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Games Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Intrepid Studios

Gameplay Programmer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$136K - $151K/yr

Company Description Founded in 2015, Intrepid Studios is the independent developer and publisher of ... Passion and enthusiasm for video games * One or more shipped AAA multi-player titles preferred

Intrepid Studios

Gameplay Programmer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$136K - $151K/yr

Company Description Founded in 2015, Intrepid Studios is the independent developer and publisher of ... Passion and enthusiasm for video games * One or more shipped AAA multi-player titles preferred

Motocol

Gameplay Engineer

Glendale, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Ideal candidate is also driven to make games. This position is part technical and part designing for the user. The Client is seeking a talented Gameplay Engineer (Designer Programmer) to join its ...

Lightspeed Studios

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Work with and lead a gameplay engineering team to craft development of innovative gameplay content systems and experiences * Work with design and production and engineering leadership to manage the ...

Epic Games

Animation Systems Programmer

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for an experienced Animation Systems Programmer for our ... Special Projects team. As a member of our team, you will play a critical role in driving future ...

Apple

Senior iOS Engineer, Apple Games

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$184K - $277K/yr

Join the Game Services UI team to help build the Apple Games app and the user-facing gaming features, frameworks, and developer integrations that sit alongside it. We have an exciting roadmap ...

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Games Programmer information

See California salary details

$11

$39

$67

How much do games programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for games programmer in California is $39.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.38 and $50.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Games Programmer vs Game Developer?

AspectGames ProgrammerGame Developer
Primary RoleFocuses on coding, implementing game mechanics, and optimizing performanceInvolves designing, developing, and managing overall game projects, including both programming and creative aspects
Required SkillsProgramming languages (C++, C#), graphics APIs, debuggingProgramming, design, project management, teamwork
Work EnvironmentTypically within a development team, often in tech or gaming companiesBroader environment including design, production, and sometimes marketing teams

While both roles require programming skills and are integral to game creation, Games Programmers primarily focus on coding and technical implementation, whereas Game Developers oversee the entire game development process, including design and project coordination.

What cities in California are hiring for Games Programmer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Games Programmer job openings:

Games Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Games Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 62% Physical, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,158 per year, or $39 per hour.

Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Spellbrush
Software Development • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Spellbrushexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 16 hours ago

Job description

The Unity Engineer Role:

We are looking for an experienced game engineer with strong C# and Unity skills. You will be working closely with a small, multidisciplinary team to build out our upcoming anime mobile tactics game.

Our game programmers are mostly generalists, so you can work on lots of different areas of the game. It’s important that you take pride in your work and know what it means to take responsibility and deliver quality and fun to players. You are comfortable taking a feature from a vague idea on a post-it to a fully working and polished implementation.

You may be a good fit if: You love Strategy RPGs

Our team draws tons of inspiration from titles like Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy Tactics, and X-Com. Our next title aims to bring the best of this genre onto the mobile screen.

And you also love the anime aesthetic

We're also huge anime fans if you haven't noticed.

You deeply understand Unity

We're looking for someone with 5+ years of programming experience and a high level of familiarity with Unity. A good candidate must have shipped at least one game with Unity (personal projects are great!) and have built up a sixth sense for what is the "happy path" in modern Unity development.

You're comfortable working on small, fast-paced teams

Working here will feel very much like a small indie studio: close-knit, with high ownership and flexibility.

You're excited about the potential of Generative AI

You'll also be working closely along some of the best AI researchers in the world. Part of working with our team may involve looking at our latest research results, and figuring out how to best apply it into the game. You will be at the literal cutting edge of what is possible with machine learning, art, and games.