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Gaming Developer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

De Circle

Animation Engineer - EmptyVessel

Austin, TX · On-site +1

Empty Vessel is an emerging game development studio focusing on immersive gaming experiences. With ... We are seeking 1-2 mid-level Animation Engineers with exceptional Unreal Engine 5 expertise to join ...

Marencor

Senior XR/Unity Developer

Austin, TX · On-site

Senior XR/Unity Developer Location: Austin TX || Onsite Interview: Virtual Senior XR/Unity ... Master's degree in computer science, Game Development, or a related field. * Experience with ...

Dell

Experience Strategy Lead - Gaming

Austin, TX · On-site

Our User Interface (UI) Engineering team leads the design and evaluation of technologies that make our innovative, game-changing products as easy to use as possible. We apply a user-centered ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$217K - $246K/yr

Skydance Games , a division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, is building the future of ... The Principal Engineer plays a critical role in driving innovation and ensuring that the ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · Remote

$217K - $246K/yr

Skydance Games , a division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, is building the future of ... The Principal Engineer plays a critical role in driving innovation and ensuring that the ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · Hybrid

$217K - $246K/yr

Skydance Games , a division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, is building the future of ... The Principal Engineer plays a critical role in driving innovation and ensuring that the ...

Dell, Inc.

Experience Strategy Lead - Gaming

Austin, TX · On-site

$171K - $235K/yr

Our User Interface (UI) Engineering team leads the design and evaluation of technologies that make our innovative, game-changing products as easy to use as possible. We apply a user-centered ...

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Gaming Developer information

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How much do gaming developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for gaming developer in Austin, TX is $17.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can a game developer do?

A game developer can work in roles such as gameplay programmer, graphics programmer, game designer, level designer, or technical artist. They often collaborate with artists, sound designers, and project managers, and may specialize in areas like mobile, console, or PC game development using tools like Unity or Unreal Engine.

What does a Gaming Developer do?

A Gaming Developer is responsible for designing, creating, and programming video games for computers, consoles, or mobile devices. They work on various aspects of game development including gameplay mechanics, graphics, artificial intelligence, and user interfaces. Gaming Developers collaborate with artists, designers, and other programmers to bring a game from concept to completion. Their work involves problem-solving, creativity, and technical expertise to ensure an engaging and smooth gaming experience.

Will Game Dev be replaced by AI?

Game developers create and design video games, and while AI tools can assist with tasks like procedural content generation and testing, they are unlikely to fully replace human developers due to the need for creativity, problem-solving, and understanding player experience. AI can enhance productivity but requires skilled developers to guide and implement these technologies effectively.

Is 23 too late to start game dev?

Gaming developers can start at any age, and many successful professionals begin their careers later in life. Building skills in programming, design, and using tools like Unity or Unreal Engine can be done at any age, and experience can be an asset in the industry.

What is the difference between Gaming Developer vs Game Designer?

AspectGaming DeveloperGame Designer
Primary RoleProgram and build the game, focusing on coding, mechanics, and technical implementationDesign game concepts, storylines, gameplay mechanics, and user experience
Required SkillsProgramming languages (C++, C#), software development, problem-solvingCreativity, storytelling, game mechanics design, user experience
Work EnvironmentTypically in a development team, collaborating with artists and designersOften in a creative team, working closely with developers and artists
Industry UsageCommonly employed in game studios, tech companies, and indie projectsFound in game studios, design firms, and freelance roles

While Gaming Developers focus on coding and technical implementation, Game Designers concentrate on creating the game's concept, mechanics, and user experience. Both roles are essential and often collaborate closely in game development projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Gaming Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gaming Developer, you need strong programming skills (such as C++, C#, or Java), a deep 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, as well as knowledge of version control systems and graphics tools, is essential. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork skills help developers innovate and collaborate on complex projects. These skills ensure the creation of engaging, high-quality games that perform well and provide excellent user experiences.

How much do gaming devs make?

Gaming developers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and company size, but the average annual salary in the industry ranges from $60,000 to $120,000. Entry-level developers typically earn less, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or working at major studios can earn higher salaries. Knowledge of programming languages like C++ and tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine can influence earning potential.

What are some common challenges Gaming Developers face when working on large-scale multiplayer games?

Gaming Developers working on large-scale multiplayer games often encounter challenges such as ensuring server stability, maintaining real-time synchronization across multiple players, and optimizing game performance to prevent lag. Collaboration with network engineers and QA testers is essential to identify and resolve issues quickly. Additionally, balancing gameplay and implementing effective anti-cheat measures are ongoing tasks that require coordination with designers and security specialists.
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Gaming Developer jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Gaming Developer job openings:
Gaming Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gaming Developer job openings in Austin, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,110 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Principal Software Developer - Full Stack (Unity, C#)

Zynga

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Zynga is a global leader in interactive entertainment, known for its diverse portfolio of games. They are seeking a Principal Software Developer to develop and maintain core client technology and engine-level systems for a new game targeting a casual audience, emphasizing engineering excellence and problem-solving skills.
Responsibilities:
• Define, architect, and develop core systems and client infrastructure in Unity and C#
• Diagnose and resolve complex, game-wide technical issues such as slow load times, low frame rates, memory pressure, and build/runtime stability
• Own the evaluation, upgrade, and maintenance of third-party libraries, SDKs, and engine dependencies
• Design and implement foundational architecture changes that enable future feature roadmaps for feature-focused engineers to build upon
• Produce technical design documentation and implementation plans for infrastructure and systemic initiatives
• Scope and cost work accurately from loosely defined requirements, presenting estimates with clear assumptions and identified risks
• Adapt plans and technical approaches when requirements or platform constraints change
• Review code, technical design documentation, and implementation plans for other team members
• Proactively profile, optimize, and refactor code to meet team performance and stability KPI goals
• Explore, develop, and integrate new technologies and tools that benefit the broader engineering team
• Work closely with other engineers to lead multi-week or month-long infrastructure and tooling efforts
• Give team and divisional tech talks on architectures that you’ve built
• Work to improve and evolve team process and engineering standards
• Help to mentor other engineers
Qualifications:
Required:
• B.Sc. in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent education / work experience
• 6+ Years game industry / mobile app experience as a software developer
• Shipped titles and/or live games experience, especially mobile (iOS / Android)
• Expert knowledge in C#
• 3+ Years Unity experience, including engine-level and low-level systems work
• A solid understanding of client/server architecture in modern mobile games
• Understanding, interest and knowledge of server-side architecture in mobile games
• Solid foundation in data structures, algorithms and software methodologies
• Demonstrated experience diagnosing and resolving performance issues such as load times, frame rate, and memory usage
• Experience upgrading, integrating, or maintaining third-party libraries, SDKs, or engine versions
• Experience with the AWS ecosystem, Kubernetes, and back end monitoring technologies such as Datadog
• Excellent communication skills and comfort working in a collaborative environment
• Excellent ability to foresee and proactively resolve blockers, technical risk, and points of failure
• Excellent ability to function in an asynchronous distributed work environment while still tuning in to key team meetings
• Experience with git
• Experience with performance profiling and optimization tools
Preferred:
• Experience with Unity engine source modification or custom engine forks
• Experience with build pipeline, CI/CD, or dev tooling for game teams
• Experience playing and working on games that target a casual audience
• Experience using Claude Code or a similar AI coding tool
Company:
Zynga is a mobile game developer that creates and operates social games as live services played on the Internet. It is a sub-organization of Take-Two Interactive Software. Founded in 2007, the company is headquartered in San Mateo, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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