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If you’ve Googled “game developer job description,” you’ve probably run into the same problem: dozens of cookie-cutter posts that all sound the same. Bullet points. Buzzwords. Zero personality.
But here’s the truth—if you want to attract great developers who actually care about their craft, you can’t rely on generic, recycled job posts. Those posts only appeal to people who are applying everywhere, not the top talent who could shape your game’s future.
That’s why in this guide, we’ll walk through what a game developer really does, give you two job description templates you can use (one for experienced devs, one for entry-level talent), break down why they work, and show you how to avoid the mistakes that keep great candidates away.
👉 If you haven’t yet, make sure to check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ — it explains why most job posts fail and how to turn yours into a magnet for the right candidates.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
What the Game Developer Role Actually Is
A game developer is the creative engineer behind interactive entertainment. They take concepts and turn them into playable experiences by writing code, building mechanics, and collaborating with designers, artists, and sound engineers.
But here’s the part many job posts miss: a game developer isn’t just a coder. They’re a problem-solver, storyteller, and innovator who balances technical skill with creativity. They bring gameplay ideas to life, optimize performance across platforms, and constantly refine the player experience.
In practical terms, a game developer might:
- Write the code that makes game mechanics work.
- Build tools that artists and designers rely on.
- Debug issues to make sure the game runs smoothly.
- Collaborate across disciplines to ensure gameplay feels engaging and intuitive.
At its core, this role is about creating immersive experiences that capture attention, spark emotion, and keep players coming back for more.
Two Great Game Developer Job Description Templates
✅ Experienced Game Developer Job Description
Job Title: Game Developer – Gameplay Systems (Unity/Unreal)
Company: Phoenix Interactive
Location: Hybrid — Austin, TX (2–3 days on-site) | Full-Time
Compensation: $90,000–$120,000 base + bonus + equity
🎥 A quick word from our Hiring Manager
(Insert Loom/YouTube link to a 60–90s video introducing the role, team, and what success looks like)
About Phoenix Interactive
Phoenix Interactive is an independent studio founded in 2016. We build ambitious, systems-driven games that reward curiosity and mastery. Our recent titles include Shards of Aether (action RPG) and Skyline Tactics (strategy). We’re a tight, cross-disciplinary team that ships polished experiences across PC and console.
About Our Company Culture
We practice low-ego collaboration, frequent playtesting, and a “craft + data” mindset. Designers, artists, engineers, and audio collaborate early and often. We value clear communication, healthy debate, and finishing what we start. We keep meetings light, feedback specific, and ownership high.
The Role
You’ll own gameplay systems from prototype to polish, collaborating with design, art, and audio to deliver features players love. You’ll write clean, performant code, mentor juniors, and improve our tooling and pipelines.
Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and iterate on core gameplay systems (combat, abilities, progression, AI, etc.)
- Build tools/workflows that empower designers and artists
- Profile, optimize, and debug across platforms (PC/console)
- Write reliable code with tests and clear documentation
- Review PRs and establish best practices across the codebase
Requirements
- 3+ years professional game development experience
- Deep proficiency in C++ (Unreal) or C# (Unity)
- Shipped at least one title or substantial live-ops update
- Strong gameplay instincts and performance optimization skills
- Fluency with version control (Git or Perforce)
Nice to Have
- Networked gameplay experience
- Console certification familiarity
- Build/CI pipeline experience
Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- 20 PTO days + paid holidays + winter break
- Annual learning stipend ($1,500) and conference support
- New-hire hardware budget + game/engine license coverage
- Relocation assistance (case-by-case)
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Own meaningful systems end-to-end in a small, senior team
- Ship to PC and console players who love depth and mastery
- High trust, low bureaucracy, and clear paths to technical leadership
How to Apply
We evaluate candidates fairly through Workscreen. Apply here: [Insert Workscreen link]
What to include: portfolio/itch.io/Steam links + a short note on a system you’re proud of.
Our process: Workscreen evaluation → technical interview → team interview → offer.
