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Gameplay Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Multiplayer Gameplay Programmer

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$80K - $175K/yr

Bethesda Game Studios strives to offer its employees a well-balanced home and work life by providing competitive salaries, a generous benefits program, and offices located in some of North America ...

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA ยท 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 ...

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site +1

$168K - $347K/yr

S.-based, AAA game development studio for Tencent Games. Lightspeed LA is focused on building open-world games that emphasize an ambitious living world, sophisticated player-driven gameplay, and ...

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site +1

$168K - $347K/yr

S.-based, AAA game development studio for Tencent Games. Lightspeed LA is focused on building open-world games that emphasize an ambitious living world, sophisticated player-driven gameplay, and ...

Sr. Gameplay Engineer (Temporary) Who We Are 2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K Games is ...

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 2

Redmond, WA ยท On-site

$50/hr

Gaming and Media - Gameplay Engineer 2 Location: Remote Duration: 13 months+ Pay Range: $50/HR (W2) Job ID: 373162 About BCforward BCforward is a leading global IT consulting and workforce solutions ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

OR ยท On-site

Are you on a mission to create games that bond players together into deeply invested communities? Do you spend your time thinking about how different game mechanics can come together to create ...

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Showing results 1-20

Gameplay information

See salary details

$27.5K

$56.7K

$60.5K

How much do gameplay jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay in the United States is $56,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $59,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 functional game mechanics and ensure the intended player experience. They also collaborate with artists to integrate assets, such as animations and effects, into the game engine, making sure everything runs smoothly and as envisioned. Regular meetings, prototyping sessions, and feedback loops are common, ensuring alignment across disciplines and allowing for quick iteration on features. This collaborative environment helps maintain a cohesive vision and addresses technical challenges early in development.

What careers are in gaming?

Careers in gaming include roles such as game designer, programmer, artist, quality assurance tester, and project manager. These positions often require skills in programming, graphic design, storytelling, and familiarity with game development tools like Unity or Unreal Engine.

What job pays you to play video games?

Jobs that pay you to play video games include professional gamer, game tester, streamer, and content creator. These roles often require strong gaming skills, knowledge of game mechanics, and sometimes certifications or equipment to succeed in competitive or entertainment environments.

What jobs can I get as a gamer?

As a gamer, you can pursue jobs such as professional esports player, game tester, game developer, streaming content creator, or community manager. These roles often require skills in gaming, communication, and sometimes technical knowledge of game design or broadcasting tools.

What are gameplay designers?

Gameplay designers are professionals in the video game industry who focus on creating and refining the rules, mechanics, and interactive elements that define how a game is played. They collaborate with other team members such as artists, programmers, and writers to ensure that the gameplay experience is engaging, balanced, and fun. Their responsibilities can include designing levels, prototyping new features, and playtesting to improve the game's flow and challenge. Ultimately, gameplay designers are essential in shaping the core experience that players enjoy.

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 strong programming skills (commonly in C++ or C#), a solid understanding of game design principles, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems, and debugging tools is essential. Creative problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that set top performers apart. These abilities ensure smooth collaboration with designers and artists, deliver engaging player experiences, and drive the technical excellence needed for high-quality games.

What is the difference between Gameplay vs Game Designer?

AspectGameplayGame Designer
Primary FocusDesigning and implementing game mechanics and player interactionsConceptualizing game concepts, storylines, and overall game structure
Required SkillsProgramming, scripting, understanding of game mechanicsCreativity, storytelling, level design, and game theory
Work EnvironmentGame development teams, often in programming or design rolesDesign teams, often collaborating with artists and developers
Common UsageFocuses on how players experience the gameFocuses on the overall game concept and design

Gameplay specialists focus on creating engaging player experiences through mechanics and interactions, while game designers develop the core concepts, storylines, and structure of the game. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities within the game development process.

What's the best job for a gamer?

