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Gaming Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weekday AI

2D Game Developer -Defold

Remote Become a part of our customer's forward-thinking team as a 2D Game Developer focused on ... mobile and web gaming experiences, we would love to connect with you. Requirements Key ...

AGBO

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

They are seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer who will collaborate with designers and the engineering team to enhance gameplay systems, ensuring a satisfying and immersive player experience.

Tencent

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$147K - $343K/yr

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 ...

ZeniMax Media

Multiplayer Gameplay Programmer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$80K - $175K/yr

Work closely with designers, artists, and other programmers to iterate on gameplay features and ensure a great player experience * Develop and own full aspects of the game experience * Collaborate ...

LightSpeed Studios

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$147K - $343K/yr

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 ...

AGBO

Principal Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

They are seeking a Principal Gameplay Engineer to work within their Interactive team, focusing on core gameplay systems and collaborating with design and creative leadership to tackle ambitious ...

Qualitest Group

Game Engine Developer

Santa Clara, CA

$110K - $130K/yr

Role - Game Engine Developer Location - Redmond, WA (on-site) We're looking for a game engine developer to drive engine integration work with a focus on Unreal Engine. You'll work across the stack ...

Spin Master

Game Developer

New York, NY · On-site

$38 - $40/hr

... gaming company? At Spin Master, our unwavering commitment to open mindedness, integrity and ... As the Game Developer for Hellbreak TCG, you will analyze card designs and manage our external ...

Spellbrush

Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

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 ...

Spellbrush

Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

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 ...

Holospark

Gameplay Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

Holospark is looking for an experienced Gameplay Engineer to join and help us create and impliment exciting and compelling gameplay for our games. The Role * Own the design, development, and ...

Weekday AI

Game Developer - Java libGDX

$52.25 - $67.50/hr

Remote Become a part of our client's energetic team as a Java Game Developer (libGDX), where you will create captivating 2D and 3D cross-platform games. Utilizing Java and the open-source libGDX ...

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All JobsGaming Developer Jobs

Gaming Developer information

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$15

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$24

How much do gaming developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for gaming developer in the United States is $18.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $17.31 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, storytelling, and complex problem-solving. AI can enhance productivity but does not currently substitute the creative and technical skills required in game development.

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. Entry-level positions typically start around $50,000 annually, while experienced developers can earn over $100,000 or more, especially with skills in programming languages like C++ and knowledge of game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine.

How do I get a job as a game developer?

To become a game developer, you typically need a strong foundation in programming languages such as C++ or C#, experience with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, and a portfolio of completed projects. A relevant degree in computer science, game design, or a related field can be beneficial, along with skills in problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork. Internships and networking within the industry can also improve job prospects.

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.
More about Gaming Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Gaming Developer jobs? Cities with the most Gaming Developer job openings:
What states have the most Gaming Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Gaming Developer jobs include:
Gaming Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gaming Developer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 55% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 44% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,439 per year, or $18 per hour.

2D Game Developer -Defold

Weekday AI

Remote

Contractor

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

This role is for one of our clients
$50 - $120/hourpay
Job Type: Contract
Location: Remote
Become a part of our customer's forward-thinking team as a 2D Game Developer focused on Defold. In this position, you will design lightweight, high-performance 2D games utilizing Lua scripting and a component-based workflow. If you excel in dynamic, fast-moving settings and have a passion for delivering smooth mobile and web gaming experiences, we would love to connect with you.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
  1. Create, develop, and launch 2D games using the Defold engine, prioritizing optimal performance and minimal build sizes.
  2. Develop sturdy gameplay mechanics and systems through Lua scripting within a modular framework.
  3. Work closely with designers and artists to rapidly prototype games and enhance the user experience.
  4. Ensure games run smoothly by optimizing performance across various mobile and web platforms.
  5. Write efficient, well-documented code following industry best practices in game development.
  6. Identify, profile, and fix performance issues to guarantee stable game releases.
  7. Offer innovative solutions to technical problems and contribute ideas for gameplay and UI improvements.

Required Skills and Qualifications
  1. Demonstrated experience in developing and releasing 2D games with the Defold engine.
  2. Proficient in Lua scripting and knowledgeable about component-based game architecture.
  3. Proven ability to create lightweight, performance-optimized builds suitable for mobile and web platforms.
  4. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with a collaborative and proactive mindset.
  5. Ability to quickly iterate and deliver results within an agile development environment.
  6. Good understanding of deployment workflows across multiple platforms.
  7. Keen eye for detail and enthusiasm for crafting engaging user experiences.

Preferred Qualifications
  1. Experience with cross-platform deployment and performance tuning.
  2. Knowledge of continuous integration and automated testing methodologies for games.
  3. A strong portfolio featuring released 2D games or prototypes.

Apply