We reply to every application within 10–14 days.
✅Entry-Level / Trainable Game Developer Job Description
Job Title: Junior Game Developer (Unity) — We Train You
Company: Bright Pixel Studios
Location: Remote (US time zones preferred) | Full-Time
Compensation: $50,000–$65,000 base + benefits
🎥 A quick word from our Studio Lead
(Insert Loom/YouTube link introducing the team, mentorship plan, and first-90-days goals)
About Bright Pixel Studios
Bright Pixel Studios is a remote-first indie studio focused on cozy, systems-light experiences that celebrate creativity. We’ve launched Echo Run (mobile) and Pocket Planets (PC). We believe great developers are grown through hands-on projects, guidance, and real ownership.
About Our Company Culture
Mentorship is built into our schedule. We do focused work blocks, async updates, and weekly show-and-tell playtests. We celebrate learning, ship small and often, and keep criticism kind, specific, and actionable.
The Role
You’ll learn industry-standard tools while helping us prototype features, fix bugs, and polish player experiences. You’ll pair with senior devs, contribute to sprints, and ship improvements that real players feel.
Responsibilities
- Implement and test small gameplay features and UI flows in Unity
- Fix bugs, write simple tools, and contribute to scene setup/prefabs
- Participate in code reviews and playtest feedback loops
- Document what you build and share learnings with the team
Requirements
- Passion for games + curiosity to learn fast
- Basic coding experience (C# preferred) — game jam or personal projects count
- Familiarity with Unity fundamentals (scenes, prefabs, components)
- Comfortable with Git basics and receiving feedback
Nice to Have
- A small shipped project (itch.io, jam, school capstone)
- Experience with basic 2D/3D math and UI systems
Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 15 PTO days + paid holidays + wellness days
- Annual learning stipend ($1,000) + mentorship plan
- Home office/hardware budget
- Quarterly game jam days on company time
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Structured mentorship with clear 30/60/90-day goals
- You’ll own a small feature within your first 90 days
- Real growth path from Junior → Mid within a supportive team
How to Apply
Apply via Workscreen here: [Insert Workscreen link]
What to include: links to any projects (GitHub/itch.io) and a brief note on what you built.
Our process: Workscreen evaluation → pairing exercise → team interview → offer.
We respond to all applicants within 7–10 days.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Breakdown of Why These Game Developer Job Descriptions Work
Writing a strong job description isn’t just about listing duties — it’s about showing candidates why the role matters and why your studio is worth joining. Let’s break down what makes the two examples above effective:
🎯 Clear, Specific Titles
Instead of “Game Developer” or “Junior Developer,” the job titles are role + focus + context:
- Game Developer – Gameplay Systems (Unity/Unreal)
- Junior Game Developer (Unity) — We Train You
This immediately signals whether the role is for an experienced hire or entry-level, and what technologies and scope are involved. Candidates know instantly if they’re a fit.
✨ Human Introductions with Video
Both posts include a short video from the hiring manager or studio lead. This builds trust, shows transparency, and helps candidates feel like they’re applying to a real team, not a faceless posting. It’s a small detail that massively increases engagement.
🏢 Authentic Company Overview
The “About Us” sections don’t just state what the company does — they explain mission, history, and games shipped. For developers, this context is crucial. They want to know if your studio’s projects align with their passions.
🤝 Culture Is Spelled Out
Both templates include a Company Culture section, giving candidates a feel for how the team works day-to-day:
- Phoenix Interactive emphasizes low-ego collaboration and technical ownership.
- Bright Pixel Studios highlights mentorship, async updates, and playtest-driven development.
This helps candidates self-select based on values, not just skills.
💡 Responsibilities with Impact
Instead of vague lines like “write code,” the responsibilities connect tasks to outcomes:
- “Design, implement, and iterate on core gameplay systems.”
- “Fix bugs, write simple tools, and contribute to scene setup/prefabs.”
This shows the candidate what their work means in practice.
