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Gameplay Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spellbrush

Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Unity Engineer Role: We are looking for an experienced game engineer with strong C# and Unity skills. You will be working closely with a small, multidisciplinary team to build out our upcoming ...

Skydance

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 ...

New

Skydance

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 ...

New

Skydance

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 ...

New

Skydance

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 ...

New

Skydance

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 ...

New

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Santa Monica, CA · 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 ...

New

Valicy

Gameplay Systems Engineer

Greenville, NC

Gameplay Systems Engineer Location : Greenville, NC Department : AI Studio Reports To : Director Status : Exempt WHO WE ARE: We are Valicy. We make games. We also make the machines they run on. What ...

teamLFG

Senior Gameplay Engineer - Gameplay Tools

$160K - $240K/yr

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 ...

Valicy

Gameplay Systems Engineer

Greenville, NC · On-site

Valicy is a company focused on creating excellent gaming experiences and is seeking a Gameplay Systems Engineer. This role is responsible for rapidly prototyping and refining gameplay systems for ...

Tencent

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$137K - $257K/yr

Design, implement, and support quality gameplay systems and tools, focusing on melee combat, ranged (weapon-based) combat, and combat AI * Collaborate directly and proactively with engineers ...

UnannouncedGameStudio

Game Programmer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

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 ...

Striking Distance Studios

Lead Gameplay Engineer

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$112K - $147K/yr

They are seeking a Lead Gameplay Engineer to guide a team in implementing various gameplay features and systems, ensuring high-quality game development. Responsibilities : • Lead a team of Gameplay ...

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All JobsGameplay Programmer Jobs

Gameplay Programmer information

See salary details

$96.5K

$135.2K

$143.5K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 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
Infographic showing various Gameplay Programmer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,232 per year, or $65 per hour.
Generalist Software Engineer (Unity) - Remote (Remote)

Generalist Software Engineer (Unity) - Remote (Remote)

Ghostpunch Games

Sunrise, FL • Remote

Contractor

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Gameplay Unity Engineer

Location: Remote

Position Type: Contract

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Gameplay Unity Engineer with over 4 years of professional experience in the video game industry. The ideal candidate will have a robust understanding of gameplay mechanics and implementation, with a strong desire to develop engaging and high-quality game experiences. This role involves writing and debugging gameplay code across various systems, including physics, AI, input, UI, and tools.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Participate in the gameplay programming design process.
  • Maintain regular communication with other game development disciplines (i.e., Art, Design, Audio, and Production) to determine how their efforts will affect the gameplay programming.
  • Provide technical designs and specifications for all new gameplay features.
  • Write and debug gameplay and engine code.
  • Collaborate with designers to refine gameplay mechanics and ensure smooth implementation.
  • Optimize gameplay systems for performance and scalability.

Qualifications:

  • Must have expert knowledge of C# and Unity.
  • At least 4 years of experience as a Programmer/Software Engineer in the gaming industry 
  • Must have a deep understanding of gameplay code design.
  • Must have experience in programming for at least 1 AAA PC/Console title.
  • Must possess hands-on knowledge of basic game design and implementation.
  • Must possess a strong desire to write gameplay/engine code.
  • Experience with Unreal Engine is a plus.
  • Experience working on VR projects is a plus.



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