A common job for gamers is becoming a professional eSports player or streamer, which involves competitive gaming or creating gaming content. Other related roles include game tester, game developer, or community manager, which require skills in communication, technical knowledge, and familiarity with gaming platforms. Success in these fields often depends on skill level, dedication, and industry knowledge.
More about Gameplay jobs
What cities are hiring for Gameplay jobs? Cities with the most Gameplay job openings:
What states have the most Gameplay jobs? States with the most job openings for Gameplay jobs include:
Infographic showing various Gameplay job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,723 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
Senior Gameplay Engineer, Missions

Senior Gameplay Engineer, Missions

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Team Name:
Unannounced Project
Job Title:
Senior Gameplay Engineer, Missions
Requisition ID:
R027632
Job Description:
Your Mission
At Blizzard, we craft genre-defining games and legendary worlds for all to share. Through unparalleled creativity and storytelling, we create immersive universes and iconic characters that are beloved across platforms, borders, and generations.
We are looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer, Missions to help craft a new, unannounced game for Blizzard. As a key member of the development team, you will be responsible for delivering gameplay systems that support high-quality mission experiences in collaboration with Design, Art, and Production. You are comfortable operating in a dynamic environment, navigating fluid deadlines and changing priorities with purpose.
This role is anticipated to be a hybrid work position, with some work on-site and some work from home. The potential home studio for this role is Irvine, CA.
Responsibilities
Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:
  • Design, implement, and maintain gameplay systems that support mission-based experiences.
  • Collaborate with designers, artists, and engineers to deliver engaging and responsive gameplay features.
  • Develop scalable systems that support mission scripting, logic, and player interactions.
  • Optimize gameplay systems for performance, reliability, and maintainability across platforms.
  • Identify technical risks and drive solutions to complex gameplay challenges.
  • Partner with cross-disciplinary teams to align on priorities, requirements, and delivery timelines.
  • Contribute to tools and workflows that improve iteration speed and development efficiency.
  • Mentor engineers and support knowledge sharing across the team.
  • Communicate technical direction, tradeoffs, and status updates to stakeholders and leadership.

Minimum Requirements
Experience
  • 8+ years of professional experience in game development with a focus on gameplay engineering.
  • Experience contributing to shipped titles with mission-based or gameplay system features.
  • Demonstrated experience collaborating across Design, Art, and Production in a cross-functional environment.
  • Experience developing gameplay systems in a AAA game engine.
  • Experience owning features or systems from concept through implementation and iteration.

Knowledge & Skills
  • Strong proficiency in C++ or other game programming languages.
  • Understanding of gameplay system architecture, mission scripting, and event-driven systems.
  • Experience optimizing gameplay systems for performance across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate complex technical challenges.
  • Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
  • Experience working with debugging, profiling, and development tools.

Key Attributes
  • A collaborative, team-oriented approach to game development.
  • A proactive mindset with strong ownership and accountability.
  • The ability to operate independently and drive solutions in ambiguous situations.
  • A passion for creating engaging gameplay experiences for players.

Extra Points
  • Experience building mission or quest systems in a large-scale game environment.
  • Familiarity with Blizzard-style gameplay polish and player experience expectations.
  • Experience contributing to live game updates or post-launch content.
  • Passion for Blizzard games and understanding of player expectations.

Your Platform
Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraftยฎ, Overwatchยฎ, Diabloยฎ, and StarCraftยฎ, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industry's most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years, with a track record that includes multiple Game of the Year awards. Blizzard Entertainment engages tens of millions of players around the world with titles available on PC via Battle.netยฎ, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.
Our World
Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Dutyยฎ, World of Warcraftยฎ, Overwatchยฎ, Diabloยฎ, Candy Crushโ„ข and Bubble Witchโ„ข. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet!
Our ability to build immersive and innovative worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered!
The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.
We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.
We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com. General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.
Rewards
We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:
  • Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
  • 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
  • Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
  • If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.
In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $102,800.00 - $190,204.00 Annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role's range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.

Blizzard Entertainment logo

About Blizzard Entertainment

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blizzard Entertainment is a globally recognized leader in the Digital Gaming industry, renowned for creating some of the world's most popular video games such as "World of Warcraft," "Overwatch," and "Diablo." The company was founded in 1991 and is currently based in Irvine, California, USA. Aside from creating engaging video games, Blizzard Entertainment also develops and supports a wide range of software products within the realm of entertainment. The company prides itself on its commitment to quality, an element that can be recognized in its vast array of legendary games. Notably, its creation, World of Warcraft, remains one of the highest-grossing video games of all time.

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

1991

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