📊 Transparent Requirements (and Flexibility)
- The senior role specifies exact years, tools, and shipped titles.
- The junior role highlights passion, learning potential, and “nice-to-haves” instead of rigid barriers.
This widens your talent pool while still setting clear standards.
💵 Salary, Perks, and Benefits Are Clear
Both job posts include salary ranges and real perks (insurance, PTO, learning stipends, hardware budget). Transparency builds trust, while separating Perks & Benefits from Why This Role Is a Great Fit makes the post more scannable.
🌱 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
Instead of generic “why you’ll love working here,” these sections highlight what makes each role special:
- For seniors: “own meaningful systems end-to-end” and “high trust, low bureaucracy.”
- For juniors: “structured mentorship” and “own a small feature within your first 90 days.”
This is how you sell opportunity, not just tasks.
📥 Respectful, Transparent Hiring Process
Both templates explain how to apply, what to include, and what to expect. Importantly, they promise responses to every applicant within a timeframe (7–14 days). This alone makes your studio stand out in an industry where candidates often hear nothing back.
✅ The big takeaway: These posts work because they connect with developers as people, not just workers. They combine clarity, transparency, and culture in a way that filters out the wrong candidates while exciting the right ones.
Example of a Bad Game Developer Job Description (And Why It Fails)
❌ Bad Example
Job Title: Game Developer
Company: Global Tech Solutions
Location: Full-Time | On-Site
Deadline: Applications close May 30, 2025
Job Summary
We are seeking a game developer to design, test, and implement game features. The developer will work with other departments to ensure deadlines are met and projects are completed successfully.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop game mechanics.
- Collaborate with other teams.
- Debug and fix technical issues.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field.
- 3–5 years of experience in game development.
- Strong programming and problem-solving skills.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send their CV and cover letter to hr@globaltech.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Fails
- Generic Job Title
“Game Developer” says nothing about the role’s focus, seniority, or tools. A candidate can’t tell if it’s Unity, Unreal, gameplay, tools, or something else entirely. - Cold, Lifeless Introduction
The summary is vague and uninspiring. There’s no mention of what games the company makes, its mission, or why the role matters. - No Culture or Values
Nothing about how the team works, the studio’s creative process, or what it’s like to be part of the company. This makes it feel transactional. - Responsibilities Are Too Broad
“Develop game mechanics” and “collaborate with other teams” are so general they could apply to thousands of different roles. Candidates can’t picture themselves in the job. - No Salary or Benefits
Omitting pay info makes the post feel outdated and untrustworthy. Top developers expect transparency. - Dismissive Hiring Process
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is impersonal and discouraging. It signals the company doesn’t value applicants’ time or effort. - No Personality in the Call to Action
Ending with just an email address feels cold and lazy. There’s no encouragement, no warmth, and no sign of a thoughtful process.
👉 The takeaway: This kind of bland, checkbox-style job post won’t attract skilled, motivated game developers. At best, it might bring in low-effort applications from people who are applying everywhere — but the talent you actually want will scroll right past it.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Game Developer Job Description Stand Out
Even after you’ve nailed the basics — clear titles, strong introductions, transparent perks — there are a few extra touches that can make your job post rise above the noise. These small details signal professionalism, respect, and authenticity to candidates.
🔒 Add an Important Security & Privacy Notice
Game developers (especially juniors) are prime targets for fake job scams. Build trust by including a short notice like:
“We take applicant privacy seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information during any stage of the hiring process.”
This reassures candidates and positions your studio as safe and trustworthy.
🗓 Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Top candidates aren’t just looking for a paycheck — they want balance. Instead of leaving benefits vague, include something like:
“Enjoy 20 PTO days, 10 holidays, and 5 flex days per year, so you can recharge and come back inspired.”
It’s a small line that makes your post much more appealing.
📈 Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Especially in tech roles like game development, candidates want to know they won’t stagnate. Add something like:
“We invest in growth. You’ll have access to annual learning stipends, mentorship programs, and opportunities to attend industry conferences like GDC.”
