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Gaming Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

Game Development Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Linux development experience * Experience developing on console platforms. * Shipped at least one AAA game title in a similar role. * Be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance ...

Anduril Industries

Game Development Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Linux development experience * Experience developing on console platforms. * Shipped at least one AAA game title in a similar role. * Be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance ...

Anduril Industries

Game Development Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Linux development experience * Experience developing on console platforms. * Shipped at least one AAA game title in a similar role. * Be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance ...

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Design hand-keyed animation with a highly intuitive and developed understanding of body mechanics ... Prototype gameplay by blocking animation quickly; when ideas are proven, polish animations to a ...

Tencent

Business Development Manager

Palo Alto, CA · On-site +1

$95K - $223K/yr

Tencent Games has developed and operated over 140 games. We provide cross-platform interactive entertainment experience for more than 800 million users in over 200 countries and regions around the ...

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All JobsGaming Development JobsGaming Development Jobs in California

Gaming Development information

See California salary details

$18.3K

$88.7K

$154K

How much do gaming development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for gaming development in California is $88,665.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,400.00 and $129,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs go into game development?

Game development involves various roles such as game designers, programmers, artists, animators, sound designers, and quality assurance testers. These professionals collaborate using tools like game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) and often require skills in coding, graphic design, and storytelling to create interactive entertainment. The industry typically values teamwork, creativity, and technical proficiency.

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

To thrive as a Game Developer, you need strong programming skills (such as C++, C#, or Java), knowledge of game design principles, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, 3D modeling tools, and version control systems is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities enable developers to build engaging, high-quality games and collaborate efficiently within interdisciplinary teams.

How much do gaming devs make?

Game developers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and skill set, but the average annual salary in the industry ranges from $50,000 to $120,000. Entry-level developers typically earn less, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or working on popular titles can earn higher wages, often supplemented by bonuses and benefits.

Is 23 too late to start game dev?

Gaming development is accessible at any age, and many successful developers start in their twenties or later. Building skills in programming, design, and using tools like Unity or Unreal Engine can be done through online courses and self-study, making age less of a barrier to entering the field.

What jobs can you get with game development?

With game development skills, you can pursue roles such as game designer, programmer, artist, animator, quality assurance tester, and project manager. These positions often require knowledge of programming languages, game engines like Unity or Unreal, and a strong understanding of the game creation process.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in gaming development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in gaming development often encounter challenges such as tight production deadlines, frequent changes in project scope, and the need for effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. To address these, clear communication, agile development methodologies, and regular playtesting are essential. Additionally, fostering a culture of feedback and adaptability can help teams quickly respond to issues and maintain project momentum, ensuring both creativity and efficiency throughout the development cycle.

What is the difference between Gaming Development vs Game Design?

AspectGaming DevelopmentGame Design
Primary FocusProgramming, coding, and technical implementation of gamesConcept creation, story, gameplay mechanics, and user experience
Required SkillsProgramming languages (C++, C#), software development, problem-solvingCreativity, storytelling, level design, user interface design
Work EnvironmentDevelopment studios, collaborative coding teamsDesign studios, creative teams, often overlapping with development
Common CertificationsComputer Science, Software Engineering, Programming certificationsGame Design degrees, Creative arts certifications

Gaming Development focuses on the technical side, including coding and software engineering to build playable games. Game Design emphasizes creating engaging gameplay, storylines, and user experiences. Both roles often collaborate but serve different core functions within the game creation process.

What is gaming development?

Gaming development refers to the process of designing, creating, and producing video games for various platforms such as PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. It involves multiple stages including concept creation, storyboarding, programming, graphic and audio design, testing, and deployment. Gaming development often requires a team of professionals with skills in programming, art, music, and project management. The field is dynamic and constantly evolving with new technologies and tools. Successful game development combines creativity, technical knowledge, and user experience considerations.
What cities in California are hiring for Gaming Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Gaming Development job openings:
Gaming Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gaming Development job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,665 per year, or $42.6 per hour.
Unreal Engineer, Gaming

Unreal Engineer, Gaming

Hired Recruiters

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION
You are a game-development professional, eager to be a key contributor on a dynamic, happy team.
We are using Unreal Engine 4. The ideal candidate has great C++ skills in a game development environment, along with Unreal development prowess. But, don't count yourself out if your Unreal development skills are actually more novice than expert, but you are otherwise a true game-dev pro.
Responsibilities
  • Work with Product to build and maintain the best sports training platform on the market
  • Work closely with Design, from specification through production

Requirements
  • Some experience with Unreal Engine 4, even if not part of a commercial product
  • 3+ years professional development experience in the games industry
  • Fluency in C++
  • Fantastic debugging skills
  • Understanding of data structures, algorithms, complexity, and system design
  • Basic game math fundamentals (vectors, matrices, physics, projections, camera space, tangent space, object space)
  • Basic understanding of software design patterns
  • Working knowledge of source control, including best practices (branching/streams)
  • A practice of code instrumentation, tools, and development KPIs
  • Bachelors in CS, or equivalent experience

Bonus Qualifications
  • Understanding of concurrent programming
  • Basic relational database abilities (SQL, Postgres or AWS RDS)
  • Experience with Git and JIRA/Confluence
  • Experience with build systems, continuous integration and deployment
  • A background working with asset management systems, asset bundles, and in particular downloadable content (DLC)

JOB REQUIRED SKILLS:
C++, Unreal, AWS, SQL
Must Have
  • 3+ years of gaming engine development
  • BS CS or equivalent experience (addiitional 3yrs)
  • Some experience with Unreal Engine 4
  • Fluency in C++
  • Basic game math skills (vectors, matrices, physics, projections, camera space, tangent space, object space)

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