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Video Gaming Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Engineer, Server - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $174K/yr

Video game console development experience is highly beneficial * Love for video games (not just ours!) This is a fully remote role that may be based anywhere in the United States. Below are the ...

Who We Are At 2K, we create some of the most iconic and culture-shaping video games in entertainment, including NBA 2K , one of the top-selling franchises in the world, and legendary titles like ...

Who We Are At 2K, we create some of the most iconic and culture-shaping video games in entertainment, including NBA ® 2K, one of the top-selling franchises in the world, and legendary titles like ...

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

Shipped at least one AAA title as a designer responsible for AI combatants. * 5+ years professional experience in video game design. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Experience ...

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

Shipped at least one AAA title as a designer responsible for AI combatants. * 5+ years professional experience in video game design. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Experience ...

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studios responsible for developing 2K ...

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studios responsible for developing 2K ...

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

Shipped at least one AAA title as a designer responsible for AI combatants. * 5+ years professional experience in video game design. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Experience ...

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

Shipped at least one AAA title as a designer responsible for AI combatants. * 5+ years professional experience in video game design. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Experience ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Who We Are At 2K, we create some of the most iconic and culture-shaping video games in entertainment, including NBA ® 2K , one of the top-selling franchises in the world, and legendary titles like ...

TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studios responsible for ...

Who We Are At 2K, we create some of the most iconic and culture-shaping video games in entertainment, including NBA ® 2K, one of the top-selling franchises in the world, and legendary titles like ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Who We Are At 2K, we create some of the most iconic and culture-shaping video games in entertainment, including NBA 2K , one of the top-selling franchises in the world, and legendary titles like ...

Who We Are At 2K, we create some of the most iconic and culture-shaping video games in entertainment, including NBA 2K, one of the top-selling franchises in the world, and legendary titles like ...

Showing results 21-40

Video Gaming information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$67.2K

$138.9K

How much do video gaming jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for video gaming in Santa Rosa, CA is $135,083.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,600.00 and $137,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I get a job in video gaming?

To get a job in video gaming, develop relevant skills such as programming, art, or game design, and build a portfolio or demo reel to showcase your work. Gaining experience through internships, participating in game jams, and staying familiar with industry tools like Unity or Unreal Engine can improve your chances. Networking within the industry and applying to entry-level positions or freelance opportunities are also important steps.

What job pays you to play video games?

Jobs that pay you to play video games include professional gamer, game tester, live streamer, and content creator. These roles often require strong gaming skills, knowledge of game mechanics, and sometimes certifications or streaming equipment to generate income through competitions, sponsorships, or ad revenue.

What are video gaming jobs?

Video gaming jobs refer to a wide range of careers involved in the creation, development, testing, marketing, and support of video games. These roles include game designers, programmers, artists, writers, quality assurance testers, producers, and community managers, among others. People in these positions work for game development studios, publishers, or as independent creators. The industry offers both creative and technical opportunities, catering to various skill sets and interests. Careers in video gaming are highly sought after and can be both rewarding and competitive.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in the video gaming industry?

Professionals in the video gaming industry often encounter tight deadlines and 'crunch' periods, especially when preparing for a game launch or update. Balancing creativity with technical constraints can also be challenging, as teams work to deliver engaging experiences within hardware and budget limitations. Collaboration is crucial, as game development typically involves cross-functional teams including artists, programmers, designers, and testers. Adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and player expectations is key for long-term success in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Video Gaming vs Game Developer?

AspectVideo GamingGame Developer
Required CredentialsNone specific; passion and basic skills often enoughDegree in computer science, game design, or related field
Work EnvironmentHome, gaming studios, eventsOffice, studio, remote teams
Industry UsagePlayers, streamers, gaming communitiesGame studios, tech companies
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

Video gaming involves playing and engaging with video games, often as a hobby or professional streamer. Game developers create and design video games, requiring technical skills and formal education. While video gaming is about consumption, game development focuses on creation. Both roles are integral to the gaming industry but differ significantly in skills, environment, and purpose.

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

To thrive as a Video Game Designer, you need a solid understanding of game mechanics, storytelling, and user experience, typically supported by a degree in game design, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, scripting languages (such as C# or C++), and design tools like Photoshop or Blender is often required. Creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills help designers bring innovative ideas to life and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for creating engaging, high-quality games that appeal to players and succeed in a competitive market.

Can video gaming be a career?

Video gaming can be a career as a professional gamer, streamer, game developer, or content creator. Success often requires strong skills, consistent practice, and building an audience or portfolio, with many roles involving teamwork, technical knowledge, and industry networking.
What job categories do people searching Video Gaming jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Video Gaming jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Video Gaming jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Video Gaming job openings:
Infographic showing various Video Gaming job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,083 per year, or $64.9 per hour.

Senior Engineer, Server - NBA 2K

2K

Novato, CA • On-site, Remote

$130K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

At Visual Concepts, we believe great games are made by diverse and empowered teams with a shared passion for play. As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to critical acclaim and commercial success. Our teams are independent and entrepreneurial. Our studios in Novato, Irvine, Budapest, Shanghai, Austin, Boise, Seoul, and Parksville, Canada are committed to artistry and technical innovation, offering top candidates the opportunity to learn and grow with some of the smartest and most creative minds in the industry.

What We Need:

We're seeking a Senior Engineer with a passion for server-side development to join the NBA 2K team! In this role, you'll take ownership across a broad technical landscape- working in distributed systems, large-scale computing, and efficient databases to build high-performance backend services. Your work will play a key role in delivering world-class online experiences that power one of the most popular sports game franchises in the world. This role reports into Lead Director of Programming.

What You Will Do:
  • Work in the backend architecture and services that support NBA 2K's online features
  • Design and optimize distributed systems to ensure scalability, reliability, and fault tolerance
  • Build and maintain large-scale computing solutions that handle millions of concurrent players
  • Develop efficient database structures and queries to support high-volume, real-time transactions
  • Deliver high-performance backend services with a focus on low latency and stability
  • Partner with engineering and design teams to enable seamless online gameplay experiences.
Who Will Be A Great Fit:
  • 5+ years of professional software development experience, with a strong focus on backend and server-side systems
  • Strong proficiency in C++ with a solid understanding of object-oriented programming principles
  • Proficiency in one or more scripting languages such as Python, PHP, Perl, or Ruby, with a strong preference for Python
  • Understanding of distributed and scalable systems
  • Proven experience with multithreaded programming, driving efficiency and stability across large-scale, real-time environments
  • Demonstrated ability to research, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies and trends to enhance team capabilities, platform performance, and product innovation
  • BS in Computer Science or equivalent experience in large-scale software development
  • Experience developing secure transaction systems, including virtual currency and account-based features, a strong plus
  • Skilled in database optimization, including connection management and query performance tuning
  • Familiarity with online gaming architectures and service design for live, connected player experiences
  • Working knowledge of SQL databases such as MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, or similar systems
  • Video game console development experience is highly beneficial
  • Love for video games (not just ours!)

This is a fully remote role that may be based anywhere in the United States. Below are the expected salary and wage ranges for applicants based in locations where the pay transparency law is in effect: California: $130,700 - $174,300 per year. New York State (inclusive of New York City): $117,700 - $157,000 per year. Washington: $130,700 - $174,300 per year. New Jersey: $117,700 - $157,000 per year. British Columbia: $115,700 -$154,300 (CAD) per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. Ontario only: The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.

To learn more about Visual Concepts and our studio locations, check out our website at www.vcentertainment.com