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

Scopely

Associate Data Scientist

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site +1

$174K - $202K/yr

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including game designers, product managers, and engineers, to define and prioritize data-driven objectives and strategies. Create and deliver regular reports ...

2K

Lead UI Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$133K - $198K/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

Lead UI Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$133K - $198K/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

Lead UI Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$133K - $198K/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

Lead UI Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$133K - $198K/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 ...

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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 Jul 13, 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 job categories do people searching Gameplay Programmer jobs in San Ramon, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Gameplay Programmer jobs in San Ramon, CA 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 58% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,124 per year, or $72.7 per hour.
Associate Data Scientist

Associate Data Scientist

Scopely

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site, Remote

$174K - $202K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Associate Data Scientist (Niantic, Inc.; Sunnyvale, CA): Analyze and interpret complex datasets to identify patterns, trends, and opportunities for improving Niantic's gameplay, engagement, and monetization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including game designers, product managers, and engineers, to define and prioritize data-driven objectives and strategies. Create and deliver regular reports, dashboards, and visualizations to communicate insights and recommendations to stakeholders. Develop and maintain data models, algorithms, and statistical models to support predictive analytics and forecasting. Collaborate with the game engineering team to ensure data quality, integrity, and availability for analysis. Stay up-to-date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in data science and business intelligence. Collaborate with cross-functional team members and stakeholders, including regular and reliable attendance and participation in meetings. May lead or supervise junior team members. Partial telecommuting permitted. Req: 00100718

Minimum requirements: Master's degree or foreign equivalent in Computer Science, Data Analytics Engineering, Data Science, Statistics, or related quantitative field (or foreign equivalent). 1 year of experience in the job offered, as a Data Analytics Engineer Intern, Marketing Analyst Intern, Game Operation Intern, CRM Analyst, or a related occupation. 

Must possess academic training and/or experience in each of the following: SQL; Python; Machine Learning; R; Statistics; Data Visualization; Data Modeling.

Salary: $174,304 to $202,500 per year

Job Req. ID 00100718

APPLY NOW

GreenHouse Link: https://careers.scopely.com/us/en/job/5284874008/Associate-Data-Scientist

To Apply: Any interested applicant may click on the APPLY NOW button above to apply for this position, or Email resume to: jobs@nianticlabs.com (referring the job req ID)

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