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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Holospark

Gameplay Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

Holospark is looking for an experienced Gameplay Engineer to join and help us create and impliment exciting and compelling gameplay for our games. The Role * Own the design, development, and ...

Asmodee

Associate Game Developer

Everett, WA · On-site +1

$60K/yr

The Associate Game Developer works closely with the Development Director and Development Manager to ensure game rules reflect the core pillars of Atomic Mass Games. The Associate Game Developer ...

Nintendo

Sr Software Engineer - Gameplay (NST)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$162K - $224K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer in Gameplay, you will have a desire for leading the implementation on key gameplay features as well as managing small groups of engineers. You will also have a passion ...

Nintendo

Sr Software Engineer - Gameplay (NST)

Redmond, WA · On-site +1

$137K - $180K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer in Gameplay, you will have a desire for leading the implementation on key gameplay features as well as managing small groups of engineers. You will also have a passion ...

Apple

Software Engineering Manager - Games

Seattle, WA · On-site

$225K - $338K/yr

Apple Games is seeking a dynamic engineering manager to lead the Game Center team, driving the next generation of social and connected gaming experiences across Apple platforms. This role oversees ...

DevSelect

Game Solution Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

Title: Game Solution Engineer Location: Seattle, WA Openings: 1 Type: Long-Term Contract Provide Solutions for a Hit Game Team The Clients team needs a highly capable Full Stack Game Solution ...

DevSelect

Unity Game Solutions Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

Title: Unity Game Solutions Engineer Location: Seattle, WA Openings: 1 Type: Long-Term Contract We Provide Solutions for Game Teams The Clients team needs a highly capable Unity Game Solution ...

Komodo Co., Ltd.

Senior Game Networking Engineer

Bellevue, WA · Remote

$107K - $146K/yr

You will work closely with gameplay engineers and designers to align networking systems with gameplay mechanics and deliver a smooth, high-quality online experience. As a senior member of the team ...

Komodo Co., Ltd.

Senior Game Networking Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site +1

$117K - $161K/yr

You will work closely with gameplay engineers and designers to align networking systems with gameplay mechanics and deliver a smooth, high-quality online experience. As a senior member of the team ...

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All JobsGameplay Programmer JobsGameplay Programmer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Gameplay Programmer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$109.9K

$154K

$163.4K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay programmer in Seattle, WA is $153,984.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,900.00 and $162,800.00 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 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Gameplay Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Gameplay Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Gameplay Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Gameplay Programmer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Gameplay Programmer job openings:

Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gameplay Programmer job openings in Seattle, WA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,984 per year, or $74 per hour.

Gameplay Engineer

Bellevue, WA • On-site

Holospark
PC Games • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Holosparkexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Holospark is growing and we are looking for talented people to join our growing team! Holospark is looking for an experienced Gameplay Engineer to join and help us create and impliment exciting and compelling gameplay for our games.
The Role
  • Own the design, development, and deployment of player facing features and technology that ship in the game.
  • Work directly with game designers, animators, and other engineers to deliver state-of-the-art gameplay features.
  • Integrate with first and third party services to give our players a seamless experience.
  • Be a champion for the user: Insist on the highest standards, and create functional and well-designed technology that delights our players.

Basic Qualifications
  • 3+ years of professional game development experience on medium to large sized teams with at least 1 shipped title.
  • Advanced software engineering skills, including the ability to write expert-level, maintainable, and robust code in C++.
  • Experience in the development of various gameplay systems and technologies.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 5+ years of professional game development experience.
  • Experience with multiplayer game development.
  • Comprehensive engineering skills including interface design, service integration, clear maintainable coding standards, and pragmatic optimization.
  • Great communication skills and ability to work effectively on collective projects with designers, artists, testers, and other developers across multiple teams.
  • Relentless ownership and the ability to dive into ambiguous problems.

Bonus
  • Experience with Unreal and Unity game engines
  • Working knowledge of AWS, GameLift and/or GameSparks

Apply