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Remote Game Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Staff Product Manager, Unity AI

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site +1

$157K - $205K/yr

... professional game developers to AI-native hobbyists. * Collaborate across Unity's ecosystem ... Mountain View, SF/Bay: $200,400 - $260,500 Bellevue, Seattle, NYC, Remote CA: $178,300 - $231,800 ...

Lead Animator

Novato, CA ยท Remote

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to craft high-end ... for our players. #LI-Remote The pay range for this position in California at the start of ...

OUR MISSION Prisms VR is a San Francisco-based team of educators, game developers, and engineers transforming K12 STEM education through experiential real-world problem-solving powered by the next ...

Lead Character Artist

Novato, CA ยท Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

... game developers to craft compelling stylized character assets that support our aesthetic, meet ... for our players. #LI-Remote The pay range for this position in California at the start of ...

Lead Character Artist

Novato, CA ยท Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

... game developers to craft compelling stylized character assets that support our aesthetic, meet ... for our players. #LI-Remote The pay range for this position in California at the start of ...

Software Engineer, Backend

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site +1

$140K - $185K/yr

As one of the fastest-growing platforms in the fantasy sports and real-money gaming space, we're ... Generous PTO and flexible remote work policy * Opportunities for fast career growth in a high ...

Senior Engineer, Server - NBA 2K

Novato, CA ยท On-site +1

$130K - $174K/yr

What We Need: We're seeking a Senior Engineer with a passion for server-side development to join ... Love for video games (not just ours!) This is a fully remote role that may be based anywhere in the ...

Showing results 21-40

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:

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.

Expert Engine Engineer - Infinity Ward (Remote)

Infinity Ward

Santa Monica, CA โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title:Expert Engine Engineer - Infinity Ward (Remote)Requisition ID:R025567Job Description:

Your Platform

Founded in 2002, Infinity Ward is the original studio behind the Call of Duty franchise. The titles developed by Infinity Ward have won more than 200 "Game of the Year" awards and 100 "Editor's Choice" awards, among many other industry accolades. Some of our previous titles include: Call of Duty: Ghosts, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare and most recently, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.Infinity Ward employs more than 250 people in Woodland Hills, Calif., just outside of Los Angeles.

A critically acclaimed studio, Infinity Ward is proud to have one of the most hardworking and versatile development teams in the industry. We love to have as much fun as the games we create, and it shows in our relaxed, yet diligent, workplace environment. We believe that making the best games relies on having the best people, so we like to look after ours. We enjoy having fun with top-notch events that everyone gets involved with.

Infinity Ward is wholly owned by Activision. To learn more about our studio, please visit us athttps://www.infinityward.com/, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/InfinityWard/, and @InfinityWard on X.


Your Mission

Infinity Ward is seeking a talented and passionate Expert Engineer to oversee game systems development. The ideal candidate will have functioned as a generalist with industry experience in core engine architecture. The primary focus is at the systems and engine level, working with other members of the team (including Designers, Animators, Artists and other Engineers) to achieve phenomenal results.

Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

  • Design and implement cutting edge core systems that either provide new functionality or improve the efficiency of our existing code base.

  • Research areas of improvement; push the limits of what Call of Duty can accomplish.

  • Collaborate with other engineers and content creators on technical design and feature roll out.

  • Support memory budgeting, performance analysis and optimization work.

  • Review the work of other engineers and provide mentorship.

Player Profile

Requirements:

  • 12+ years of systems or engine development experience.

  • Contributed significantly to the development of one or more shipped games.

  • Excellent debugging and performance analysis skills.

  • Experience architecting and debugging threaded systems.

  • Deep knowledge of C++ programming and practices.

  • Excellent problem solving and analytics skills.

  • Self-motivated, ability to work independently and efficiently under deadlines.

Pluses:

  • Strong 3D math and algebra skills.

  • Experience contributing code toward a bespoke internal game engine

  • Experience with asset pipeline, and associated runtime memory and streaming technology.

  • Experience with game networking techniques.

  • Experience with multi-platform development, including PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.

  • Working in and extending an established code base.

Our World

Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises includingCall of Duty,World of Warcraft,Overwatch,Diablo,Candy Crush andBubble Witch. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet!

Our ability to build immersive and innovate worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered!

Activision Blizzard is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
  • 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
  • Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
  • If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $124,000.00 - $229,400.00 Annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role's range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.Employment Type: OTHER