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Video Game Dev Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Naughty Dog

Producer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$139K - $141K/yr

Solid understanding of video game development, software development processes, and project management practices * 3+ years of proven experience in a production role where you've supported cross ...

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Video Game Dev information

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$12

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How much do video game dev jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for video game dev in California is $18.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a video game dev?

Video game developers are professionals who design, create, and program video games for computers, consoles, and mobile devices. They work as part of a team that may include artists, designers, writers, and audio engineers to bring a game's concept to life. Their tasks range from coding and game design to testing and debugging. Video game developers often specialize in certain areas, such as gameplay programming, graphics, or artificial intelligence. Their goal is to create engaging and interactive entertainment experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a video game dev?

To thrive as a Video Game Developer, you need strong programming skills (often in languages like C++ or C#), knowledge of computer graphics, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as version control systems like Git, is typically required. Creativity, teamwork, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this collaborative and fast-evolving industry. These skills are vital for building engaging, technically sound games that meet project goals and resonate with players.

What are some common challenges video game devs face when working on large-scale projects?

Video game developers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating across multidisciplinary teams, managing tight deadlines, and maintaining consistent communication. Balancing creative vision with technical constraints and production schedules can also be demanding. Additionally, adapting to evolving technologies and responding to player feedback requires flexibility and strong problem-solving skills, making teamwork and adaptability essential in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Video Game Dev vs Game Designer?

AspectVideo Game DevGame Designer
Required CredentialsProgramming skills, computer science degree, coding certificationsCreative portfolio, game design experience, understanding of storytelling
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, programming labs, collaborative projectsDesign studios, brainstorming sessions, creative meetings
Industry UsageDevelops the actual game software, coding gameplay mechanicsCreates game concepts, storylines, and gameplay features

Video Game Developers focus on coding and building the game software, requiring programming skills and technical credentials. Game Designers concentrate on conceptualizing game ideas, storylines, and gameplay mechanics, emphasizing creativity and design expertise. Both roles collaborate closely but serve different functions within the game development process.

How much do video game developers make?

Video game developers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and company size, but the median annual wage in the industry is around $80,000. Entry-level developers typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000, while experienced developers or those in senior roles can earn over $100,000. Skills in programming languages, game engines, and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

What jobs can a video game developer do?

A video game developer can work in various roles such as game programmer, game designer, quality assurance tester, technical artist, and project manager. These positions involve tasks like coding, designing gameplay, creating art assets, and testing for bugs, often requiring knowledge of programming languages, game engines, and development tools. Many developers also specialize in areas like AI, animation, or sound design within the gaming industry.
Video Game Dev jobs near you
Infographic showing various Video Game Dev job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,094 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Business Development Manager (BDM) | San Francisco- All Services

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Socket.dev
Network Security • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Socket.devexternal

Other

Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Business Development Manager to drive growth across Side's full portfolio of video game development and production services in North America.

This is a broad commercial role responsible for winning new clients and growing existing partnerships across:

  • Game Development / Codev
  • Art Production
  • Audio Production
  • Quality Assurance (QA)
  • Localization
  • Localization Quality Assurance (LQA)
  • Player Support

While experience in a particular service area may be preferred depending on the role, this is not a single-service sales position. The successful candidate will be expected to understand, represent, and sell Side's complete service offering to game developers, publishers, and other interactive entertainment companies within their assigned North American market.

Sales and Account Growth

Drive sustainable revenue growth through a balanced focus on new client acquisition and expansion of existing customer partnerships.

Identify, develop, and close new business opportunities within assigned accounts and markets.

Own and grow a portfolio of existing client relationships, developing a strong understanding of their business, production roadmaps, and evolving needs.

Identify opportunities to broaden Side's relationships within existing accounts through cross-selling, new service lines, and engagement with additional teams, studios, and decision-makers.

Develop and execute strategic account plans that support long-term, multi-service partnerships and sustainable growth.

Market Development

Identify new opportunities by tracking industry activity, production trends, emerging technologies, and changing client needs across the games market.

Build Side's presence within the assigned North American territory through targeted prospecting, relationship development, industry networking, and market intelligence.

Position Side as a strategic partner capable of supporting clients across multiple stages of the game development lifecycle.

Client Discovery and Solution Development

Lead client discovery conversations to understand business objectives, production needs, timelines, and commercial requirements.

Work with Side's service-line and delivery teams to develop appropriate solutions, proposals, pricing, and scopes of work.

Take a consultative approach to identifying where Side can provide additional value across both new and existing client relationships.

Internal Collaboration

Collaborate closely with Side's delivery teams, service-line experts, and commercial colleagues to develop integrated solutions that meet client needs.

Act as the commercial point of contact for assigned accounts, bringing in the appropriate internal specialists as opportunities develop.

Share client feedback, market intelligence, and emerging opportunities with relevant internal teams.

Pipeline and Performance Management

Own individual revenue and business development targets across assigned accounts and markets.

Build and maintain a healthy pipeline of qualified opportunities, manage forecasting, and maintain accurate CRM records.

Regularly review account strategy, pipeline development, and commercial performance with leadership.

Requirements
  • 5+ years of experience in business development, sales, or operations within the games or entertainment industry
  • Proven track record of managing client relationships and closing deals in creative or technical service environments
  • Strong understanding of video game development and production workflows, with familiarity across disciplines such as game development, art, audio, QA, localization, LQA, and Player Support.
  • Ability to identify and develop opportunities across multiple service lines and position Side as an integrated, full-service partner.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
  • Proficiency with CRM tools and MS Office or Google Workspace
  • Self-driven, organised, and comfortable managing complex sales cycles and client relationships end to end.
  • Passion for video games and player experience
Preferred but not essential
  • Experience within Quality Assurance, game testing, certification, compliance, or related production services is preferred but not essential.
  • Existing network of contacts among producers, development leads, operations managers, or game developers in the Bay Area and the rest of North America.
  • Experience working in or selling to AAA, AA, or mobile game studios
  • Exposure to selling or delivering services across multiple disciplines (e.g. art, game audio, QA, localization, game development or co-development support)
Benefits
  • Competitive basic salary
  • Working with people creating cutting edge interactive entertainment
  • Excellent OTE with percentage based commission package
  • Group pension scheme and death in service benefit
  • Dynamic and entrepreneurial culture
  • Video games focused environment
  • The opportunity to work with video games pioneers creating cutting edge interactive entertainment
Who we are

Side (formerly PTW) is a global video game development and services provider, offering technical and creative solutions to many of the largest developers and studios around the world.

Founded in Japan in 1994, Side has grown to become a global force in the video games industry, with over 40 studios in 15 countries worldwide and offices across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.

Our industry-leading services include codev, art production, localization, audio production, quality assurance, localization QA, player support, community management, and datasets. For more information, visit www.side.inc

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