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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Epic Games

Principal Software Engineer, Media Services

Cary, NC · On-site

$125K - $167K/yr

... Programmer of the Media Services team, you'll provide technical leadership for the platform powering real-time voice communication across Fortnite and the Epic Games ecosystem at massive scale. You ...

Epic Games

Lead UI Engineer

Cary, NC · On-site

$96K - $128K/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 ...

Epic Games

Character Animation Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

You will act as a bridge between animation and engineering - helping to define workflows, shape systems, and solve complex problems at the intersection of gameplay and motion. This role requires both ...

Epic Games

Lead Technical UI Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

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 ...

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

Collaborate with Design and Engineering to troubleshoot and resolve in-game animation issues and technical challenges * Identify opportunities to improve the animation pipeline and workflow, and ...

Epic Games

Principal VFX Artist

Cary, NC · On-site

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 ...

Epic Games

Senior Technical Artist

Cary, NC · On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

... game art pipeline. You'll work closely with artists, engineers, and other tech artists to create scalable solutions that support Fortnite's visual style across many platforms. In this role, you will

Epic Games

Senior Environment Concept Artist

Cary, NC · On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

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 ...

Epic Games

Communications Director

Cary, NC · On-site

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 ...

Epic Games

Senior Data Scientist

Cary, NC · On-site

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 ...

Epic Games

Director, Product Management (Discovery)

Cary, NC · On-site

$215K - $226K/yr

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 ...

Epic Games

Director, Product Management (Cary)

Cary, NC · On-site

$269K - $395K/yr

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 ...

New

Epic Games

Senior Environment Artist

Cary, NC · On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

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 ...

Epic Games

Design Director, Battle Pass

Cary, NC · On-site

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 ...

Epic Games

Director, Education & Training

Cary, NC · On-site

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 ...

Epic Games

Environment Outsource Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 10, 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 58% Full Time, and 42% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,457 per year, or $63.2 per hour.
Senior Game Designer

Senior Game Designer

Epic Games

Cary, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 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.
DESIGN
What We Do
Put your design skills to work at a cutting-edge company that challenges the norm. From character and level design to competitive gameplay and system design, help shape the future of interactive entertainment at Epic.
What You'll Do
Epic Games is seeking an experienced Senior Game Designer to join our Music team, contributing across various aspects of music-based gameplay and interactive experiences. In this role, you will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to shape and refine music systems, tune gameplay mechanics, craft engaging activities and social experiences, and ensure compelling and expressive player experiences.
In this role, you will
  • Own the design and implementation of music-based gameplay features and systems, including using Jam Tracks, music interaction mechanics, and social music experiences, while fostering innovation
  • Effectively communicate project vision to team members across all disciplines, collaborating closely with audio, 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, actively participating in big-picture decisions to drive superior results
  • Create clear, structured design documents and drive collaborative, iterative prototyping processes to rapidly explore and refine music systems, player interactions, and emergent gameplay opportunities
  • Design and tune systems that support music gameplay, progression, discovery, and player expression, leveraging data and playtest feedback to react quickly to changing project needs and drive effective solutions
  • Partner closely with audio and engineering teams to develop intuitive tools and mechanics that empower players to create, remix, and engage with music-driven experiences
What we're looking for
  • Minimum 5+ years of experience shipping multiple titles as a game designer, with expertise in systems design and multiplayer gameplay, ideally including music gameplay, rhythm mechanics, social experiences, and player expression features
  • Passion for games and music experiences, with a broad understanding of player motivations and how music, creativity, and social interaction combine to create compelling gameplay
  • Ability to react quickly to changing project needs and directions, along with strong problem-solving skills and a solution-oriented mindset
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with experience working closely with audio, engineering, UX, art, and product teams to bring music-driven experiences from concept to release
  • Experience with multiplayer cooperative games, systems design, analytics tools/languages/processes, and visual scripting is a plus
  • Experience designing rhythm games, music gameplay systems, creator tools, or social sandbox experiences, along with familiarity with music production workflows or musical training
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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