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Mobile Game Developer Jobs in Novato, CA (NOW HIRING)

Narrative Designer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$55K - $78K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the hunt for innovators who consider themselves dynamic, collaborative and thrive in a fast-paced ...

Narrative Designer

San Francisco, CA

$55K - $78K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the hunt for innovators who consider themselves dynamic, collaborative and thrive in a fast-paced ...

Game Designer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$182K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Partner daily with Product Designers, Motion Designers, Engineers, Artists, and Data Scientists to ... Experience designing for mobile-first experiences. * Passion for YouTube creators, MrBeast, and ...

UI/UX Designer

San Francisco, CA

$75K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the hunt for innovators who consider themselves dynamic, collaborative and thrive in a fast-paced ...

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the hunt for innovators who consider themselves dynamic, collaborative and thrive in a fast-paced ...

UI/UX Designer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the hunt for innovators who consider themselves dynamic, collaborative and thrive in a fast-paced ...

Senior Software Engineer, Webshops

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$146K - $219K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

More than 70% of the top 1,000 mobile games are already built with Unity, and the IAP SDK already ... or developer-facing platforms. Additional information * Relocation support is not available for ...

Principal Engineer, Unity Rewards

San Francisco, CA

$179K - $269K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Mobile App Developer to architect and lead the development of a standalone B2C mobile application. This app will serve as a premier destination for players to discover new games, track their playtime ...

React Native Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

We're hiring a Mobile Engineer, React Native, full-time in San Francisco, CA with a hybrid schedule of two days onsite to join a growing consumer edtech company building game-based learning apps for ...

Showing results 21-40

Mobile Game Developer information

See Novato, CA salary details

$38.2K

$127.4K

$211.3K

How much do mobile game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for mobile game developer in Novato, CA is $127,352.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $145,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mobile game developer do?

A Mobile Game Developer is responsible for designing, building, testing, and maintaining games for mobile platforms such as iOS and Android. They use programming languages like C#, Java, or Swift along with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. In addition to coding, they often collaborate with artists, designers, and other team members to create engaging and interactive gaming experiences. Their work also includes optimizing games for performance on various devices and implementing features like in-app purchases or social integration.

What does a mobile game developer do?

As a mobile game developer, your job is to help program a game app for people to use on a phone, tablet, or another mobile game player. In this role, you may help set up the intended user experience, coordinate with content providers, and test the software to ensure that all aspects function as intended. Many of the duties and responsibilities of this job depend on the employer. For example, some mobile game developers perform almost all tasks, while others focus on specific parts of the software in order to help maximize content delivery speeds. Many people in this industry work out of offices, but it is possible to work as a remote mobile game developer, especially if you have a high-speed internet connection that can support large game file transfers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mobile game developer?

To thrive as a Mobile Game Developer, you need strong programming skills (often in languages like C#, C++, or Java), a solid grasp of game design principles, and experience with mobile platforms, typically supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, and knowledge of version control systems like Git, are standard technical requirements. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that help deliver engaging user experiences and overcome development challenges. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality, innovative games that perform well in a competitive and rapidly evolving market.

What are some common challenges mobile game developers face when optimizing games for different devices?

Mobile Game Developers often encounter challenges in ensuring their games run smoothly across a wide variety of devices with different screen sizes, operating systems, and hardware capabilities. Balancing high-quality graphics with performance, especially on lower-end devices, requires careful optimization and thorough testing. Developers also need to stay updated with frequent OS updates and new device releases, which can affect game compatibility and user experience. Collaboration with designers and QA testers is crucial to address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Mobile Game Developer vs Game Programmer?

AspectMobile Game DeveloperGame Programmer
Required SkillsMobile app development, Unity/Unreal, C# or C++Game engine programming, C++, scripting, graphics programming
Work EnvironmentMobile game studios, independent developers, tech companiesGame studios, software development firms, entertainment industry
CertificationsProgramming certifications, game development coursesComputer science degrees, programming certifications
Industry UsageDesigning and developing mobile games for iOS/AndroidDeveloping core game systems and engine features

Mobile Game Developers focus on creating games specifically for mobile platforms, emphasizing mobile UI/UX and platform-specific features. Game Programmers work on the underlying game engine and core systems, often across multiple platforms. While both roles require programming skills and industry experience, Mobile Game Developers specialize in mobile app development, whereas Game Programmers have a broader scope in game engine development and performance optimization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Novato, CA?

