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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

AI Programmer

Cary, NC · On-site

$119K - $132K/yr

ENGINEERING - GAMES What We Do Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We're always improving on the tools and ...

AGBO

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

They are seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer who will collaborate with designers and the engineering team to enhance gameplay systems, ensuring a satisfying and immersive player experience.

AGBO

Principal Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

They are seeking a Principal Gameplay Engineer to work within their Interactive team, focusing on core gameplay systems and collaborating with design and creative leadership to tackle ambitious ...

AGBO

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

As Senior Gameplay Engineer, you are a versatile engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment and deeply enjoys empowering designers. You will work closely with designers and the broader ...

AGBO

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC

As Senior Gameplay Engineer, you are a versatile engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment and deeply enjoys empowering designers. You will work closely with designers and the broader ...

AGBO Films LLC

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

As Senior Gameplay Engineer, you are a versatile engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment and deeply enjoys empowering designers. You will work closely with designers and the broader ...

AGBO

Principal Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

As Principal Gameplay Engineer, you will work within AGBO's Interactive team, with your focus spanning our active game projects and overall portfolio. You are a seasoned, highly technical engineer ...

AGBO Films LLC

Principal Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

As Principal Gameplay Engineer, you will work within AGBO's Interactive team, with your focus spanning our active game projects and overall portfolio. You are a seasoned, highly technical engineer ...

AGBO

Principal Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC

As Principal Gameplay Engineer, you will work within AGBO's Interactive team, with your focus spanning our active game projects and overall portfolio. You are a seasoned, highly technical engineer ...

Epic Games

Build Programmer

Cary, NC · On-site

ENGINEERING - GAMES What We Do Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We're always improving on the tools and ...

Epic Games

Lead Gameplay Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

In this role, you'll partner closely with design leadership, art, engineering, animation, UX, audio ... You will own and iterate on gameplay systems, mechanics, and content while balancing player ...

Epic Games

Engine Programmer

Cary, NC · On-site

Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make ... ENGINEERING - UNREAL ENGINE What We Do Unreal-powered projects have been on the bleeding edge of ...

Epic Games

Senior Language Programmer

Cary, NC · On-site

Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make ... PROGRAMMING - UNREAL ENGINE What We Do Unreal-powered projects have been on the bleeding edge of ...

Epic Games

Senior Game Security Engineer

Cary, NC · On-site

ENGINEERING - EPIC GAMES SERVICES What We Do Driving the plug-in power behind Unreal Engine 5. We bridge connections for licensees and our own internal game teams to online services. This allows ...

Epic Games

Senior UI Programmer

Cary, NC · On-site

ENGINEERING - GAMES What We Do Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We're always improving on the tools and ...

Epic Games

Senior Game Security Engineer

Cary, NC · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

The ideal candidate would have prior experience in developing gameplay features and backend ... Versed in software programming principles * Understanding of online multiplayer video game ...

Epic Games

Senior Game Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

... engineering, art, UX, and product teams to ensure compelling player experiences and overall ecosystem health * Set and maintain high-quality standards for music gameplay and social interaction design ...

Epic Games

Game Designer, Activities

Cary, NC · On-site

$143K/yr

From character and level design to competitive gameplay and system design, help shape the future of ... Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to ...

Epic Games

Senior AI Engineer

Cary, NC · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

ENGINEERING - GAMES What We Do Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We're always improving on the tools and ...

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All JobsGameplay Programmer JobsGameplay Programmer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Gameplay Programmer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$93.8K

$131.5K

$139.5K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay programmer in Raleigh, NC is $131,457.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,400.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.
More about Gameplay Programmer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Gameplay Programmer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Gameplay Programmer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Gameplay Programmer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Gameplay Programmer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Gameplay Programmer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Gameplay Programmer job openings:
Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gameplay Programmer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,457 per year, or $63.2 per hour.

AI Programmer

Epic Games

Cary, NC • On-site

$119K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
ENGINEERING - GAMES
What We Do
Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We're always improving on the tools and technology that empower content developers worldwide.
What You'll Do
Epic Games is looking for an experienced AI Programmer to join the Fortnite Battle Royal AI team. We believe that the best gameplay experiences are driven by collaboration and iteration between gameplay programmers, designers, and artists. You will play a critical role in driving future gameplay AI features in Fortnite.
In this role, you will
  • Work closely with art and design to create and iterate on gameplay AI features
  • Experiment with game design and use rapid prototyping while ensuring that strong architectural and algorithmic decisions are made
  • Drive, build and maintain core AI systems in the Fortnite AI ecosystem
  • Collaborate with engine AI developers to improve AI systems
  • Ensure high-quality user experiences across all platforms we support
  • Optimize and fix bugs in existing gameplay AI systems
What we're looking for
  • Experience developing games professionally, and shipping AAA titles with AI experience
  • Experience working with AI systems (Behavior Trees, Finite State Machine, Pathfinding, etc.)
  • Strong C++ skills and the ability to code and architect AI gameplay mechanics and tools
  • Well-versed in games and the ability to articulate what is strong/weak about the design of existing games (an interest in online games is preferred)
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Experience working on a live service game is a plus
  • Self-motivated, strong work ethic, and able to work independently
  • Creativity in problem-solving and the ability to think outside of the established solutions
EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE
Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.
ABOUT US
Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.

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