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Lead Game Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amazon

Principal Game Designer, RBKS AI

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

Key job responsibilities - Lead the definition, design, and delivery of innovative AI-powered ... engineering teams to integrate player-facing AI features - personalization, adaptive content, and ...

Roblox

Software Engineering Manager, Engine UI

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$118K - $158K/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 ...

Zynga

Principal Software Developer

Austin, TX · On-site

The Principal Software Developer will play a key role in financial analysis and data visualization ... games. Responsibilities : • Lead financial analysis activities with regards to internal cost ...

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How much do lead game developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 9, 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 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.

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.
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Lead Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Game Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,813 per year, or $64.3 per hour.
Lead Gameplay Engineer

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Striking Distance Studios

San Ramon, CA • On-site

$150K - $206K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Welcome to Striking Distance Studios!
Driven by people. Inspired by challenges. Relentless to deliver creative excellence.
At the intersection of art, design and technology lies Striking Distance Studios. We are a AAA development studio within the San Ramon Hills of the San Francisco Bay Area. With the release of our first title, The Callisto Protocol, we are excited to continue to grow our team.
 
Here at Striking Distance Studios it is amazing people, an immersive experience and a passion for excellence that drives us each day. We are looking for people who push themselves creatively and learn with every new challenge. We give you the setting and the opportunity to do work you are proud of. We're looking for the best to come join us and become part of a world-class team.

To us excellence is not a skill, but an attitude!

THE OPPORTUNITY

Striking Distance Studios is looking for a Lead Gameplay Engineer to work in a cooperative, cross-disciplinary team environment to help the team implement a wide variety of features and systems. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead a team of Gameplay Engineers to create best in class Game Modes.
  • Lead the overall planning, development, and execution of the game, engine and architecture.
  • Establish tech projects, initiatives, and processes in conformance with the studio's goals and objectives.
  • Take new products and features from the design phase to release.
  • Work across disciplines to build, refactor and maintain a variety of robust, flexible, and well-architected gameplay features, including controls, abilities, AI, and RPG systems.
  • Prototype and implement different game modes.
  • Work with design team on different features like 3Cs, combat systems, inventory, etc. to get the best player experience.
  • Implement metagame features, including save systems, game settings, etc.
  • Work with UI engineers to integrate HUD elements with gameplay features in the best way.
  • Review the work of other engineers and provide mentorship on your area of knowledge.
  • Create and maintain technical design documents.
  • Delve into code written by other engineers and take ownership of existing systems as needed.
  • Keep current on technological developments and advancements.
  • Research and develop coding techniques and algorithms.
  • Collaborate with technology director on technical design and feature roll out.
  • Write clear, maintainable, portable, and highly performant code.
  • Communicate accurate status updates to your team leads, producers, and QA regarding tasks/features you are responsible for.
  • Adhere to team coding standards and best practices.
  • Foster a culture of open, honest, and respectful communication across all disciplines.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, or equivalent.
  • At least 7 years of games industry experience and preferably 3 years or more in a similar role.
  • Advanced leadership skills, including high empathy, strategic thinking, positivity, organization, responsibility and conflict resolution skills.
  • At least 1 year of experience with Unreal Engine.
  • Experience shipping games on current generation consoles (PS5 or XSX) and PC.
  • Expert ability to be self-directed, focused and detail oriented.
  • Expert C++ skills.
  • 3D math skills.
  • Expert verbal and written communications skills.
  • A demonstrable love / passion for playing and making video games.
  • A highly communicative and collaborative disposition.

Reasonable Accommodation

KRAFTON Americas is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the Company will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to apply for an open position, perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the HR Talent team at KRAFTON Americas, to begin the interactive process.

EEOC statement

KRAFTON Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.

In California, the expected salary range for this position is $150,000-$206,000. The listed expected salary range represents a good faith estimate and the actual pay may depend on a variety of job-related factors that can include experience, education, skills, and location.

Don't meet every single requirement? 

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply at jobs unless they meet every single qualification.  At Krafton we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.  You might just be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Due to recent scams, our recruiters will only reach out to you via @sds.com, @krafton.com, @unknownworlds.com or @pubg.com. If you received an email and are unsure you can always email recruiting_ka@krafton.com. 

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