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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

TW Group, Inc.

Lead Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Lead Software Engineer We are looking for a Lead Software Engineer, you will be building exciting ... Game Development is an iterative process, and you will be constantly refining games to deliver the ...

TW Group LLC

Lead Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Game Development is an iterative process, and you will be constantly refining games to deliver the best possible product to the field. Your Responsibilities: * Making games with a diverse team of ...

TW Group LLC

Software Engineer II

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$96.80K - $132.60K/yr

Qualified candidates will be responsible for developing game engines and game clients for the Interactive department. The developers participate in all aspects of development, including gathering ...

Fallout Games

Clerk at Fallout Games

Tempe, AZ · On-site

What is your strongest specific area of knowledge overall in gaming (i.e. genre, developer, system, etc.) The managers from each location review your application independently If they approve, you ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Chandler, AZ · Remote

$40/hr

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

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Gilbert, AZ · Remote

$40/hr

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

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Glendale, AZ · Remote

$40/hr

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

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Mesa, AZ · Remote

$40/hr

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

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Tempe, AZ · Remote

$40/hr

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

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Phoenix, AZ · Remote

$40/hr

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

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Scottsdale, AZ · Remote

$40/hr

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

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$95.8K

$134.3K

$142.5K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay programmer in Phoenix, AZ is $134,273.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,100.00 and $142,000.00 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 Phoenix, AZ? The most popular types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
What are popular job titles related to Gameplay Programmer jobs in Phoenix, AZ? For Gameplay Programmer jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Gameplay Programmer jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Gameplay Programmer jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
What cities near Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Gameplay Programmer jobs? Cities near Phoenix, AZ with the most Gameplay Programmer job openings:
Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gameplay Programmer job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 4% Summer. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,273 per year, or $64.6 per hour.
Game Programming Professor - Full-Time, Part-Time, or Adjunct

Game Programming Professor - Full-Time, Part-Time, or Adjunct

University of Advancing Technology

Tempe, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

If you love game programming and have a passion for education, UAT is the place for you!
Who We Are:
University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is an elite intimate private college in Tempe, AZ focused on educating students in advancing technology who desire to innovate in the areas of emerging technology disciplines including Advancing Computer Science, Information Security, Game and New Media technologies.
Living on campus, students are surrounded by a true living-learning technology environment that incubates their ideas into innovations that students can patent and take to market. Students must create an innovation project to graduate.
We are an entrepreneurial, results-oriented company recognized for delivering high standards of innovation and service. As an organization designed to change the lives of some of the brightest young minds, we rely on the excellence of every member of our family to continuously exceed our own standards and our students' expectations.
Who You Are:
Have you ever wanted to teach others about game programming? We are searching for an addition to our astounding team of faculty. You must be an expert in various programming languages and development techniques associated with game applications. An exemplary UAT instructor can relate their knowledge and experience in using both object oriented and scripting languages, while guiding our students through industry standard game engines such as Unreal and Unity.
The instructor should be a wizard of many wands and be a master in PC, iOS, console and Android platforms. The instructor needs to be able to present on the theoretical aspects of game programming that include topics such as: game AI, collisions, input device integration, 2D graphics, 3D graphics, object transformations, database integration and optimization. The individual that joins the UAT family must be able to relate to our technophile, high performing, all-things-geek students, best practices associated with application development processes, such as agile models, along with documentation. We need a game-changing (pun intended) professor that will inspire our students and arm them with the skills they'll need to stay ahead of the game design industry.
Don't have teaching experience - that's where we come in. UAT's team of faculty and staff will work with you as you:
Essential Duties:
  • Facilitation of innovative student game projects
  • Mentoring geeky technology driven students
  • Development and delivery of collegiate learning experiences related to game programming
  • Development of course materials related to college level game programming courses

