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Gameplay Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gameplay Engineering Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company known for its award-winning games and engine technology. They are seeking a Lead Gameplay Programmer to drive core gameplay features and ...

Senior Gameplay Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

$94K - $101K/yr

Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating. Being Epic means being a part ...

Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating. Being Epic means being a part ...

Gameplay Engineering Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating. Being Epic means being a part ...

The Role We're hiring a Principal Gameplay Engineer to define and own the core interactions of the Tolan world and the moment-to-moment "juice" that makes the app feel alive. You'll obsess over the ...

$91K - $103K/yr

Scopely is looking for a top-performing Senior Gameplay Designer to join an exciting unannounced project in development in person at our Culver City hub, or remotely within the US or Canada! Join a ...

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 ...

Are you on a mission to create games that bond players together into deeply invested communities? Do you spend your time thinking about how to build combat puzzles for players that have potential to ...

Gameplay Ambassador

Dallas, TX · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Ready to work where every shift feels like game day? Batbox is reinventing the social sports experience - where high-energy baseball meets killer food, signature drinks, and unforgettable vibes.

Are you on a mission to create games that bond players together into deeply invested communities? Do you spend your time thinking about how to build combat puzzles for players that have potential to ...

As Principal Gameplay Engineer, you will work within AGBO's Interactive team, with your focus spanning our active game projects and overall portfolio. You are a seasoned, highly technical engineer ...

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Gameplay information

See salary details

$27.5K

$56.7K

$60.5K

How much do gameplay jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 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 Creative Gameplay Engineer, Apple Arcade

Senior Creative Gameplay Engineer, Apple Arcade

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 667 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Apple Arcade is redefining the future of games by offering players of all ages a growing collection of award-winning titles with no ads, no in-app purchases, and a commitment to quality, creativity, and fun. At the heart of this vision is Sneaky Sasquatch, one of Arcade's most beloved originals.
To help define the future for this celebrated game, Apple is building a team to expand the creative boundaries of Sneaky Sasquatch, to imagine and build entirely new adventures, while introducing the magic of shared, connected gameplay.
This is an opportunity to join a focused, creatively-driven team to develop new content and features that will deliver magical experiences to millions of players. You will work directly alongside the original creators, shaping the future of a renowned IP and helping to establish a culture of creative and technical excellence from the ground up.
Description
As a Senior Creative Gameplay Engineer, you will contribute creative vision and technical expertise to the Sneaky Sasquatch team, creating innovative new gameplay experiences for millions of players around the world. You will:
- Drive the creative vision for new gameplay by designing, prototyping, and shipping innovative and expressive core mechanics and systems.
- Own major gameplay features from initial concept and paper design, through rapid iteration and playtesting, to final polished implementation in Unity.
- Champion new ideas for player activities, character abilities, and emergent systems that deepen the humor, charm, and heart of the Sneaky Sasquatch universe.
- Architect robust, scalable, and designer-friendly gameplay frameworks that empower the team to build new content and experiences efficiently.
- Help define and maintain the high creative and technical bar for Apple's internal game development, acting as a key stakeholder in game feel and player experience.
- Communicate clearly and effectively across teams to ensure alignment and momentum.
- Be a part of a uniquely small and focused internal team at Apple, where general programming skills are deeply valued with a focus on creative gameplay implementation.
- Work alongside the creators of Sneaky Sasquatch to define what it means for Apple to make games. This role offers the chance to create playful, emotionally resonant, and connected experiences for millions of players around the world.
Minimum Qualifications
10+ years of experience in game development, with a portfolio demonstrating exceptional creative and technical ownership on multiple shipped titles. This includes deep expertise in Unity and C#, with proven mastery of building complex gameplay systems from the ground up.
Preferred Qualifications
A proven ability to "find the fun" through rapid prototyping and iteration. Your portfolio should show us how you've turned a rough idea into a polished, delightful experience.
A deep understanding of gameplay systems design. You think in terms of scalable frameworks, not just one-off features.
A highly self-directed and resourceful attitude, comfortable navigating the ambiguity of the creative process.
Excellent communication skills and a passion for collaborative, team-oriented problem-solving.
Experience in a "technical design" or similar hybrid role where you were responsible for both the design and implementation of core gameplay.
Experience shipping on Apple platforms (iOS, tvOS, macOS, visionOS).
Deep familiarity with a wide range of game genres, with strong, well-reasoned opinions on game feel, pacing, and player motivation.
A genuine love for Sneaky Sasquatch and a passion for creating heartfelt, player-centered experiences.

What Apple employees say

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Apple logo

About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976