The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Novato, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Mobile Game Developer jobs in Novato, CA?

For Mobile Game Developer jobs in Novato, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Novato, CA are hiring for Mobile Game Developer jobs?

Cities near Novato, CA with the most Mobile Game Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Mobile Game Developer job openings in Novato, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,352 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Narrative Designer

Jam City

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$55K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the hunt for innovators who consider themselves dynamic, collaborative and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
PERKS & BENEFITS
Unlimited Vacation, Paid Sick Days, Kin Care & Holidays*
100% Covered Medical and Company-Sponsored Dental & Vision (Plans Vary)*
Life Insurance, 401k, Flexible Spending Accounts, & More*
Wellness Activities & Programs
12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave*
Happy Hours
Company Events
*Only applies to full-time positions.
We are looking for an experienced Narrative Designer to bring their expert writing and game design skills to our hit mobile game Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery. You'll have the opportunity to collaborate with top industry talent and take ownership in the narrative process from initial concept to final product. If you're a storytelling specialist looking for a role that offers fun creative challenges, we want to hear from you.
Qualified applicants will be asked to complete a Harry Potter Narrative Design/Writing test.
*Please note this role sits in our San Francisco office 5x week. All applicants must be in the bay area, or willing to relocate. Thank you!
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Structure and write story pitches, outlines, character-driven scenes with substantial dialogue, and ancillary copy within tight deadlines, owning the process from concept to final product
  • Communicate the narrative vision of the game's Lead Designers verbally and in writing, across internal departments and with external brand partners
  • Help shape high-level overarching stories for upcoming features, events, and/or large content releases
  • Proactively contribute in brainstorming sessions by pitching ideas for researched on-brand story arcs and quests within limited art and design scopeIntegrate inventive writing with design to support both creative and monetization objectives
  • Work directly with Product, Design, Production, Art, and Animation to coordinate all facets of Narrative with F2P mobile business goalsInnovate with high accuracy across multiple iterations, addressing feedback, incorporating notes, and executing revisions from internal teams and external partners

QUALIFICATIONS
  • 3+ years Narrative Design and Game Writing experience, or equivalent
  • Experience scripting dialogue for large casts of original and canon characters
  • Experience structuring and tracking multiple branching storylines
  • General knowledge of F2P mobile game design pipelines and current market trends
  • Ability to efficiently juggle multiple responsibilities without compromising creative quality
  • Ability to self-prioritize assignments in a rapidly shifting, fast-paced creative environment
  • Exceptional proofreading and copyediting skills
  • Outstanding written and interpersonal communication skills

NICE TO HAVE
  • Knowledge of Harry Potter brand and canon
  • Serialized storytelling and screenwriting experience
  • Live Ops experience

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation for this role. The range listed is just one component of Jam City's total compensation package for employees, which may also include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of job-related factors, which may include education, training, experience, certifications, location, business needs, or market demands. This range is based on a full-time position. This range may be modified in the future. In addition, Jam City provides a variety of benefits to employees, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, parental leave, paid time off, a 401(k) plan, life, disability, and accident insurance. Pay Range: $55,000 - $78,000 salary per year.
CHECK OUT LIFE AS A JAM CITIZEN:
- Company news and events on our LinkedIn
- Company Blog
- Employee Feedback on our Comparably page
- Find videos on our teams and games on our Youtube
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION
We believe in creating games that unite people across the world and that showcase our commitment to providing an environment that is both inclusive and diverse for our players and employees. We strive to create a workforce that is reflective of our global player community as we know that we are stronger and better when we play together. To help promote an inclusive culture, we celebrate the visible and invisible diversity of our Jam Citizens through initiatives including Employee Resource Groups, cultural events, trainings, speaker series, and more.
Jam City is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, age, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, religion, ethnicity, marital, or domestic partnerships status, disability, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, veteran status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expressions, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws. Our management is committed to following this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruiting, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.
ABOUT JAM CITY
Jam City is a leading entertainment studio with a proven track record of creating some of the world's most beloved casual puzzle and story-driven mobile games. As the creative force behind fan-favorite, award-winning titles such as Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Cookie Jam and Panda Pop, Jam City develops engaging and dynamic games that become an enduring part of our players' lives. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles with a global network of studios and talent. For more information, please visit www.jamcity.com.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.