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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in San Ramon, CA (NOW HIRING)

Spellbrush

Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Unity Engineer Role: We are looking for an experienced game engineer with strong C# and Unity skills. You will be working closely with a small, multidisciplinary team to build out our upcoming ...

Spellbrush

Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Unity Engineer Role: We are looking for an experienced game engineer with strong C# and Unity skills. You will be working closely with a small, multidisciplinary team to build out our upcoming ...

Tolan

Principal Gameplay Engineer - Unity

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

The Role We're hiring a Principal Gameplay Engineer to define and own the core interactions of the Tolan world and the moment-to-moment "juice" that makes the app feel alive. You'll obsess over the ...

Spellbrush

3D Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Think MiSide with LLMs, but truly integrated with gameplay, not just a RP chatbot. About Us Here at ... We're looking for a strong Unity engineer who loves 3D story-driven games. You'll join our lead ...

Spellbrush

3D Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

Think MiSide with LLMs, but truly integrated with gameplay, not just a RP chatbot. About Us Here at ... We're looking for a strong Unity engineer who loves 3D story-driven games. You'll join our lead ...

Roblox

Software Engineering Manager, Engine UI

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$118.50K - $158.30K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Engineering Manager to join our Engine UI team ... In this role, you will be responsible for leading the development of our state-of-the-art game ...

Vizcom Technologies, Inc.

AI Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $198K/yr

Designers at companies like Nike, General Motors, and Riot Games rely on our tools to bring their ... The Role As an AI Engineer, you'll develop systems that redefine how designers work, removing ...

ClassDojo

Senior Game Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$171.50K - $250K/yr

Your creativity in prototyping fun gameplay and game‐design ideas will be validated and shipped to production with very high quality. You will collaborate with other engineers and ...

ClassDojo, Inc

Senior Game Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$123.10K - $169.10K/yr

YYou'll bring gameplay ideas to life through rapid prototyping, then refine and ship them to production with high quality. You will do that while collaborating with other engineers and cross ...

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Gameplay Programmer information

See San Ramon, CA salary details

$107.8K

$151.1K

$160.4K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay programmer in San Ramon, CA is $151,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $144,200.00 and $159,800.00 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 popular job titles related to Gameplay Programmer jobs in San Ramon, CA? For Gameplay Programmer jobs in San Ramon, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near San Ramon, CA are hiring for Gameplay Programmer jobs? Cities near San Ramon, CA with the most Gameplay Programmer job openings:
Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gameplay Programmer job openings in San Ramon, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,124 per year, or $72.7 per hour.
Gameplay Engineer (San Francisco)

Gameplay Engineer (San Francisco)

Echtra Games

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Gameplay Engineer

Do you love programming? Does talking about game designs excite you? Do you enjoy making something engaging and magical happen on the screen?

We're searching for a Gameplay Engineer to help us maintain Torchlight 3 and craft the future of Echtra. We're a small game studio in San Francisco with a team of veteran game developers. At Echtra, we value diversity and support work-life balance. We have great benefits, an open vacation policy, and flexible schedules.

As a Gameplay Engineer, you'll be expected to add features to existing gameplay systems. Each day, you will collaborate with other engineers, designers, and artists to add those special touches that make the game great.

Requirements:
  1. You are familiar with C++ and have written some projects with it.
  2. You have helped build some small game or game-like projects - in school or for fun.
Pluses:
  1. Experience working with Unreal Engine 4.
  2. Experience shipping software to the public.
  3. A love and passion for gaming.
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