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Gameplay Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Holospark

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 ...

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 ...

Tencent

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$147K - $343K/yr

Work with and lead a gameplay engineering team to craft development of innovative gameplay content systems and experiences * Work with design and production and engineering leadership to manage the ...

LightSpeed Studios

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$147K - $343K/yr

Work with and lead a gameplay engineering team to craft development of innovative gameplay content systems and experiences * Work with design and production and engineering leadership to manage the ...

Thatgamecompany

Gameplay Engineer

$105K - $133K/yr

Gameplay Engineer Remote US & Canada We're looking for an exceptional Gameplay Engineer to join our live team to help craft the most advanced social game on earth. Elements that can help us meet the ...

thatgamecompany

Gameplay Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$105K - $133K/yr

Gameplay Engineer Remote US & Canada We're looking for an exceptional Gameplay Engineer to join our live team to help craft the most advanced social game on earth. Elements that can help us meet the ...

Nexon America Inc

Gameplay Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$125K - $142K/yr

About Nexon Nexon America is a branch of Nexon Co., Ltd., a global video game publisher and leading developer of online virtual worlds for PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Nexon proudly offers ...

Nexon America Inc

Gameplay Engineer

El Segundo, CA · Remote

$125K - $142K/yr

About Nexon Nexon America is a branch of Nexon Co., Ltd., a global video game publisher and leading developer of online virtual worlds for PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Nexon proudly offers ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Sr. Gameplay Engineer (Temporary) Who We Are 2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K Games is ...

Epic Games

Senior Gameplay AI Programmer

Cary, NC · On-site

ENGINEERING - GAMES What We Do Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We're always improving on the tools and ...

Tencent

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$116K - $269K/yr

What the Role Entails LightSpeed LA is seeking for a talented and enthusiastic Senior Gameplay Engineer to join our new studio in sunny Irvine California. The ideal candidate will have a strong ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

Sr. Gameplay Engineer (Temporary) Who We Are 2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K Games is ...

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Gameplay Programmer information

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$96.5K

$135.2K

$143.5K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay programmer in the United States is $135,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $143,000.00 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.
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Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Gameplay Engineer

Gameplay Engineer

Holospark

Full-time

Posted 4 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
Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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