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Gameplay Engineer

Everything you need to know about the job of a gameplay engineer including required skills, responsibilities and salary.

Student work by Alexander Murdoch

What does a gameplay engineer do?

Gameplay engineers are code writers who adapt software to the requirements of a video game. They may also be required to create custom software for functions specific to a game. 

Player usability is a key focus of the Gameplay Engineer. They oversee User Interface issues, player notifications, gameplay mechanics and game upgrades. Optimizing the playability of the game requires creative solutions to technical issues, testing, software integration, debugging, and an element of design. 

The Gameplay Engineer also has to keep an eye on the long-term stability of the product as players will push the game to its limits. Engineers need to know what these limits are and ensure the programming is rigorous enough to withstand the most experienced of players.

Gameplay engineer job description

The role of the Gameplay Engineer is to write code to affect gameplay. They also correct or refine software tools that may not be working effectively for the game. They are technical problem solvers, engineering solutions for all departments. They will also deal with UI (user interface) events, player notifications, calculate math for upgrades and write evaluation code.

Smoothing out clunky gameplay is also the task of the Gameplay Engineer, ensuring interactions within the game are realistic, satisfying and true to the objectives of the game. Game optimization is a key objective in their role, they understand game engines and how to best utilize them for the game. Developers rely on them to bring out the best possible results in gameplay and bring the game to life. The end user experience is always at the forefront of consideration in this role. 

Role & responsibilities of a gameplay engineer in the video game industry:

  • Liaising with game designers and developers on the requirements and technical difficulties of the game
  • Researching and developing into the game engine options and best tools to apply to it 
  • Creating procedures and production documents
  • Working to tight schedules and keeping to budget
  • Assisting animators and programmers in software efficiency
  • Enhancing the gameplay experience for users
  • Conducting testing for gameplay and user experience
  • Collaborating with all departments to smooth over technical issues, problem solve and create solutions during the production pipeline process
  • Responding to the technical needs of all departments
  • Working in teams towards common goals
  • Providing ongoing tech support after the game has been launched, working on upgrades to the game
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How much does a gameplay engineer make?

Gameplay engineers will earn the same as game programmers. The average salary of a gameplay engineer is between USD $60,000 to USD $104,000. *Source: Glassdoor

To learn more about this field, visit: The Game Development Process: How Video Games are Made

$60k Jnr. Gameplay Engineer
$104k Snr. Gameplay Engineer

Skills required to become a gameplay engineer

Gameplay engineers will usually have a background in computer science or specialized career training in game programming. 

Video game studios may look for the following skills in gameplay engineers:

  • Training in computer science, computer programming or software engineering
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Knowledge of 2D and 3D animation software
  • Ability to code custom software tools
  • Familiar with the game production pipeline process
  • Passion for video games and experience with gaming
  • Interpersonal skills to deal with creative and production teams
  • Team player, ability to work independently
  • Experience in debugging software and integrating platforms
  • Analytical mindset
  • Able to keep on schedule and meet deadlines
  • Good communication skills
  • Expert knowledge of technical and software advancements in the gaming industry
  • Knowledge of gaming genres and trends

What software and tools do gameplay engineers use?

Gameplay engineers work with game engines and programming software to drive the game along with Programmer teams. They also work with animation and computer graphics software and write code to ensure the game can be fully realized. Working between platforms is also an engineer’s job, they must ensure that software can ‘talk’ to each other and operate harmoniously with the game engine. 

Gameplay engineers may need knowledge of a combination of the following software and programming languages:

  • C
  • C++
  • Java

 

maya
TOUCH

Maya is a comprehensive 3D animation software used for creating detailed models, animations, and visual effects. It's popular in film, TV, and game development for its powerful tools.

3dsmax
TOUCH

3ds Max is a professional 3D computer graphics program for making 3D animations, models, games and images. It is developed and produced by Autodesk Media and Entertainment.

unreal
TOUCH

Unreal Engine is a 3D computer graphics game engine developed by Epic Games, first showcased in the 1998 first-person shooter video game Unreal

Nuke
TOUCH

Nuke is a node-based digital compositing and visual effects application first developed by Digital Domain and used for television and film post-production

unity logo
TOUCH

Unity is a cross-platform game engine developed by Unity Technologies, first announced and released in June 2005 at Apple Worldwide Developers Conference

after effects
TOUCH

Adobe After Effects is a digital visual effects, motion graphics, and compositing application developed by Adobe Inc

How to become a gameplay engineer

Here are some sure-fire strategies to help increase your chances of getting a job in game development. 

Get the skills

Look at game studio job ads to see the skills they’re hiring for. Then build those skills: download and learn relevant software, watch online tutorials, or enroll in an industry-focused course. 

Stay  ahead of trends

Seek out online tutorials, webinars, conferences, publications, and other game programming content to remain informed. See our resource section. 

Create your own games

A great way to understand the rigors of game dev and showcase your talent and basic grasp of game production for potential recruiters. 

Participate in game jams

A team challenge to produce a game in 24–72 hours, with participants taking on various roles. Gain experience, collaborate, and work towards a deadline. Use the final product in your reel. 

Engage with communities

Building connections is vital to getting your name and skills recognized, and a chance to interact with industry pros who can offer advice or even jobs. 

Intern at a game studio

Not always a viable option, but it can be a great way of gaining hands-on experience while also networking. 

Where to find game programming internships:

  • 2K 
    2k.com/en-US/jobs
  • ACTIVISION
    careers.activision.com/students
  • BANDAI NAMCO 
    bandainamcoent.com/careers 
  • BLIZZARD
    careers.blizzard.com/global/en/internships
  • EA 
    ea.com/careers/interns-and-university-graduates
  • EPIC GAMES
    epicgames.com/site/en-US/earlycareers
  • FAST TRAVEL GAMES careers.fasttravelgames.com/#jobs
  • IO INTERACTIVE
    ioi.dk/careers
  • MICROSOFT
    careers.microsoft.com/us/en/gamingjobs 
  • ORBITAL KNIGHT 
    orbitalknight.com/careers 
  • RIOT GAMES 
    riotgames.com/en/university-programs 
  • ROBLOX 
    careers.roblox.com 
  • ROCKSTAR GAMES 
    rockstargames.com/careers 
  • RESPAWN ENTERTAINMENT 
    respawn.com/internships 
  • ROVIO 
    rovio.com/interns 
  • SEGA 
    recruit.sega.jp/en/internship 
  • SUPERCELL
    supercell.com/en/careers 
  • THE FARM 51 
    thefarm51.com/eng/careers 
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Tips to break into the game programming industry

Use the networking opportunities available to programmers and game devs to build up your contacts. This can be one of the best ways to get a job. Searching online, you can find many industry meetups and events, which often include guest speakers like professional artists and software creators. The knowledge gained by listening to these types of guest speakers talk about their personal experiences is irreplaceable.

Don't for get to check out our interview with Ubisoft AI programmer Firas Hosn.

Get a QA job

Kick-start your career with a job in Quality Assurance. Expand your gaming knowledge by testing and pushing in-production games to their limits. 

Collaborate with peers

Working with your peers is fun, you can learn from each other and tackle bigger projects. 

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Industry Pathways

Will Masek, Mentor of Game Programming at CG Spectrum, shares how he went from writing game reviews as a child to studying game development and going on to gigs like Rebellion Developments and Firespite, on the on the Sniper Elite series and Horizon franchise.