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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

AEG

Lead Cloud and Systems Engineering

Tempe, AZ · On-site

Lead Cloud and Systems Engineering - Full Time/Exempt Department: Information Technology Reports to ... Other responsibilities include event support, game day duties at games, training camp and extended ...

Stride, Inc.

K12 Zone Engineering Intern

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

K12 Zone Engineering Intern The K12 Zone Engineering Intern supports the design and development of ... Experience building interactive applications, games, simulations, virtual experiences, or web-based ...

Dexian

Electrical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$55 - $75/hr

Engineer II: $45-$50/hr. * Engineer III: $50-$55/hr. * Senior Engineer: $55-$75/hr. * Driving ... to produce game-changing results that help everyone achieve their ambitions and goals. Dexian ...

mercury

Product Engineer I

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

... are game-changing and impactful to our nation's defense. As a successful Product Engineer I, you will develop technical skills and build relationships with teammates, leadership, and external ...

Mercury Systems

Product Engineer I

Phoenix, AZ

... are game-changing and impactful to our nation's defense. As a successful Product Engineer I, you will develop technical skills and build relationships with teammates, leadership, and external ...

AEG

Product Sales Engineer

Glendale, AZ · On-site

Product Sales Engineer Reports To: VP, Operations Background: Insignia Event Services is a leading ... home games. Complementing the events at State Farm Stadium, Insignia Event Services exclusively ...

Solutions AEC LLC

Electrical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

As a national leader in engineering-led Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) design/build ... Design Game-Changing Systems: Create innovative electrical systems designs and layouts for top-tier ...

Solutions AEC LLC

Electrical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

As a national leader in engineering-led Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) design/build ... Design Game-Changing Systems: Create innovative electrical systems designs and layouts for top-tier ...

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Gameplay Programmer information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$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.
Coding Instructor (Scratch) Part Time, After-School Program

Coding Instructor (Scratch) Part Time, After-School Program

Concorde Education

Phoenix, AZ

$50/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Location: On-site at a partner school; varies by assignment
Schedule: Typically 1–4 hours per week after school
Program Length: About 10 weeks per program
Start Date: Rolling openings based on school schedules
Compensation: $50+ per instructional hour (flexible based on experience and assignment)

About Concorde Education

Concorde Education partners with schools nationwide to deliver engaging, instructor-led enrichment programs in STEM, the arts, financial literacy, esports, and other high-interest subjects. Our instructors bring real-world expertise into the classroom and help students explore new interests through hands-on learning.

Programs typically run once per week for about 10 weeks, allowing instructors to teach part-time while maintaining other professional or academic commitments.

Position Overview

Concorde Education is seeking enthusiastic Coding Instructors to lead Scratch-based after-school enrichment classes for elementary and middle school students.

Scratch is a visual programming platform developed by MIT that introduces students to coding through block-based programming. Students create games, animations, and interactive stories while learning foundational programming concepts and computational thinking skills.

Classes are hands-on and project-based, designed to make coding accessible for beginners while still engaging students who may already have some experience.

What You’ll Teach

  • Students will explore core programming concepts by building interactive Scratch projects such as games, animations, and digital stories.
  • Topics may include:
  • Introduction to the Scratch interface (sprites, stage, blocks)
  • Sequencing and event-driven programming
  • Loops and repetition
  • Conditional logic and decision-making
  • Variables and simple score or timer systems
  • Debugging and problem-solving strategies
  • Game design fundamentals
  • Animation and storytelling through code
  • Collaboration and remixing Scratch projects
  • Digital citizenship and responsible online sharing

Responsibilities

  • Lead engaging, hands-on Scratch coding sessions for students
  • Guide students through creating games, animations, and interactive projects
  • Adapt instruction for beginner and more advanced learners
  • Foster a positive, inclusive classroom environment
  • Communicate professionally with school staff and Concorde program coordinators
  • Track attendance and basic program progress as required
  • Support students in completing a final Scratch project

Qualifications

  • Minimum 60 college credits completed
  • Experience using Scratch or similar beginner coding platforms
  • Experience working with school-age students (teaching, tutoring, camps, youth programs, etc.)
  • Strong communication and classroom facilitation skills
  • Reliable, punctual, and professional
  • Comfortable helping students use Chromebooks or web-based coding platforms

Most Concorde instructors teach 1–4 hours per week, though many choose to lead multiple programs across different schools.

Assignments vary by location and schedule, allowing instructors to select opportunities that best fit their availability.

Who This Role Is Great For

This role is ideal for:

  • Teachers or substitute teachers
  • Computer science or education college students
  • Programmers or tech professionals interested in youth education
  • Tutors or after-school instructors
  • Game designers, developers, or hobbyist coders