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Lead Gameplay Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Striking Distance Studios

Lead Gameplay Engineer

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$112K - $147K/yr

They are seeking a Lead Gameplay Engineer to guide a team in implementing various gameplay features and systems, ensuring high-quality game development. Responsibilities : • Lead a team of Gameplay ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

Bonfire is a group of experienced and ambitious developers, proud to be creating our first original ... As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA

Bonfire is a group of experienced and ambitious developers, proud to be creating our first original ... As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation ...

Echtra Games

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... take the lead on building and polishing it. Qualifications : Required : • You're comfortable ... Echtra Games is a game studio comprised of seasoned developers who helped and shaped the world of ...

Echtra Games

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... take the lead on building and polishing it. Qualifications : Required : • You're comfortable ... Echtra Games is a game studio comprised of seasoned developers who helped and shaped the world of ...

Echtra Games

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... take the lead on building and polishing it. Qualifications : Required : • You're comfortable ... Echtra Games is a game studio comprised of seasoned developers who helped and shaped the world of ...

Skydance Media

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150 - $180/hr

Lead the design, architecture, and implementation of core gameplay AI systems * Drive technical ... Help establish engineering standards and improve team-wide AI development workflows Requirements ...

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Spellbrush

3D Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Think MiSide with LLMs, but truly integrated with gameplay, not just a RP chatbot. About Us Here at ... You'll join our lead Unity dev, who has spent the past 5 years building interactive anime avatars ...

Absurd Ventures

Lead Game UX/UI Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

As the Lead Game UI/UX Designer, you will be responsible for creating intuitive and visually ... Collaborate with game designers, artists, and engineers to ensure UI/UX meets project requirements.

Absurd Ventures

Lead Game UX/UI Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

As the Lead Game UI/UX Designer, you will be responsible for creating intuitive and visually ... Collaborate with game designers, artists, and engineers to ensure UI/UX meets project requirements.

Lightspeed Studios

Lead Graphics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$150 - $275.50/hr

LightSpeed LA is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Lead Graphics Engineer to join our new studio ... The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for games and enabling content creators to deliver ...

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Lead Gameplay Programmer information

What does a lead gameplay programmer do?

A Lead Gameplay Programmer is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of gameplay features in a video game. They work closely with designers and other programmers to ensure that game mechanics are fun, functional, and meet the project's vision. In addition to writing code, they often lead a team of gameplay programmers, providing guidance, setting technical standards, and reviewing code. Their role is crucial in bridging the gap between creative ideas and technical execution, ensuring a smooth and engaging player experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead gameplay programmer?

To thrive as a Lead Gameplay Programmer, you need advanced proficiency in programming languages (such as C++ or C#), a solid understanding of game design principles, and experience with game development frameworks, typically supported by a computer science degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with industry-standard game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, version control systems, and debugging tools is essential, and certifications in these tools are advantageous. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you effectively guide a team and collaborate with designers, artists, and other engineers. These competencies enable the delivery of high-quality, engaging gameplay experiences while ensuring technical excellence and team cohesion.

How does a lead gameplay programmer collaborate with designers and artists during game development?

A Lead Gameplay Programmer works closely with designers and artists to translate creative concepts into functional gameplay features. This often involves regular meetings to discuss design intentions, technical feasibility, and implementation plans. The Lead ensures that the programming team builds systems that align with the artistic vision and gameplay goals, often serving as a bridge between creative and technical departments. Effective communication and problem-solving are key, as the Lead must balance design desires with performance and production constraints.

What is the difference between Lead Gameplay Programmer vs Gameplay Programmer?

AspectLead Gameplay ProgrammerGameplay Programmer
ResponsibilitiesOversees gameplay development, mentors team, designs core systemsDevelops gameplay features, implements mechanics, collaborates with designers
Required SkillsAdvanced programming, leadership, system designStrong coding skills, gameplay scripting, collaboration
ExperienceTypically 5+ years, leadership experience2-4 years, focused on gameplay coding
Work EnvironmentTeam leadership, project planningHands-on coding, feature implementation

The main difference between a Lead Gameplay Programmer and a Gameplay Programmer lies in scope and responsibility. The Lead oversees the entire gameplay development process, mentors team members, and makes high-level design decisions. In contrast, the Gameplay Programmer focuses on implementing specific gameplay features and mechanics under guidance. Both roles require strong programming skills, but the Lead also needs leadership and system design expertise.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Gameplay Programmer jobs in California?

For Lead Gameplay Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Gameplay Programmer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Gameplay Programmer jobs in California are:

Lead Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Gameplay Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Striking Distance Studios

San Ramon, CA • On-site

$112K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Striking Distance Studios is a AAA development studio located in San Ramon, CA, known for its creative excellence. They are seeking a Lead Gameplay Engineer to guide a team in implementing various gameplay features and systems, ensuring high-quality game development.
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:
Required:
• 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.
Company:
Striking Distance Studios specializes in the development of video and computer games. It is a sub-organization of Krafton. Founded in 2019, the company is headquartered in San Ramon, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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