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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 ...

Apple

Senior Gaming Platform Engineer

Seattle, WA

$142K - $263K/yr

Join the Game Services Framework team to help us build the developer-facing technologies that drive discovery, engagement, and connectivity for games in the Apple ecosystem. We have an exciting ...

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 ...

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 ...

Apple

Software Engineering Manager - Games

Seattle, WA

$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 ...

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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 Aug 1, 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 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 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:
What job categories do people searching Gameplay Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,984 per year, or $74 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Programmer - Remote or On Site

Studio Wildcard

Redmond, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Salary: $115,000 - $160,000

Studio Wildcard - Redmond, WA or Remote

Open role:

Senior Gameplay Programmer


We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us with ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies.

And now we're searching for an exceptionally talented and passionate Senior Gameplay Programmer who can create high-impact work for the expanding ARK franchise.


Responsibilities:

  • Design, write, and implement gameplay systems and development tools for artists and designers
  • Work with cross-discipline team members to improve existing tools and determine new solutions


Requirements:

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in game development as a gameplay programmer with at least 1 shipped title.
  • Advanced understanding of gameplay systems, pipelines, and tools.
  • Strong self-motivation and willingness to participate in many areas of game development
  • Experience using the Unreal 5 Engine


Pluses:

  • Degree in computer science or a related field
  • Experience with implementing UI features from concept to finish
  • Shipped title using the Unreal 4 Engine


Required Application Materials:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter which should include
    • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What games you are currently playing


About Studio Wildcard

Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.


Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.


Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.


Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options