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Senior Gameplay Programmer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Unity Technologies

$203K - $305K/yr

About the role Unity builds the real-time 3D platform that powers games and interactive experiences ... We are seeking a Senior Application Security Engineer with profound expertise in application ...

exp

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Milwaukee, WI

$102K - $135K/yr

Be our next Senior Mechanical Engineer! Your work environment at EXP In this role, you will be a ... Experience in designing HVAC systems for Gaming, Hospitality, Entertainment, Healthcare or ...

EXP

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

Be our next Senior Mechanical Engineer! Your work environment at EXP In this role, you will be a ... Experience in designing HVAC systems for Gaming, Hospitality, Entertainment, Healthcare or ...

PUBG Madglory

Mid-Level/Senior Animator

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$106K - $121K/yr

Collaborate with Design, Programming, and TA to ensure animations function correctly within game ... Qualifications: * 3+ years' experience for mid-level/5+ years' experience for senior level in game ...

exp

Mechanical Designer/Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

... Gaming, Hospitality, Entertainment, Healthcare or Commercial projects. What a day at EXP has in ... Select and schedule equipment with oversight by senior staff * Layout air and water side systems on ...

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Senior Gameplay Programmer information

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$13

$52

$72

How much do senior gameplay programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior gameplay programmer in Wisconsin is $52.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.42 and $63.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a senior gameplay programmer typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

As a Senior Gameplay Programmer, you'll frequently work with designers, artists, and QA testers to bring gameplay features to life. Your role involves translating design concepts into functional game mechanics, debugging issues, and ensuring smooth integration with art and audio assets. Regular meetings and agile workflows are common, allowing you to provide technical input early in the feature design process and iterate quickly based on feedback. Strong communication skills are essential, as you'll often act as a bridge between creative and technical teams to ensure the game's vision is realized efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Senior Gameplay Programmer, you need advanced programming skills (typically in C++ or C#), a deep understanding of game mechanics, and several years of experience in game development. Familiarity with industry-standard game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, version control systems, and sometimes a degree in computer science or related fields are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with designers and artists. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering high-quality, engaging gameplay experiences and leading technical innovation within a game development team.

What is a senior gameplay programmer?

Senior Gameplay Programmers are experienced software developers who focus on creating and implementing the interactive elements of video games, such as controls, mechanics, and player interactions. They collaborate closely with designers, artists, and other programmers to bring the game's vision to life, ensuring a smooth and engaging player experience. In addition to programming, they often mentor junior staff, participate in code reviews, and help shape the technical direction of the game. Their expertise is crucial in solving complex technical challenges and optimizing gameplay systems for performance and fun.
What are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs in Wisconsin? For Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs in Wisconsin are:
Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Gameplay Programmer job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 60% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,753 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Senior Game Designer - AI & Encounters (Apex Legends)

Electronic Arts Inc.

Madison, WI • On-site

$127K - $190K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

General Information
Locations: Vancouver - Great Northern Way, British Columbia, Canada
  • Location: Los Angeles - Chatsworth
  • State: California
  • Country: United States of America

  • Location: Madison
  • State: Wisconsin
  • Country: United States of America

Role ID
214845
Worker Type
Regular Employee
Studio/Department
EA Studios - Respawn
Work Model
Hybrid
Description & Requirements
Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. Here, everyone is part of the story. Part of a community that connects across the globe. A place where creativity thrives, new perspectives are invited, and ideas matter. A team where everyone makes play happen.
We're hiring a Senior Game Designer - AI & Encounters to create engaging AI-driven combat encounters that elevate gameplay across Apex Legends. You will partner with multidisciplinary teams to design, implement, and refine encounters that deliver challenge, variety, and memorable player experiences while supporting the game's long-term vision.
Responsibilities
  • Design, prototype, tune, and iterate on AI encounters from initial concept through implementation and once live.
  • Create encounter scenarios that support gameplay, pacing, and player progression.
  • Collaborate with AI Engineering, Level Design, Art, and Production to deliver gameplay features.
  • Balance AI behaviors using playtest feedback, gameplay metrics, and player insights.
  • Document encounter systems, design intent, and implementation guidelines.
  • Review gameplay experiences and iterate to improve quality, readability, and player satisfaction.
  • Mentor designers through design reviews and collaborative feedback.
Required Qualifications
  • Experience designing AI systems, encounters, or combat gameplay for shipped AAA titles.
  • Experience owning gameplay features from concept through release.
  • Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary development teams.
  • Portfolio demonstrating encounter design, gameplay systems, or AI-focused work.
  • Experience balancing gameplay using qualitative and quantitative feedback.
Core Skills and Experience
  • Knowledge of AI enemy design, combatant archetypes, and encounter pacing.
  • Proficient in scripting and programming tools to implement systems within modern game editors.
  • Clear documentation and communication across design and development teams.
  • Experience evaluating gameplay through playtesting and data-informed iteration.
  • Familiarity with live service development and ongoing gameplay improvements.
  • Experience designing AI systems or encounters for PvP or PvE gameplay is an asset.

Pay Transparency - North America
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The ranges listed below are what EA in good faith expects to pay applicants for this role in these locations at the time of this posting. If you reside in a different location, a recruiter will advise on the applicable range and benefits. Pay offered will be determined based on a number of relevant business and candidate factors (e.g. education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, or business needs).
PAY RANGES
* British Columbia (depending on location e.g. Vancouver vs. Victoria) *$114,300 - $156,200 CAD
* California (depending on location e.g. Los Angeles vs. San Francisco) *$127,700 - $190,600 USD
Pay is just one part of the overall compensation at EA.
In the US, we offer a package of benefits including paid time off (3 weeks per year to start), 80 hours per year of sick time, 16 paid company holidays per year, 10 weeks paid time off to bond with baby, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.
For Canada, we offer a package of benefits including vacation (3 weeks per year to start), 10 days per year of sick time, paid top-up to EI/QPIP benefits up to 100% of base salary when you welcome a new child (12 weeks for maternity, and 4 weeks for parental/adoption leave), extended health/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.
About Electronic Arts
We're proud to have an extensive portfolio of games and experiences, locations around the world, and opportunities across EA. We value adaptability, resilience, creativity, and curiosity. From leadership that brings out your potential, to creating space for learning and experimenting, we empower you to do great work and pursue opportunities for growth.
We adopt a holistic approach to our benefits programs, emphasizing physical, emotional, financial, career, and community wellness to support a balanced life. Our packages are tailored to meet local needs and may include healthcare coverage, mental well-being support, retirement savings, paid time off, family leaves, complimentary games, and more. We nurture environments where our teams can always bring their best to what they do.
Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will also consider employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.

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