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Remote Game Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

WE ARE GAME MAKERS Who we are: We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art ... The position is for an existing vacancy. #LI-Remote #LI-Onsite #LI-Hybrid

31st Union

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

WE ARE GAME MAKERS Who we are: We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art ... The position is for an existing vacancy. #LI-Remote #LI-Onsite #LI-Hybrid

HoYoverse

Senior Game Recruiter

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

The role is ideally based in Los Angeles but we support remote work. You will join a talented and ... engineering, production, art/animation or game design * Excellent interviewing, networking ...

31st Union

Lead UI Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$133K - $198K/yr

WE ARE GAME MAKERS Who We Are: We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art ... This includes dynamic screen layouts, remote control reordering, friction reduction, and real-time ...

2K

Lead UI Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$133K - $198K/yr

WE ARE GAME MAKERS Who We Are: We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art ... This includes dynamic screen layouts, remote control reordering, friction reduction, and real-time ...

The Walt Disney Company

Sr. VFX Artist

Glendale, CA · Remote

$120K - $186K/yr

This is a remote role. What You Will Do: * Collaborate with artists, designers, and engineers to visualize incredible gameplay, magical powers and amazing transformations based on Disney's robust ...

NxT Level

Senior Tools Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$112K - $154K/yr

Our client is looking for a Tools Programmer to join their fully remote team to build next generation MMOs and Multiplayer Games. They currently need a programmer passionate about terrain and ...

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All JobsGame Programmer JobsRemote Game Programmer JobsRemote Game Programmer Jobs in California

Remote Game Programmer information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$91.4K

$171.2K

How much do remote game programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote game programmer in California is $91,423.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23,700.00 and $143,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote game programmer?

A Remote Game Programmer is a software developer who specializes in creating video games while working from a location outside of a traditional office, often from home. They write code to implement game features, fix bugs, and ensure the game's performance and functionality across different platforms. Remote Game Programmers collaborate with artists, designers, and other developers using online tools to contribute to the development process. This role requires strong programming skills, proficiency in languages such as C++ or C#, and familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal. Communication and self-motivation are essential for success in a remote setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote game programmer?

To thrive as a Remote Game Programmer, you need strong proficiency in programming languages such as C++, C#, or Java, along with a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems (e.g., Git), and possibly certifications in software development are valuable assets. Excellent problem-solving abilities, self-motivation, and clear communication skills help you collaborate effectively across distributed teams. These skills ensure you can deliver high-quality, efficient code and work productively in a remote, collaborative game development environment.

How does working remotely as a game programmer affect collaboration with other team members?

As a remote game programmer, you'll primarily collaborate with designers, artists, and other programmers through online tools like Slack, Zoom, and project management platforms. Clear communication and strong self-management skills are essential since you won't be meeting colleagues face-to-face regularly. You'll often participate in daily stand-ups, code reviews, and sprint planning sessions virtually. While remote work offers flexibility, staying aligned with the team and project timelines requires proactive communication and regular check-ins.

What is the difference between Remote Game Programmer vs Remote Game Designer?

AspectRemote Game ProgrammerRemote Game Designer
Primary RoleWriting code to develop game features and mechanicsCreating game concepts, storylines, and gameplay experiences
Required SkillsProgramming languages (C++, C#), software developmentCreativity, storytelling, game design tools
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with programmers, artists, and testersWorks closely with programmers and artists to shape game vision
Industry UsageCommonly employed in game development studios and remote teamsUsed in game studios, often collaborating remotely with development teams

While both roles are essential in game development, Remote Game Programmers focus on coding and technical implementation, whereas Remote Game Designers concentrate on conceptualizing and designing gameplay. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Programmer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Game Programmer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Game Programmer jobs in California?

For Remote Game Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Game Programmer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Game Programmer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Remote Game Programmer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Remote Game Programmer job openings:

Remote Game Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Game Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,423 per year, or $44 per hour.

AI Game Developer (Designer, Artist, Or Engineer)

Scopely

Culver City, CA • On-site, Remote

$169K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 hours ago

Job description

Get excited to join Scopely's AI-native incubation team, which is focused on discovering the next generation of mobile games. This role can be remote in the US or hybrid in Culver City, LA.

Rather than spending years developing a single title, we believe one of the most effective ways to find great games is to rapidly transform ideas into playable experiences, launch them to real players, and learn from live market feedback.

We're pioneering a new approach to game creation-one in which AI enables creators to work across traditional discipline boundaries, take greater ownership of ideas from concept through launch, and bring more great games to players.

What You'll Do

If you're passionate for rapid experimentation, enjoy navigating ambiguity, and love bringing ideas to life, you'll feel at home on this team.

We don't organize our work strictly around traditional disciplines. We believe AI enables skilled creators to contribute to more of the game development process than ever before. Whether your background is in engineering, design, art, or another discipline, we're looking for people who are excited to work across boundaries, develop new skills, and use AI to turn ideas into playable games.

As an AI Game Developer, you'll:

  • Own game ideas from concept through launch, helping to generate concepts and shape mechanics, player experiences, and creative direction.
  • Rapidly transform concepts into playable prototypes using AI-native workflows, modern game engines, and development tools.
  • Use AI to accelerate programming, design, art, content creation, testing, and production.
  • Design internal tools, automations, and agentic workflows that increase team velocity and unlock new creative possibilities.
  • Evaluate emerging AI technologies and experiment with new applications in game development.
  • Collaborate across disciplines to rapidly iterate on gameplay, features, and player experiences.
  • Launch prototypes to real players, analyze qualitative and quantitative feedback, and use those insights to guide future iterations.
  • Balance speed and quality by making thoughtful trade-offs that maximize learning.
  • Help define AI development practices that can scale across Scopely.
  • Challenge traditional game development workflows and help pioneer new approaches to creating games.
What We're Looking For
  • Strong expertise in at least one game development discipline, such as engineering, game design, art, technical art, or UX.
  • Enthusiasm for using AI to expand beyond your primary discipline and broaden your capabilities as a game creator.
  • Experience incorporating AI into creative or development workflows.
  • A preference for building, testing, and learning rather than relying on lengthy planning cycles.
  • Curiosity and adaptability, with an interest in learning new tools and techniques as the AI landscape evolves.
  • Strong product instincts and an understanding of what makes games engaging.
  • The ability to work effectively through ambiguity, rapid iteration, and changes in direction informed by player feedback.
  • Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Apply