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Gameplay Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mundo Gamer Network

$100 - $125/hr

Document software and features for internal and external teams * Participate in the code review process What you will bring: * Experience developing games professionally, and shipping AAA titles

Nintendo

Sr Software Engineer - Gameplay (NST)

Redmond, WA · On-site +1

$137K - $180K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer in Gameplay, you will have a desire for leading the implementation on key gameplay features as well as managing small groups of engineers. You will also have a passion ...

Nintendo

Sr Software Engineer - Gameplay (NST)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$162K - $224K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer in Gameplay, you will have a desire for leading the implementation on key gameplay features as well as managing small groups of engineers. You will also have a passion ...

Light & Wonder, Inc.

$100 - $125/hr

Provide input on game design and scheduling as it relates to software implementation. Effectively communicate technical requirements to team members. Collaborate with software quality assurance ...

Scientific Games

Software Engineer

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

Scientific Games: Scientific Games is the global leader in lottery games, sports betting and ... Software Engineer - Transaction Engine, C, Unix Position Description This Software Engineering ...

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Gameplay Software Engineer information

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$81K

$145.4K

$205K

How much do gameplay software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay software engineer in the United States is $145,359.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a gameplay software engineer?

Gameplay Software Engineers are specialized software developers who focus on designing and implementing interactive features and systems within video games. They work closely with game designers, artists, and other programmers to bring gameplay mechanics, character controls, artificial intelligence, and user interfaces to life. Their responsibilities often include writing code for game logic, prototyping new features, fixing bugs, and optimizing performance to ensure a smooth and engaging gaming experience.

How does a gameplay software engineer typically collaborate with designers and artists during the game development process?

Gameplay Software Engineers work closely with designers and artists to bring creative visions to life. They frequently participate in cross-disciplinary meetings to understand gameplay mechanics, user experience goals, and visual requirements. Collaboration often involves rapid prototyping, iterative feedback, and integrating new assets and mechanics into the game engine. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as requirements can evolve throughout development, requiring engineers to balance technical constraints with creative aspirations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a gameplay software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gameplay Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills in languages like C++ or C#, a background in computer science or software engineering, and a solid understanding of game development concepts. Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, and experience using version control systems like Git, are typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and strong problem-solving abilities help set top candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for efficiently building engaging, high-quality gameplay features and working effectively within multidisciplinary game development teams.

What is the difference between Gameplay Software Engineer vs Game Developer?

AspectGameplay Software EngineerGame Developer
Primary FocusDesigning and implementing gameplay features and mechanicsCreating overall game content, including coding, art, and design
Skills & CertificationsProficiency in C++, game engines (Unity, Unreal), scriptingVaries widely; may include programming, art, design, project management
Work EnvironmentGame studios, development teams, often specialized rolesBroader roles, including design, programming, or production teams

While both roles involve game development, a Gameplay Software Engineer specializes in coding gameplay features and mechanics, whereas a Game Developer may handle a broader range of tasks including content creation and overall game design. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and focus.

More about Gameplay Software Engineer jobs

What states have the most Gameplay Software Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Gameplay Software Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Gameplay Software Engineer jobs?

For Gameplay Software Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Gameplay Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gameplay Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,359 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

CONTRACT - Gameplay Software Engineer

Nintendo

Redmond, WA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Nintendo rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

157th of 247 rated software companies

Job description

Nintendo Software Technology Corporation
 
Nintendo Software Technology Corporation, based in Redmond, Washington , is a wholly owned subsidiary of the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of video games, Nintendo Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan.  Nintendo Software Technology's mission is to design, develop and deliver the very best video games. We conduct research, use state-of-the-art equipment and review methods of operation so that we may continually improve the quality of the games that we produce. Each person employed at Nintendo Software Technology Corporation is a valued team member and is encouraged to participate in our efforts to create the highest quality games. 

Nintendo is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy and respect for each other.

Nintendo Software Technology is a tight-knit game development studio located in Redmond, WA. As part of the Nintendo family, we're passionate about creating games designed to surprise and delight our customers. We're always on the lookout for exceptional artists to help support our Art Department.

 

As a Contract Software Engineer you will develop and implement gameplay and systems features that directly shape the player experience, working across gameplay mechanics, player controls, game objects, UI-related functionality, and lower-level game systems. As part of a highly collaborative development team, you will demonstrate the ability to partner closely with designers, artists, and other engineers to bring ideas from concept through implementation.

SUMMARY: 
An individual contributor that develops, writes, and debugs specified sections of code for assigned software projects.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

  • Develops, writes, tests, debugs, and implements code using the relevant programming languages as part of a larger project, with some direction from senior engineers and above.
  • Applies professional expertise to review, analyze and test products under development as a contributing member of a production team to ensure delivery of Nintendo's high standard of quality and timeliness.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS

  • 3 or more years of software engineering experience in the relevant field.
  • Ability to write clear, maintainable, and portable code.
  • Good understanding of core technologies, toolsets, and common workflows for video game development.
  • Ability to read and debug other engineers' code and solve engineering problems in the relevant field.
  • Strong knowledge of the relevant programming languages (C/C++/C#).
  • Experience developing gameplay features, systems, or player-facing functionality for shipped video games.
  • Experience implementing gameplay mechanics, player controls, game objects, or UI-driven gameplay features within a game engine.
  • Experience collaborating closely with designers, artists, and cross-disciplinary partners to iterate on gameplay experiences.
  • Preferred: Experience contributing to at least one shipped game title and ability to clearly articulate individual technical contributions.
  • Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or related field; or equivalent education and experience.

This position is hybrid in Redmond, WA. Hybrid positions require regular onsite work following the schedule and guidelines for their division. This position is not open to fully remote status at this time.

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