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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

UnannouncedGameStudio

Game Programmer

Fairfax, VA

An Unannounced Game Studio based in Fairfax, VA and led by industry veterans is searching for Jr-Mid Programmers to join a talented team in creating amazing games. Responsibilities Write portable ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

AI/ML Engineer, Mid

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$77.60 - $176/hr

As an AI/ML Engineer, you know that machine learning is critical to understanding and processing massive datasets. Your ability to conduct statistical analyses on business processes using ML ...

Vantor

Ontology Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA · On-site

Collaborate with analysts, data scientists, engineers, and Government stakeholders to capture requirements and translate mission needs into formal knowledge models. * Develop and maintain ontology ...

Maxar

Ontology Engineer (TS/SCI)

Herndon, VA

Collaborate with analysts, data scientists, engineers, and Government stakeholders to capture requirements and translate mission needs into formal knowledge models. * Develop and maintain ontology ...

Cymertek Corporation

Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

... Game Developer, Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Computer Science, Software Engineering ...

Cymertek

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

... Game Developer, Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Computer Science, Software Engineering ...

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All JobsGameplay Programmer JobsGameplay Programmer Jobs in Washington, DC

Gameplay Programmer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$109.3K

$153.1K

$162.5K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay programmer in Washington, DC is $153,107.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,100.00 and $161,900.00 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Gameplay Programmer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Gameplay Programmer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Gameplay Programmer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gameplay Programmer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 16% Temporary. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,107 per year, or $73.6 per hour.

Game Programmer

UnannouncedGameStudio

Fairfax, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

An Unannounced Game Studio based in Fairfax, VA and led by industry veterans is searching for Jr-Mid Programmers to join a talented team in creating amazing games. Responsibilities Write portable code for use across multiple platforms Work closely with non-programmers to iterate quickly on designs Write test cases and take responsibility for the robustness of your own code Identify and optimize performance bottlenecks as they arise Requirements Ability to rapidly learn and adapt to a variety of new technologies in an agile startup environment Self-starter who genuinely wants to create games Strong analytical or math skills C++ and/or C# programming experience Pluses -- Ideal candidates will have a background in at least one of these areas Finished, released game titles or other consumer-facing software Experience with functional programming languages Experience with Unity engine 3D art pipelines, from content tools to runtime shaders iOS, Android, or interactive web front-end experience Scalability and database design WPF and rapid creation of internal tools Networking and security

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