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Video Game Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Video Game information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$13

$19

$24

How much do video game jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for video game in Riverside, CA is $19.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $21.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a video game designer?

Video game designers are professionals who create the concepts, rules, and structure for video games. They develop the storyline, characters, gameplay mechanics, and overall player experience. Working closely with artists, programmers, and other team members, they help bring a game's vision to life from the initial idea to the finished product. Video game designers often use specialized software and tools to prototype and refine their designs, ensuring the game is engaging and enjoyable for players.

What are different types of video game jobs?

Different types of video game jobs include technical positions, such as hardware engineers, software developers, artistic and design jobs, writing jobs, and marketing positions. Your specific duties depend on the type of work you do. For example, as a hardware engineer, your role is to create a new console or system platform or improve existing ones. You work with software developers as well to ensure that games are compatible with the hardware. As a writer, you are responsible for developing the storyline and the dialogue. You work with the artists and animators to bring your story to life. On the marketing side, you advertise the game and try to boost sales.

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

To thrive as a Video Game Designer, you need creativity, strong problem-solving abilities, and a solid understanding of game mechanics, often supported by a degree in game design or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, proficiency in scripting languages, and experience with graphic design tools are commonly required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and adaptability help designers collaborate effectively and respond to feedback. These skills are essential for creating engaging, innovative games that meet player expectations and industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by video game developers during the production cycle?

Video game developers often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing technology, and maintaining clear communication within multidisciplinary teams. Balancing creative vision with technical constraints and budget limitations can also be difficult, especially as projects evolve. Successful developers regularly collaborate with artists, designers, programmers, and testers to address these hurdles and deliver a polished final product.

What is the difference between Video Game vs Game Designer?

AspectVideo GameGame Designer
Required CredentialsOften a degree in computer science, game development, or related fields; programming skillsDegree in game design, computer science, or related; strong creative and technical skills
Work EnvironmentGame studios, tech companies, freelance projectsDesign studios, game development teams, freelance
Industry UsageRefers to the product (the game itself)Refers to the role responsible for creating game concepts and mechanics

While a Video Game is the final product players enjoy, a Game Designer is a professional who conceptualizes and plans the game's mechanics, story, and design. Both roles often collaborate closely in the game development process, but they serve different functions within the industry.

How do you get a job in video games?

To get a job in video games, candidates typically need relevant skills such as programming, art, or design, and often pursue degrees in computer science, game design, or related fields. Building a portfolio with personal projects or contributions to indie games can demonstrate abilities, and applying through company websites or industry job boards is common. Internships and networking at industry events can also improve chances of employment in the field.

What careers are in video games?

Careers in video games include roles such as game designer, programmer, artist, animator, sound designer, quality assurance tester, and project manager. These positions often require skills in programming, graphic design, storytelling, and familiarity with game development tools like Unity or Unreal Engine.

What are the most commonly searched types of Video Game jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Video Game jobs in Riverside, CA are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Video Game job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,270 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Software Engineer, Gameplay Combat - Unannounced Game

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site, Remote

$38.08 - $70.44/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Blizzard Entertainment rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 78 rated media


Job description

Team Name:

Unannounced ProjectJob Title:Software Engineer, Gameplay Combat - Unannounced GameRequisition ID:R028084Job Description:

At Blizzard, we craft genre-defining games and legendary worlds for all to share. Through unparalleled creativity and storytelling, we create immersive universes and iconic characters that are beloved across platforms, borders, backgrounds, and generations, only made possible by building a work environment that cultivates the artistry of game development and unleashes the aspirations of our people.

We are looking for a Gameplay Engineer, Combat to help create the next generation of gameplay experiences in an unannounced title. You will be responsible for developing combat experiences, character behaviors, navigation systems, and gameplay technologies that make combat gameplay fun. Alongside a talented team of engineers, designers and artists, you will build the foundations that power engaging, responsive, and immersive gameplay.

This role offers a hybrid work week, with a mix of work-from-home and on-site days, based out of our Irvine, CA location.

This role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain combat systems supporting interactions between players and NPCs, with a strong emphasis on performance, scalability, and maintainability.
  • Partner with encounter, character, and system designers to transform gameplay goals into robust technical solutions.
  • Collaborate with designers, artists, animators, and gameplay engineers to implement polished combat experiences.
  • Identify performance bottlenecks, technical risks, and implementation challenges while proposing practical solutions.
  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary and technical partners to diagnose issues and drive fixes to resolution.

Requirements

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in gameplay engineering or a combination of applicable training and related experience.
  • Contributions on action focused combat systems, NPC AI, navigation, or gameplay features on at least one shipped title.
  • Strong C++ programming skills, including performance analysis and optimization.
  • Experience delivering high-quality features as part of a cross-functional team including designers, artists, animators, level designers, FX artists, etc.

Bonus Points

  • Experience working with Unreal Engine
  • Experience and interest in character animation, navigation, combat or gameplay mechanics
  • Experience and interest in combat gameplay
  • Console development experience

Your Platform

At Blizzard Entertainment, we pour our hearts and souls into everything we create. Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft, we've been creating genre-defining games for millions of players around the world for more than 30 years. We're on a quest: bring our dreams to life and craft the most epic entertainment experiences...ever. Hard work, iteration, and polish go into the Blizzard "secret recipe," but the most important ingredients come from talented people who share our vision. If that sounds like you, join us.

Our World

Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc., a division of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industry's most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years, with a track record that includes multiple Game of the Year awards. Blizzard Entertainment engages tens of millions of players around the world with titles available on PC via Battle.net, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.

Our ability to build immersive and innovative 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.

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 $38.08 - $70.44 Hourly. 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.

What Blizzard Entertainment employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Blizzard Entertainment

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blizzard Entertainment is a globally recognized leader in the Digital Gaming industry, renowned for creating some of the world's most popular video games such as "World of Warcraft," "Overwatch," and "Diablo." The company was founded in 1991 and is currently based in Irvine, California, USA. Aside from creating engaging video games, Blizzard Entertainment also develops and supports a wide range of software products within the realm of entertainment. The company prides itself on its commitment to quality, an element that can be recognized in its vast array of legendary games. Notably, its creation, World of Warcraft, remains one of the highest-grossing video games of all time.

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

1991

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