This shows you’re committed to their career, not just filling a seat.
🎥 Add a Video from the Hiring Manager or Studio Lead
We’ve mentioned this in the templates, but it deserves repeating: including a short Loom or YouTube video creates massive differentiation. Seeing a real human talk about the role makes your post 10x more personal.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
📝 Share Employee Testimonials or Reviews
If possible, link to your Glassdoor reviews, a studio culture blog post, or even a short quote from a team member. Something like:
“Our developers say they love our balance of creativity and autonomy — here’s what one teammate had to say [link].”
This adds social proof and credibility that candidates trust.
✅ Bonus sections like these are often the deciding factor for top candidates. They help applicants picture themselves at your studio — not just in a job.
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
It’s tempting to let AI tools write your entire job description in one click. After all, platforms like Manatal, Workable, and even ChatGPT can generate ready-made templates instantly. But here’s the catch:
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
- Generic, lifeless results → You’ll end up with the same bland, bullet-pointed posts that flood job boards.
- Wrong candidates attracted → AI-generated posts without context appeal mostly to people applying everywhere, not the top talent who care about your mission.
- Poor brand representation → A job post is often the first impression a candidate gets of your studio. If it feels soulless, it reflects badly on your culture.
✅ The Smarter Way to Use AI
AI is powerful — but only if you use it to shape and polish your message, not replace it. The key is giving it the right raw ingredients.
Here’s how:
- Provide context about your company → “We’re a mid-sized indie studio with 3 shipped titles and 40 employees.”
- Describe the actual role → “We need a gameplay programmer to own combat systems in Unreal.”
- Share your values → “We care about mentorship, creativity, and finishing polished features.”
- List your benefits and salary → “$90–$120K, 20 PTO days, annual GDC budget.”
- Add your hiring process → “Workscreen evaluation, tech interview, team interview.”
Then prompt AI like this:
“Help me write a job description for our company, Phoenix Interactive. We’re hiring a Game Developer to own combat systems in Unreal Engine. Our culture is collaborative and feedback-driven. We want to attract candidates who are creative, mission-driven, and team-oriented. We offer $90–$120K salary, health insurance, PTO, and conference support. Here’s the hiring process: Workscreen → Tech Interview → Team Interview. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes]. Please write it in a warm, conversational tone.”
💡 The Bottom Line
Don’t outsource your employer brand to a generic AI output. Use AI as an assistant to polish your writing, improve clarity, and structure your post — but make sure the heart of the description comes from you.
That way, your job post will reflect your studio’s real mission and values, not just another cookie-cutter template.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Copy-Paste Job Description Templates for Quick Use
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
Job Title: Game Developer – Shape Worlds at [Company Name] 💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State]) 🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] 💰 Salary Range: [${X},000 – ${Y},000]/year
🎥 Video from the Hiring Manager
[Insert Loom/YouTube link: 60–90 seconds introducing the team, the project, and what success looks like]
About [Company Name]
[Company Name] is a [studio size/type: indie/mid-sized/AAA] game studio building [genre/vision: systems-driven RPGs/cozy sims/competitive shooters]. We’ve [shipped/launched] [number] titles including [title(s)], and our mission is to create games that [e.g., reward curiosity, spark emotion, and endure].
Our Culture
Low-ego collaboration, frequent playtesting, and a “craft + data” mindset. We value ownership, clear communication, respectful debate, and finishing polished features. Meetings stay light; feedback is kind, specific, and actionable.
The Role
You’ll design, build, and polish gameplay systems in [Engine: Unity/Unreal] for [Platforms: PC/Console/Mobile], working closely with design, art, and audio to deliver features players love.
