 Type: Long-Term Contract Provide Solutions for a Hit Game Team The Clients team needs a highly capable Full Stack Game Solution ...

Title: Unity Game Solutions Engineer Location: Seattle, WA Openings: 1 Type: Long-Term Contract We Provide Solutions for Game Teams The Clients team needs a highly capable Unity Game Solution ...

We are seeking a Senior Game Developer to provide in-depth review and quality control of D&D products produced outside the Game Design team. In this role, you'll ensure that game content is ...

Seattle, WA Openings: 1 Type: Full-time Hire CLIENT is an innovative developer and world-class publisher of a diverse portfolio of casual game franchises. We serve millions of players every day and ...

Showing results 21-40

Gameplay Programmer information

See Kent, WA salary details

$108.9K

$152.7K

$162K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay programmer in Kent, WA is $152,662.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $145,600.00 and $161,400.00 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Gameplay Programmer jobs in Kent, WA?

For Gameplay Programmer jobs in Kent, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Gameplay Programmer jobs in Kent, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Gameplay Programmer jobs in Kent, WA are:

What cities near Kent, WA are hiring for Gameplay Programmer jobs?

Cities near Kent, WA with the most Gameplay Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Gameplay Programmer job openings in Kent, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 17% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,662 per year, or $73.4 per hour.

Sr Software Engineer - Gameplay (NST)

Nintendo of America Inc

Redmond, WA • On-site

$162K - $224K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Nintendo rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

155th of 245 rated software companies


Job description

Nintendo Software Technology Corporation Nintendo Software Technology Corporation, based in Redmond, Washington , is a wholly owned subsidiary of the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of video games, Nintendo Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. Nintendo Software Technology's mission is to design, develop and deliver the very best video games. We conduct research, use state-of-the-art equipment and review methods of operation so that we may continually improve the quality of the games that we produce. Each person employed at Nintendo Software Technology Corporation is a valued team member and is encouraged to participate in our efforts to create the highest quality games. Nintendo Software Technology is a tight-knit game development studio located in Redmond, WA. As part of the Nintendo family, we're passionate about creating games designed to surprise and delight our customers. As a Senior Software Engineer in Gameplay, you will have a desire for leading the implementation on key gameplay features as well as managing small groups of engineers. You will also have a passion for games and working collaboratively across different departments to implement gameplay features that will surprise and delight players. If this sounds like you, we would love to see your resume! Nintendo is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy and respect for each other. For more information about NST, click here. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: Develops, writes clear, maintainable and portable code, and debugs using the relevant programming languages. Reviews and optimizes other engineers' code. Provides effective solutions by applying advanced programming skills and knowledge. Provides technical documentation and explanations intended for distribution to other parties. Allocates work to other team members and supervises their results. Mentors less experienced members of the team. Makes recommendations regarding system architectural design, data structures, and algorithm development. Manages team members' performance by setting clear goals and expectations, tracking progress against the goals, ensuring feedback, and addressing performance problems and issues promptly. Applies professional expertise to review, analyze and test products under development as a contributing member of a production team to ensure delivery of Nintendo's high standard of quality and timeliness. SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS: 7 or more years of software engineering experience in the relevant field. Strong all-around programming skills including ability to review and optimize other engineers' code. Strong understanding of core technologies, toolsets, and common workflows for video game development. In-depth understanding of interactive entertainment methodologies and production pipelines. Advanced knowledge of the relevant programming languages (C/C++/C#). Strong preference of experience supervising a team; allocating work, supervising their results, providing clear expectations, and providing coaching and development - to ensure high-quality execution and successful outcomes. Proven experience leading and mentoring other gameplay engineers. Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or related field; or equivalent education and experience. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be considered. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. This position is hybrid in Redmond, WA. Hybrid positions require regular onsite work following the schedule and guidelines for their division. This position is not open to fully remote status at this time. This position includes the base pay range listed below, potential for a semi-annual discretionary performance bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off. Pay Range: $162,562-$224,121 USD
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