Skills and Education Required:
  • Industry experience developing computer game applications
  • Skills in developing applications using both object oriented and script based tools
  • Experience with application development approaches
  • Game application documentation
  • Development experience in PC, console and mobile platforms
  • Experience working within game engines such as Unity, Unreal, etc.
  • Experience applying computer game concepts such as rendering, transformations, lighting, collisions, AI, UI and gameplay
  • Experience with database integration into game applications
  • Master's degree in Game Programming or related field with 18 credit hours in game programming required
  • 3+ years viable work/industry experience and academic credentials

Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain game systems and mechanics for a variety of game genres and platforms.
  • Implement core gameplay features such as AI, character controls, physics, animations, and multiplayer systems.
  • Collaborate with designers and artists to create smooth, engaging, and immersive gameplay experiences.
  • Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code in languages like C++, C#, or Python.
  • Optimize game performance for both high-end and low-end platforms, ensuring smooth frame rates and minimal loading times.
  • Design and implement efficient algorithms to solve complex in-game problems (e.g., pathfinding, AI decision-making).
  • Use game engines such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or proprietary engines to implement gameplay features and tools.
  • Conduct unit testing, debug code, and perform integration testing to ensure stability and quality.
  • Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in the game industry, including VR/AR, AI, and cloud-based gaming solutions.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications:
Note: A combination of the following skills is preferred; not all are required.
  • Proficiency in C++, C#, or other programming languages commonly used in game development
  • Experience with game engines such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or Godot
  • Strong understanding of 3D mathematics (linear algebra, vector operations, matrix transformations)
  • Knowledge of game physics, collision detection, and optimization techniques
  • Familiarity with shader programming (GLSL/HLSL) and rendering pipelines
  • Understanding of AI programming for games (pathfinding, decision trees, finite state machines)
  • Experience with multiplayer game programming and networking (client-server architectures, data synchronization)
  • Comfortable with version control systems (e.g., Git, SVN) and agile development methodologies
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team, with strong communication skills
  • Experience in VR/AR development and/or mobile game development is a plus

Pedagogy:
UAT's Synchronic Learning model is designed especially for students of advancing technology. Tailored to both undergraduate and graduate students, Synchronic Learning provides an education framework that prepares superior graduates to become tomorrow's innovators. This model embodies UAT's methodologies, curricula, and people dedicated to fostering an environment of innovation that promotes demonstrated mastery and job readiness. An integral part of this framework is SyncFlex, a flexible learning approach with an emphasis on mentored education that provides real project experience to cultivate superior graduates.
Important Notes:
Location Requirements: This is not a remote position; candidates must be willing to work in-person at our campus in Tempe, AZ.
Adjunct Pay: $3,000 for in-person courses; $2,400 for hybrid/online courses
Part-Time Pay: $42,500 - $55,000 dependent on Education and Experience
Full-Time Salary + Benefits: $85k-$110k dependent on Education and Experience.
  • Medical insurance option with UAT covering 60% of the premium cost, depending on coverage selection.
  • UAT has your BACK, by covering 100% of the monthly premium for Short-Term and Long-Term coverage.
  • Dental, Vision, 401k, Life Insurance, and AD&D Options
  • Over 15 Paid Holidays - we work hard, but give you that extra time to play hard as well!
  • Competitive Employee and Dependent Scholarship Programs; we take pride in your educational background and look forward to supporting your families' academic goals and endeavors.
  • Meal Benefit at University Café. HANGRY? Never heard of here. Come get your lunch at the café, on us, YUM!
  • University Store Discount amongst other Discount Programs.
  • Positive, open, and transparent Work Environment and culture that includes Kudos Program, Casual Fridays and Select Work Weeks, Employee Wellness Activities, Bring your Pet to Campus, along with Summer and Winter Happiness Events.
  • Employee Training and Development: Essential Skills Modules are scheduled on the job, allowing for learning, working, and implementation.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.
UAT does not sponsor foreign visa's. Thank you for your understanding.

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