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Video Game Software Engineer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

Lead Software Engineer We are looking for a Lead Software Engineer, you will be building exciting ... Game Development is an iterative process, and you will be constantly refining games to deliver the ...

Software Engineer II

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$96.80K - $132.60K/yr

We are actively recruiting for a Software Engineer II within the Interactive Game Engine Development team. Qualified candidates will be responsible for developing game engines and game clients for ...

Game Development is an iterative process, and you will be constantly refining games to deliver the best possible product to the field. Your Responsibilities: * Making games with a diverse team of ...

Software Engineer II

Chandler, AZ · Hybrid

$99.60K - $136.30K/yr

Software Engineer II Job Locations US-AZ-Chandler | US-VA-Reston Job ID 2026-4942 Category ... The role typically requires the use of basic office equipment such as a phone, video, computer ...

Software Engineer II

Chandler, AZ · Hybrid

$99.60K - $136.30K/yr

Software Engineer II Job Locations US-AZ-Chandler | US-VA-Reston Job ID 2026-4942 Category ... The role typically requires the use of basic office equipment such as a phone, video, computer ...

Sr. Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$121.60K - $160.40K/yr

Senior Software Engineer About Us: At Fullbay, our mission is simple - to create safer roads for ... Create game-changing product capabilities and features that will change the trajectory of the ...

Sr. Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Senior Software Engineer About Us: At Fullbay, our mission is simple - to create safer roads for ... Create game-changing product capabilities and features that will change the trajectory of the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Video Game Software Engineer information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$10.9K

$148.9K

$172.3K

How much do video game software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for video game software engineer in Phoenix, AZ is $148,936.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,300.00 and $171,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Video Game Software Engineer Do?

As a video game software engineer, you program video games for a computer or console system. You collaborate with designers who create a concept and design the look and feel of the game, write code to create the characters and mechanics, and implement troubleshooting tools and processes to test for bugs before the game’s release. If necessary, you fix any issues in the code while sticking to project deadlines. You carry out your duties and responsibilities alongside a team of gaming designers, programmers, and project managers to help the project move smoothly from start to finish.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Video Game Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Video Game Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (typically in C++, C#, or Python), a solid grasp of computer science fundamentals, and a relevant degree such as computer science or software engineering. Experience with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems (e.g., Git), and possibly certifications in game development tools are highly beneficial. Creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills that help engineers adapt to rapidly changing design requirements and work effectively in multidisciplinary teams. Mastering these skills ensures efficient development cycles, high-quality gaming experiences, and successful teamwork in a competitive industry.

What are some common challenges Video Game Software Engineers face when working on large-scale projects?

Video Game Software Engineers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as managing complex codebases, ensuring optimal performance across different platforms, and integrating new features without introducing bugs. Collaboration with designers, artists, and QA testers is essential, which requires strong communication skills and adaptability. Additionally, tight deadlines and evolving project requirements can add pressure, making effective time management and problem-solving abilities crucial for success in this role.

What is the difference between Video Game Software Engineer vs Game Developer?

AspectVideo Game Software EngineerGame Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; programming skillsBachelor's in Computer Science, Game Design, or related; programming and design skills
Work EnvironmentGame studios, tech companies, independent projectsGame studios, freelance, indie development
Employer & Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in industry; focuses on software developmentBroader term; includes design, storytelling, and programming

While both roles involve programming and work within the gaming industry, a Video Game Software Engineer primarily focuses on coding, system architecture, and technical implementation. A Game Developer often encompasses a broader scope, including game design, storytelling, and project management. The roles overlap significantly, but the engineer is more technically specialized in software development.

Infographic showing various Video Game Software Engineer job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,936 per year, or $71.6 per hour.
Video Game Design Tutor

Video Game Design Tutor

Varsity Tutors

Tempe, AZ • Remote

$40/hr

Part-time

Posted 24 days ago


Varsity Tutors rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 21 rated private schools and tutoring


Job description

About the Job
The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Video Game Design tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the flexibility to set your own schedule, earn competitive rates, and make a real impact on students' academic success and understanding. All from the comfort of your home.
Why Join Our Platform?
  • Earn incrementally higher pay for each session with the same student, reaching up to $40/hour.
  • Get paid up to twice per week, ensuring fast and reliable compensation for the tutoring sessions you conduct and invoice.
  • Set your own hours and tutor as much as you'd like.
  • Tutor remotely using our purpose-built Live Learning Platform. No commuting required.
  • Get matched with students best-suited to your teaching style and expertise.
  • Our AI-powered Tutor Copilot enhances your sessions with real-time instructional support, lesson generation, and engagement features, helping you save prep time and focus on impactful teaching.
  • We handle the logistics—you just invoice for your tutoring sessions, and we take care of payments.

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor
  • Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game loop architecture, player psychology, balancing mechanics, and iterative design while preparing students for game development careers and interactive media programs.
  • Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions. Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts, storytelling, and user experience design disciplines.
  • Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with game design curricula and common challenges such as scope management for game projects, learning game engine interfaces, and balancing game mechanics. Adapts instruction using game engine tutorials, design document templates, and progressive project milestones to support students from aspiring designers exploring concepts through advanced developers building playable game prototypes and portfolio pieces.
  • Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with, explain material using multiple approaches, and adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs and styles.
  • Strong communication skills and a friendly, engaging teaching style.
  • Ability to adapt to different learning styles and student needs.

Ways To Connect With Students
  • 1-on-1 Online Tutoring - Provide personalized instruction to individual students.
  • Instant Tutoring - Accept on-demand tutoring requests whenever you're available.

About Varsity Tutors And 1-on-1 Online Tutoring
Our mission is to transform the way people learn by leveraging advanced technology, AI, and the latest in learning science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students receive customized instruction that helps them achieve their learning goals. Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a passion for learning.
Please note: Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia or Puerto Rico.

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