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Gameplay Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

They are seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer who will collaborate with designers and the engineering team to enhance gameplay systems, ensuring a satisfying and immersive player experience.

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

As a Gameplay Engineer at Cloud Chamber you will bridge the gap between technical execution and creative vision, ensuring that our player-centric gameplay feels as impactful as it looks. You will ...

As a Gameplay Engineer at Cloud Chamber you will bridge the gap between technical execution and creative vision, ensuring that our player-centric gameplay feels as impactful as it looks. You will ...

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

As a Gameplay Engineer at Cloud Chamber you will bridge the gap between technical execution and creative vision, ensuring that our player-centric gameplay feels as impactful as it looks. You will ...

OR · On-site

As a Senior Gameplay Engineer - Gameplay Tools on teamLFG, you'll help build the bridge between the engine and our content creators, empowering them to create the game in an online environment that ...

As Senior Gameplay Engineer, you are a versatile engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment and deeply enjoys empowering designers. You will work closely with designers and the broader ...

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

As a Gameplay Engineer at Cloud Chamber you will bridge the gap between technical execution and creative vision, ensuring that our player-centric gameplay feels as impactful as it looks. You will ...

As Senior Gameplay Engineer, you are a versatile engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment and deeply enjoys empowering designers. You will work closely with designers and the broader ...

As Senior Gameplay Engineer, you are a versatile engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment and deeply enjoys empowering designers. You will work closely with designers and the broader ...

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

Help establish engineering standards and improve team-wide AI development workflows Requirements/Qualifications * 7+ years of professional gameplay/AI engineering experience * Proven experience ...

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

Help establish engineering standards and improve team-wide AI development workflows Requirements/Qualifications * 7+ years of professional gameplay/AI engineering experience * Proven experience ...

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

Help establish engineering standards and improve team-wide AI development workflows Requirements/Qualifications * 7+ years of professional gameplay/AI engineering experience * Proven experience ...

Showing results 21-40

Gameplay Programmer information

See salary details

$96.5K

$135.2K

$143.5K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 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.
What cities are hiring for Gameplay Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Gameplay Programmer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Programmer jobs? The most popular types of Gameplay Programmer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Gameplay Programmer jobs? The top employers for Gameplay Programmer jobs are:
What states have the most Gameplay Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Gameplay Programmer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Gameplay Programmer jobs? For Gameplay Programmer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Gameplay Programmer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,232 per year, or $65 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Engineer

AGBO

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
AGBO is an artist-led independent studio founded by the Russo Brothers, known for their blockbuster films. They are seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer who will collaborate with designers and the engineering team to enhance gameplay systems, ensuring a satisfying and immersive player experience.
Responsibilities:
• Collaborate deeply with design to implement, iterate, and polish core gameplay systems—especially around movement, feel, and player responsiveness.
• Be the primary driver of relevant gameplay systems, ensuring a satisfying and immersive player experience.
• Build prototypes and iterate quickly to test and refine gameplay ideas.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows and tools for designers and fellow engineers.
• Contribute to code quality, performance optimization, and engineering best practices across the codebase.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, providing technical guidance and code reviews.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 5-8 years of experience in gameplay engineering with at least one shipped title.
• Strong programming skills in C++ and deep familiarity with Unreal Engine systems.
• Deep understanding of player-centric gameplay systems.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to interpret, enhance, and proactively expand design intent through code.
• A passion for tuning, iteration, and crafting joyful player experiences.
• Significant experience in UE4 and/or UE5.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Preferred:
• Bonus if you helped grow and maintain a live service game.
• Bonus: Previous experience at a startup or on early-stage projects.
Company:
AGBO creates intellectual property universes spanning film, TV, audio, and interactive experiences. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Los Angeles, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.

AGBO logo

About AGBO

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2020

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