ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

Echtra Games

Gameplay Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Echtra Games is a small game studio in San Francisco seeking a Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and shape the future of the company. The role involves collaborating with engineers ...

Echtra Games

Gameplay Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Echtra Games is a small game studio in San Francisco seeking a Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and craft future projects. The role involves collaborating with engineers, designers ...

Echtra Games

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and collaborate with a team of veteran developers to create engaging gameplay experiences. Responsibilities : • Understand ...

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 ...

31st Union

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

WE ARE GAME MAKERS Who we are: We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

WE ARE GAME MAKERS Who we are: We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

WE ARE GAME MAKERS Who we are: We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that ...

31st Union

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

WE ARE GAME MAKERS Who we are: We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that ...

Striking Distance Studios

Lead Gameplay Engineer

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$112K - $147K/yr

They are seeking a Lead Gameplay Engineer to guide a team in implementing various gameplay features and systems, ensuring high-quality game development. Responsibilities : • Lead a team of Gameplay ...

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 · 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 ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGameplay Programmer JobsGameplay Programmer Jobs in San Ramon, CA

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 Aug 5, 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,124 per year, or $72.7 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Echtra Games

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Echtra Games is a small game studio in San Francisco with a team of veteran game developers. They are searching for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and craft the future of the studio. The role involves collaborating with engineers, designers, and artists to create engaging gameplay systems and enhance the user experience.
Responsibilities:
• Understand the game design and make it a reality.
• Collaborate with other engineers, designers, and artists to craft a great user experience.
• Decide what’s needed and take the lead on building and polishing it.
Qualifications:
Required:
• You're comfortable working in C++
• You've built multiple gameplay systems before and have shipped them to users
• You're at home working on a large game engine
Preferred:
• Experience building RPG gameplay systems
• Experience working with Unreal Engine 4
• Experience shipping on a major console like XBox or PlayStation
• A love and passion for gaming
Company:
Echtra Games is a game studio comprised of seasoned developers who helped and shaped the world of action role-playing games. It is a sub-organization of Zynga. Founded in 2016, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.

Apply