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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Game Plan Tech

Software Engineering Manager

Reston, VA · On-site

Game Plan Tech is a mission-driven consulting and services firm helping government teams access innovative technologies. They are seeking a Software Engineering Manager to lead a talented engineering ...

Game Plan Tech

DevOps Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$55 - $75.25/hr

Game Plan Tech is a mission-driven consulting and services firm that helps government teams access innovative technologies. They are seeking a DevOps Engineer with expertise in Google Cloud Platform ...

Game Plan Tech

Security Engineer / ISSE

Washington, DC · On-site

Senior Security Engineer / ISSE Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Security Engineer to ... Why Game Plan Tech? Join a dynamic and growing team at Game Plan Tech, dedicated to empowering ...

Game Plan Tech

Security Engineer / ISSE

Washington, DC · On-site

Senior Security Engineer / ISSE Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Security Engineer to ... Why Game Plan Tech? Join a dynamic and growing team at Game Plan Tech, dedicated to empowering ...

Game Plan Tech

Cloud Infrastructure Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$63.25 - $84.50/hr

Cloud Infrastructure Engineer Location - Washington, D.C. Role Overview We're seeking an ... Why Game Plan Tech? Join a dynamic and growing team at Game Plan Tech, dedicated to empowering ...

Game Plan Tech

Cloud Infrastructure Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$63.25 - $84.50/hr

Cloud Infrastructure Engineer Location - Washington, D.C. Role Overview We're seeking an ... Why Game Plan Tech? Join a dynamic and growing team at Game Plan Tech, dedicated to empowering ...

BLN24

Data Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$115K - $139K/yr

Data Engineer Company: BLN24 About Us: We find strength in teamwork-a better you is a better us ... BLN24 benefits are game changing. We like our team to play hard and that means they need to be ...

BLN24

Data Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$115K - $139K/yr

Data Engineer Company: BLN24 About Us: We find strength in teamwork-a better you is a better us ... BLN24 benefits are game changing. We like our team to play hard and that means they need to be ...

MANTECH

Wargame Developer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Develop an interface to modeling and simulations tools that can be used in game play and operate ... Partner with designers and developers to refine mechanics that accurately reflect Marine Corps ...

MANTECH

Wargame Developer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Develop an interface to modeling and simulations tools that can be used in game play and operate ... Partner with designers and developers to refine mechanics that accurately reflect Marine Corps ...

MANTECH

Wargame Developer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Develop an interface to modeling and simulations tools that can be used in game play and operate ... Partner with designers and developers to refine mechanics that accurately reflect Marine Corps ...

MANTECH

Wargame Developer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Develop an interface to modeling and simulations tools that can be used in game play and operate ... Partner with designers and developers to refine mechanics that accurately reflect Marine Corps ...

Game Plan Tech

Technical Project Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

Monitors Engineering Performance and coordinates with engineering managers and technical leads as it pertains to respective projects at Game Plan Tech * Communicates effectively with Program Manager ...

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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:

What job categories do people searching Gameplay Programmer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

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.

Software Engineering Manager

Game Plan Tech

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Game Plan Tech is a mission-driven consulting and services firm helping government teams access innovative technologies. They are seeking a Software Engineering Manager to lead a talented engineering team, contribute to technical discussions, mentor developers, and foster a positive team culture.
Responsibilities:
• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of software engineers, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
• Actively participate in technical discussions, design reviews, and architectural decisions, providing insightful contributions and guidance.
• While you won't be expected to be on the critical path for coding at all times, you should be able and willing to write and review code to contribute and effectively guide your team.
• Collaborate with product managers and other stakeholders to define project roadmaps and ensure timely delivery of high-quality software.
• Champion best practices in software development, including code quality, testing, and continuous integration/delivery.
• Conduct regular one-on-ones, provide constructive feedback, and support the career development of your team members.
• As a key leader, your competence will directly contribute to the job satisfaction and performance of your team, a factor we consider more impactful than salary.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Proven experience in a senior software engineering role with a track record of technical leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a team of engineers. We are looking for someone who has likely 'worked their way up' and can, if necessary, 'do the employee's job'.
• Strong technical background with expertise in current technology stack e.g., Python, React, GCP, etc.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage in deep technical discussions with your team.
• A firm belief in the importance of a manager's technical competence and a passion for creating a work environment where engineers can thrive.
• Experience with agile development methodologies.
Company:
Game Plan Tech provides cloud and AI engineering services for government digital modernization initiatives. Founded in 2023, the company is headquartered in Reston, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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