Responsibilities
- Implement and iterate on core gameplay systems ([e.g., combat, abilities, progression, AI])
- Build tools/workflows that empower designers and artists
- Profile, optimize, and debug across [target platforms]
- Write reliable, well-documented code and review PRs
Requirements
- [3+ years] professional game development experience
- Proficiency in [C++ for Unreal / C# for Unity]
- [1+] shipped title or substantial live-ops update
- Strong debugging/optimization skills; Git/[Perforce] fluency
Nice to Have
- [Networking/Multiplayer] experience
- [Console] certification familiarity
- [Build/CI pipeline] experience
Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, vision insurance
- [20] PTO days + [paid holidays/winter break]
- Annual learning stipend [${Z}] + [conference support (e.g., GDC)]
- New-hire hardware budget + [engine/tool] licenses
- [401(k) match / equity / relocation assistance]
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Own meaningful systems end-to-end in a [small/senior] team
- High trust, low bureaucracy, clear paths to [technical leadership/feature ownership]
- Ship to players who value [depth, mastery, or cozy creativity]
How to Apply
Apply via Workscreen: [Insert Workscreen link]
Include [portfolio/itch.io/Steam/GitHub] links + a short note on a system you’re proud of.
Process: Workscreen evaluation → technical interview → team interview → offer.
We reply to every application within [10–14] days.
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format
Job Title: Junior Game Developer – Shape Worlds at [Company Name] 💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State]) 🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] 💰 Salary Range: [${X},000 – ${Y},000]/year
Job Brief
[Company Name] is hiring a Junior Game Developer excited to learn and build. You’ll contribute to features in [Engine: Unity/Unreal], collaborate in sprints, and grow into an independent contributor with real ownership.
Responsibilities
- Implement and test small gameplay features and [UI flows]
- Assist with debugging and performance improvements
- Contribute to sprint planning, code reviews, and playtests
- Document your work and share learnings with the team
Requirements
- Passion for games and problem-solving
- Basic coding experience ([C# for Unity / C++ for Unreal])
- Familiarity with [Unity scenes/prefabs or Unreal Blueprints/Actors]
- Comfortable with [Git/Perforce] and receiving feedback
Nice to Have
- A small shipped project ([itch.io/jam/school capstone])
- Basic [2D/3D math or UI] experience
Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- [15+] PTO days + [wellness/flex] days
- Annual learning stipend [${Z}] + mentorship program
- [Home office/hardware] budget
How to Apply
Apply via Workscreen: [Insert Workscreen link]
Include links to [projects/GitHub/itch.io] and a brief note on what you built.
Process: Workscreen evaluation → pairing exercise → team interview → offer.
We respond to all applicants within [7–10] days.
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step of Hiring
Writing a great job description is just the beginning. Once the applications start rolling in, the real challenge is figuring out who actually has the skills, drive, and potential to succeed.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
With WorkScreen, you can:
- Quickly identify your most promising candidates.
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
- Easily administer one-click skill tests.
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
- Eliminate low-effort applicants.
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
Bottom line: Once your job post attracts applicants, let WorkScreen make the hiring process faster, fairer, and smarter.
FAQ
A strong game developer blends technical skills with creative problem-solving. Core skills include programming proficiency (C++, C#, or similar), experience with game engines (Unity, Unreal), debugging and optimization, and an understanding of gameplay design principles. Just as important are soft skills like teamwork, adaptability, and communication — since game development is highly collaborative.
Salaries vary widely by region, experience, and studio size. In the U.S., the average annual salary for game developers ranges between $65,000 and $120,000, with entry-level roles starting closer to $50,000 and senior roles (especially in AAA studios) often exceeding $130,000. Studios in major game hubs (like California, Washington, or Canada) typically offer higher compensation to match the cost of living.
A game developer focuses on technical implementation — writing code, building features, and ensuring systems run smoothly. A game designer focuses on vision and mechanics — designing levels, balancing gameplay, and defining player experience. The two roles work closely together, but they require different skill sets.
Not necessarily. While many developers hold degrees in computer science or related fields, plenty enter the industry through bootcamps, online courses, or self-taught projects. What matters most is demonstrated skill — like shipped projects, game jam entries, or a strong portfolio.
