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Lead Game Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LightSpeed Studios

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$147.80K - $343.60K/yr

S.-based, AAA game development studio for Tencent Games. Lightspeed LA is focused on building open ... Work with and lead a gameplay engineering team to craft development of innovative gameplay content ...

Epic Games

Character Animation Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

Lead the creation and implementation of high-quality, gameplay-driven animation in Unreal Engine ... Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to ...

teamLFG

Staff Gameplay Designer

OR · On-site +1

Lead a cross-discipline small team to build new playable characters or the core systems that enable ... Strong technical scripting skills and deep understanding of how game systems are engineered to ...

Roblox

Software Engineering Manager, Engine UI

San Mateo, CA

$118.50K - $158.30K/yr

Lead the development on our C++ engine code that powers the foundational UI features in the world ... Work closely with our game developer community to help achieve their creative vision * Have fun ...

Magpie Literacy

Senior Unity Developer

You'll wear many hats, work across boundaries, and lead two games from inception through alpha ... You'll work cross-functionally with Product, Learning Design, and Engineering to turn learning ...

Stone Kite

Engineering Lead

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$165K - $225K/yr

Engineering Lead Stone Kite is a world building studio that thoughtfully develops heroic universes ... Built by veterans from game and entertainment studios such as Marvel, Disney, Pixar, Bungie, and ...

Stone Kite

Engineering Lead

Seattle, WA · On-site

$165K - $225K/yr

Engineering Lead Stone Kite is a world building studio that thoughtfully develops heroic universes ... Built by veterans from game and entertainment studios such as Marvel, Disney, Pixar, Bungie, and ...

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How much do lead game developer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead game developer in the United States is $64.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56.73 and $74.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lead Game Developer, you need advanced programming skills, deep knowledge of game design principles, and experience managing development teams, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, source control systems, and possibly certifications in project management are highly valuable. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure cohesive team collaboration, efficient project delivery, and the creation of high-quality, engaging games.

How does a Lead Game Developer typically collaborate with other departments during a project's lifecycle?

A Lead Game Developer works closely with artists, designers, producers, and quality assurance teams to ensure that the game's vision is executed consistently across all departments. They often facilitate regular meetings to align technical goals with creative direction, resolve cross-functional challenges, and communicate project updates. Effective collaboration involves balancing technical feasibility with creative ideas, making compromises when needed, and ensuring that the team stays on schedule. This role requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to translate between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What are Lead Game Developers?

Lead Game Developers are experienced professionals who oversee the development of video games, managing both the technical and creative aspects of projects. They coordinate teams of programmers, artists, designers, and other developers to ensure that the game is completed on time and meets quality standards. Their responsibilities often include project planning, task delegation, problem-solving, and serving as the primary point of contact between team members and upper management. Lead Game Developers need strong leadership, communication, and technical skills to guide their teams through complex development cycles.
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Lead Game Developer jobs near you

Lead Gameplay Engineer

LightSpeed Studios

Irvine, CA • On-site, Remote

$147.80K - $343.60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

About the Hiring TeamWelcome to Lightspeed LA, the first U.S.-based, AAA game development studio for Tencent Games. Lightspeed LA is focused on building open-world games that emphasize an ambitious living world, sophisticated player-driven gameplay, and mature, thoughtful storytelling. We are developing the first in a series of genre-defining titles.
Why join Lightspeed LA?
For us, it's not only about the exciting, new AAA open world game we're developing but also about team values and studio culture. We foster an open and transparent environment where everyone feels comfortable providing constructive feedback about all aspects of our games.
We encourage the showing of work that's still in progress.
We don't attack or question unfinished work, we celebrate its promise.
We have a No Blame Culture where we blame the problem, not the person.
This is a safe place to fail, and we don't view failure as a negative, but as the natural result of pushing boundaries and trying new things. We create together. We face Challenges Together. We succeed together.What the Role EntailsLightSpeed LA is seeking for a talented and enthusiastic Lead Gameplay Engineer to join our new studio in sunny Irvine California. The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for games and solving ambitious technical and creative problems. Join us and help build a team and culture of mutual respect and passion that pushes boundaries while having lots of fun!
  • 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 gameplay schedule and backlog
  • Implement, debug and optimize gameplay systems in C/C++ and other languages
  • Author lean, high-performance, maintainable code
  • Cultivate strong cross-disciplinary working relationships based on honesty and transparency among various departments within the studio
Leadership and Management:
  • Provide technical leadership across multiple gameplay systems and features
  • Mentor, develop, and learn from engineering colleagues
  • Be a leadership resource for engineers across the entire gameplay team
  • Help build and maintain an open and energetic team culture
  • Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with team members to provide guidance, feedback, and support their professional development
  • Participate in the recruitment and onboarding of new team members, ensuring a diverse and skilled team that aligns with project requirements
  • Facilitate team-building activities to promote a positive and collaborative working environment
Who We Look For
  • Experience working in Unreal Engine
  • Passion and enthusiasm for creating fun and engaging gameplay through iteration and innovation
  • Experience bringing multiple large-scale game titles to completion on PC and consoles
  • 7+ years of professional game programming experience
  • Experience managing direct reports
  • Experience performing in a senior or principal software engineering role or equivalent
  • Ability to collaborate with other engineers, designers, artists and other game developers
  • Ability to work well in a fluid, changing environment as creative challenges evolve
  • Deep knowledge of gameplay systems involving AI, animation, physics, and character-related systems from engine to game
  • Expert in C++, debugging, and 3D mathematics
  • Enjoy working closely with creative and technical team members
  • Value lean, simple, efficient, well-tested code
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred:
  • Experience with game console hardware
  • Understanding of game asset pipelines
Why Join Us?Perks and Benefits:
Just some of the benefits of working with us here at our newly built studio in Irvine, CA.
Free daily lunch
Beverages, fresh fruit, and snacks
401k with employer match
Monthly Cell phone bill reimbursement
Financial wellness sessions
Flexible spending account
Team building and company outings
Parental leave for new parents
Company paid health insurance
Life and disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Wellness training
Travel insurance
Preventive care
If the above sounds like you, or if you'd like to know more about the role, we'd love to hear from you to see if we might be a good fit for each other! Contact us for more information about this exciting opportunity.

Location State(s)

US-California-IrvineThe expected base pay range for this position in the location(s) listed above is $147,800.00 to $343,600.00 per year. Actual pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Employees hired for this position may be eligible for a sign on payment, relocation package, and restricted stock units, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Subject to the terms and conditions of the plans in effect, hired applicants are also eligible for medical, dental, vision, life and disability benefits, and participation in the Company's 401(k) plan. The Employee is also eligible for up to 15 to 25 days of vacation per year (depending on the employee's tenure), up to 13 days of holidays throughout the calendar year, and up to 10 days of paid sick leave per year. Your benefits may be adjusted to reflect your location, employment status, duration of employment with the company, and position level. Benefits may also be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.Equal Employment Opportunity at Tencent

As an equal opportunity employer, we firmly believe that diverse voices fuel our innovation and allow us to better serve our users and the community. We foster an environment where every employee of Tencent feels supported and inspired to achieve individual and common goals.

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