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Video Game Programmer Jobs in Sunnyvale, CA (NOW HIRING)

wimatec MATTES GmbH

UI Artist

Foster City, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

You'll be responsible for creating the screens that our engineers use to build our frontend. You ... Familiarity with common video game language and paradigms, particularly those from free-to-play ...

Spellbrush

Front-End Engineer (Anime)

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

The Frontend Role: We're seeking a talented Front-End Engineer to join our team and help us build the next generation of anime and video game tools. You'll be responsible for designing and developing ...

Spellbrush

Front-End Engineer (Anime)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Frontend Role: We're seeking a talented Front-End Engineer to join our team and help us build the next generation of anime and video game tools. You'll be responsible for designing and developing ...

Spellbrush

Front-End Engineer (Anime)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

The Frontend Role: We're seeking a talented Front-End Engineer to join our team and help us build the next generation of anime and video game tools. You'll be responsible for designing and developing ...

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All JobsVideo Game Programmer JobsVideo Game Programmer Jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

Video Game Programmer information

See Sunnyvale, CA salary details

$12.9K

$108.7K

$203.6K

How much do video game programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for video game programmer in Sunnyvale, CA is $108,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28,200.00 and $170,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a video game programmer?

Video game programmers are professionals who write the code that brings video games to life. They work closely with game designers, artists, and other team members to develop gameplay mechanics, graphics, artificial intelligence, and user interfaces. Their expertise in programming languages, such as C++ or C#, allows them to create the software backbone of a game. Video game programmers may specialize in areas like graphics, physics, networking, or tools development, depending on the needs of the project. They play a crucial role in turning creative ideas into functional and entertaining games.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a video game programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Video Game Programmer, you need strong proficiency in programming languages such as C++, C#, or Java, a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals, and often a bachelor's degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems, and debugging tools is typically required. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that set top programmers apart. These competencies ensure the development of high-quality, engaging games that perform well and deliver an excellent user experience.

What are some common challenges video game programmers face when working on large development teams?

Video game programmers on large development teams often encounter challenges such as coordinating code integration, managing version control conflicts, and ensuring consistent coding standards across the project. Effective communication is essential, as programmers must frequently collaborate with artists, designers, and audio engineers to implement features and troubleshoot issues. Adapting to changing project requirements and tight deadlines can also be demanding, but strong teamwork and agile development practices help teams stay on track.

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

AspectVideo Game ProgrammerGame Developer
Primary RoleWriting code and implementing game featuresOverseeing entire game development process, including design and production
Skills & CertificationsProgramming languages (C++, C#), computer science degreesProject management, design skills, sometimes programming knowledge
Work EnvironmentGame studios, software companiesGame studios, independent teams, publishers
Industry UsageFocuses on coding and technical implementationBroader role including design, management, and coordination

While both roles are essential in game development, a Video Game Programmer primarily focuses on coding and technical implementation, whereas a Game Developer oversees the entire development process, including design and project management. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the gaming industry.

How to get a job as a video game programmer?

To become a video game programmer, develop strong programming skills in languages like C++ or C#, build a portfolio of game projects, and gain experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine. A bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field is often required, along with knowledge of graphics, physics, and AI programming. Internships and networking within the gaming industry can also improve job prospects.

Is a video game programmer a good career?

A video game programmer is a specialized software developer who designs and implements code for video games, often requiring skills in programming languages like C++ and knowledge of game engines such as Unity or Unreal. The career offers opportunities in the gaming industry, but it can involve long hours and competitive job markets; success often depends on technical skills, creativity, and experience. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those passionate about gaming and programming, with potential for growth and specialization.

What are popular job titles related to Video Game Programmer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA?

For Video Game Programmer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Video Game Programmer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Video Game Programmer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA are:

What cities near Sunnyvale, CA are hiring for Video Game Programmer jobs?

Cities near Sunnyvale, CA with the most Video Game Programmer job openings:

Video Game Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Video Game Programmer job openings in Sunnyvale, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,722 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

3D Game Programmer (Unity)

Spellbrush

San Francisco, CA • Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

tl;dr: We're building a 3D first-person adventure game where an AI companion is the core of the game. Think MiSide with LLMs, but truly integrated with gameplay, not just a RP chatbot.

About Us

Here at Spellbrush, we're passionate about making a good anime game.

We also happen to be the world's leading generative AI studio—we're the team behind niji・journey.

Our mission is simple: use AI to bring characters to life and push the boundaries of narrative-driven games.

What We’re Building

We’ve developed an in-house LLM storytelling system that blends AI, story, and gameplay—going far beyond shallow “chat-only” experiences.

The result is an AI companion who cooperates with you in puzzles, remembers across worlds, and changes how each chapter unfolds.

We’re looking for a strong Unity engineer who loves 3D story-driven games. You’ll join our lead Unity dev, who has spent the past 5 years building interactive anime avatars, to grow our working prototype into a full game.

In-game screenshots (development build)


About The Role

You will join a small but extremely talented team to define a new kind of video game experience. You'll work alongside top otaku minds in the industry, including the creator of Warudo and Cytoid, a Google Deepmind veteran behind Project Astra, and top-tier AI researchers.

As an early member of this team, you will have significant artistic and research freedom to shape what could become the next-generation LLM-driven storytelling experience.

Why You'll Love Working With Us

Impact and Ownership: As an early team member, you'll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of what's possible at the intersection of the AI, anime, and video game industry.

A World-Class Team: You'll work directly with some of the best AI researchers and engineers in the world in a small, mighty, and fast-paced team.

Culture: We are seeking individuals who ideally are fans of anime and the anime aesthetic. We believe in the unmatched speed of in-person collaboration.

International Opportunities: We have primary research offices in downtown Akihabara, Tokyo, and San Francisco. Visa sponsorships are available for qualified candidates.


You may be a good fit if: You love anime and the anime aesthetic

We are literally building an anime game, so this is a requirement!

You have independently developed a 3D narrative game in Unity

Bonus points if the game is first-person.

You’re good at 3D character animation

Bonus if you have used mocap and understand the mocap workflow at a studio. Bonus for having your assets on the Unity store.

You're excited about the potential of Generative AI

You'll also be working closely along some of the best AI researchers in the world. Part of working with our team may involve looking at our latest research results, and figuring out how to best apply it into our game. You will be at the literal cutting edge of what is possible with machine learning, art, and games. Having experience working with LLMs is a plus.

You're comfortable working on small, fast-paced teams

Working here will feel very much like a small indie studio: close-knit, with high ownership and flexibility.

We also believe in the unmatched speed of in-person teams, and prefer on-site collaboration in either our primary research office in Tokyo (downtown Akihabara) or San Francisco. Visa sponsorships are available.