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Gameplay Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... software to the public • A love and passion for gaming Company : Echtra Games is a game studio comprised of seasoned developers who helped and shaped the world of action role-playing games. It is a ...

Software Engineer, Audio

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

As a Software Engineer with audio focus, you will be responsible for audio system support, feature ... Design and develop innovative audio features tailored to the gameplay, stories, of our open world ...

Software Engineer, Audio

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

As a Software Engineer with audio focus, you will be responsible for audio system support, feature ... Design and develop innovative audio features tailored to the gameplay, stories, of our open world ...

Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$96K - $156K/yr

... gaming, and immersive communications. You will be working as part of a cross-functional team of ... software engineering, ideally in the automotive industry. * Strong experience in Software ...

Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$96K - $156K/yr

... gaming, and immersive communications. You will be working as part of a cross-functional team of ... software engineering, ideally in the automotive industry. * Strong experience in Software ...

Generalist Software Engineer About Us Here at Spellbrush , we're passionate about making a good ... Our games are characterized by a no-compromise approach to well-balanced gameplay married to a ...

Generalist Software Engineer About Us Here at Spellbrush , we're passionate about making a good ... Our games are characterized by a no-compromise approach to well-balanced gameplay married to a ...

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Showing results 1-20

Gameplay Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$79.9K

$143.5K

$202.3K

How much do gameplay software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay software engineer in California is $143,455.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Gameplay Software Engineers?

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.

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.

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.

How do Gameplay Software Engineers 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 job categories do people searching Gameplay Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Gameplay Software Engineer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Gameplay Software Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,455 per year, or $69 per hour.
Principal Software Engineer, Gameplay - Teamfight Tactics

Principal Software Engineer, Gameplay - Teamfight Tactics

Riot Games

Los Angeles, CA

$145K - $195K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Riot engineers bring deep knowledge of specific technical areas but also value the opportunity to work in a variety of broader domains. As a software engineer, you'll work with both new and current technologies, creating innovative solutions to overcome high-volume obstacles and to deliver player value.

As a Principal Software Engineer on the Live Experiences teams within Teamfight Tactics, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enable the creation of new game features, systems, and experiences for our players. You will discuss and define the needs of art, design, and audio in a highly collaborative environment. You will build new technology in a wide variety of game systems to meet those needs. As Teamfight Tactics is a multi-platform game, supporting PC, Android, and iOS, cross-platform experience would be beneficial. You will report to the Engineering Manager accountable for the Live Experiences teams. 

Responsibilities:
  • Build gameplay features and systems for TFT game modes and cosmetics
  • Build around-game UI features, including progression and monetization flows in collaboration with Visual Designers and User Experience creatives
  • Collaborate and drive on product, technical and architectural discussions, ensuring alignment with product vision and engineering strategy
  • Improve efficiency for developers and unlock their ability to create awesome experiences by improving tools and workflows
  • Align with stakeholders and disciplines spanning multiple teams across TFT to deliver awesome features
  • Provide mentorship to engineers, tech artists, and tech designers
  • Participate and improve the team's support rotation
  • Reduce ambiguity in a problem space through technical discovery & prototyping
Required Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of software development, including shipping one or more products on large code bases that span a range of platforms and tools
  • 4+ years Unreal Engine experience, with familiarity in game engine tools, workflows, & content pipelines
  • Expertise with C++ and Gameplay Engineering (Character, Camera, Controls) 
  • Experience leveraging strong communication skills to collaborate across disciplines (e.g. Design, Art, QA, Production) to create solutions
  • Experience mentoring others in both soft and hard skills
  • Product sense, pragmatism, and player empathy in making tech decisions
  • BS in Computer Science, or proven understanding of Computer Science fundamentals
Desired Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with Teamfight Tactics
  • Mobile and/or multi-platform experience

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We will be looking at your past studies, experience, and your personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about the experiences of players, this could be the role for you!

Our Perks:

Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.

At Riot Games, we put players first. That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you're working directly on a new player-facing experience or you're supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we're better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we're looking forward to your application.

It's our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.

Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:

  • Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
  • Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
  • Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
  • Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security. 


Riot Games logo

About Riot Games

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Riot Games was founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill with the intent to change the way video games are made and supported for players. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to worldwide acclaim. The game has since gone on to become the most played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. Players are the foundation of our community and it's for them we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2006

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