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Gameplay Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Work with a team of engineers, designers, game designers, and producers to execute on a creative ... Software system architecture; Database design, querying, indexing for SOL or NoSQL databases; Web ...

Gameplay Engineer

Glendale, CA ยท On-site

$25/hr

Work with systems and tools used in professional software development, such as source control ... Production-level ability in one game programming language, such as C#. Working knowledge of ...

Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA ยท 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 ยท 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 ...

... gaming, XR, and AI experiences. Qualcomm Graphics Software Engineers architect, design, implement, verify, and optimize the structure and performance of GPU hardware, drivers, features, applications ...

GPU Software Engineer Location: San Jose, CA Duration: 6+ months contract (Long Term) Roles and ... Experience delivering graphics APIs, graphics drivers or Game Engine subsystems for graphics

Graphics Software Engineer, Staff

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$148K - $183K/yr

As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation gaming, XR, and AI experiences. Qualcomm Graphics Software Engineers architect, design ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 7, 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 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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,455 per year, or $69 per hour.

Staff Software Engineer

Scopely

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$260K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Staff Software Engineer (Scopely Explore, Inc.; fka Niantic, Inc., San Francisco, California): Research, design,
and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs to build AR technology. Build and
design reliable, high-throughput, low latency and scalable server and networking systems that support Niantic's
developers and products. Build key components of the platform that developers can incorporate to create rich
experiences in their games. Perform load testing, participate in code reviews, write unit tests, and conduct
troubleshooting to ensure uptime for live systems. Work with a team of engineers, designers, game designers,
and producers to execute on a creative vision and deliver robust, efficient, and modular back-end systems and
services. Work with external partners to architect and integrate multiple sophisticated systems together in a
collaborative way. Develop, adapt, and execute long-term technical strategy to achieve key business
objectives. Drive a culture of experimentation and improvement when it comes to tools, technology, and
process in engineering. Collaborate within engineering leadership and cross functional partners in Business,
Art & Design, Production and Marketing to develop and deliver on technology to improve Niantic's products.
May lead or supervise junior team member. Telecommuting within the US permitted pursuant to company
policy.
Minimum requirements: Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in Computer Science, Computer
Engineering, Software Engineering, or related quantitative field. Three (3) years in job offered as a Software
Engineer, Software Developer or a related occupation.
Must possess any academic training and/or experience in each of the following: Object oriented programming
languages; Data structures; Algorithms; Software system architecture; Database design, querying, indexing for
SOL or NoSQL databases; Web frameworks; Cloud platforms (AWS or GCP). Partial telecommuting permitted.
Salary: 200,000 to $260,000 per year
APPLY NOW
Job Req ID: 00109279
To Apply: Any interested applicant may click on the APPLY NOW button above to apply for this
position, or email your resume to employment@scopely.com
For candidates in CA, CO, NJ, NY, and WA, the annual salary range is provided below. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for equity, bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare benefits, retirement benefits, pet insurance, paid holidays, paid Scopely free days, and unlimited paid time off. Base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
CA, CO, NJ, NY, and WA Annual Salary Range
$200,000-$260,000 USD
About Scopely
Scopely is a leading video game and global interactive entertainment company, home to many of the world's most beloved and enduring experiences, including two of the most successful mobile games of all-time "MONOPOLY GO!" and "Pokรฉmon GO," along with "Stumble Guys," "Star Trekโ„ข Fleet Command," "MARVEL Strike Force," "WWE Champions," the Scrabbleยฎ franchise, "Yahtzeeยฎ With Buddies," and many others. Across mobile, web, PC, and console, Scopely creates, develops, publishes, and live-operates one of the most diversified and award-winning portfolios in the games industry - bringing hundreds of millions of players together through a shared love of play.
Founded in 2011, Scopely is powered by its exceptional team - including thousands of world-class gamemakers around the globe, a distinctive tenet-driven culture, and its proprietary technology platform, Playgami. Together, these strengths have fueled Scopely's position as the #1 mobile games company in the U.S. and #2 globally, generating more than $10 billion in lifetime revenue. Whether building global sensations like "MONOPOLY GO!" from the ground up, or expanding through strategic acquisitions, including the FoxNext, GSN, and Scopely Explore games businesses - Scopely consistently delivers experiences players love today and return to for years to come.
Recognized multiple times as one of the "100 Most Influential Companies in the World" by TIME magazine and one of Fast Company's "World's Most Innovative Companies" and "Best Workplaces for Innovators," Scopely believes that video games can be a force for good - creating meaningful connections, vibrant communities, and making life better through play.
Scopely has global operations and partners across four continents in more than a dozen countries worldwide. For more information, visit: https://www.scopely.com/.
Notice to Candidates: Scopely will never request payment or financial information during the application or hiring process. Please apply only through our official website and verify that all Talent Partner communications come from an email address ending in @scopely.com.
Should you have any questions or encounter any fraudulent requests/emails/websites, please immediately contact recruiting@scopely.com. Our job applicant privacy policies are available here: California Privacy Notice and EEA/UK Privacy Notice.
Employment at Scopely is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications. Scopely does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.