H-1B Visa Gameplay Programmer Jobs
Gameplay Programmer jobs qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related field. Sponsoring employers file a Labor Condition Application with DOL and an I-129 petition with USCIS, granting status for up to three years with extensions to a six-year maximum.
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Get Access To All JobsWHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic’s success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it’s building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we’re always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We’re constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
ENGINEERING - GAMES
What We Do
Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We’re always improving on the tools and technology that empower content developers worldwide.
We are a new and growing team at Epic, aiming to build innovative new experiences and technology. As a Senior Gameplay AI Programmer, you will play a critical role on a small and focused team. You will be responsible for core AI features and supporting collaborative development between programmers, designers, and artists. You will have opportunities to work on various initiatives, get hands-on with cutting-edge technologies, and work with talented internal and external teams, all while building impactful experiences from concept to delivery.
In this role, you will
- Work closely with art and design to create and iterate on gameplay AI features
- Experiment with game design and iterate rapidly while ensuring that strong architectural and algorithmic decisions are made
- Drive, build and maintain core AI systems shared in the Fortnite AI ecosystem
- Collaborate with engine AI developers to improve AI systems
- Ensure high-quality user experiences across all platforms we support
- Optimize and fix bugs in existing gameplay AI systems
What we're looking for
- Experience developing games professionally, and shipping AAA titles with AI experience
- Experience working with AI systems (Behavior Trees, Finite State Machine, Pathfinding, Animation, etc.)
- Excellent C++ skills and the ability to code and architect AI gameplay mechanics and tools
- Well-versed in games and the ability to articulate what is strong/weak about the design of existing games (an interest in online games is preferred)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience working on a live service game is a plus
- Self-motivated, great work ethic, and able to work independently
- Creativity in problem-solving and the ability to think outside of the established solutions
EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE
Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.
About us
Epic Games spans across 25 countries with 46 studios and 4,500+ employees globally. For over 25 years, we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.
WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic’s success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it’s building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we’re always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We’re constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
ENGINEERING - GAMES
What We Do
Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We’re always improving on the tools and technology that empower content developers worldwide.
We are a new and growing team at Epic, aiming to build innovative new experiences and technology. As a Senior Gameplay AI Programmer, you will play a critical role on a small and focused team. You will be responsible for core AI features and supporting collaborative development between programmers, designers, and artists. You will have opportunities to work on various initiatives, get hands-on with cutting-edge technologies, and work with talented internal and external teams, all while building impactful experiences from concept to delivery.
In this role, you will
- Work closely with art and design to create and iterate on gameplay AI features
- Experiment with game design and iterate rapidly while ensuring that strong architectural and algorithmic decisions are made
- Drive, build and maintain core AI systems shared in the Fortnite AI ecosystem
- Collaborate with engine AI developers to improve AI systems
- Ensure high-quality user experiences across all platforms we support
- Optimize and fix bugs in existing gameplay AI systems
What we're looking for
- Experience developing games professionally, and shipping AAA titles with AI experience
- Experience working with AI systems (Behavior Trees, Finite State Machine, Pathfinding, Animation, etc.)
- Excellent C++ skills and the ability to code and architect AI gameplay mechanics and tools
- Well-versed in games and the ability to articulate what is strong/weak about the design of existing games (an interest in online games is preferred)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience working on a live service game is a plus
- Self-motivated, great work ethic, and able to work independently
- Creativity in problem-solving and the ability to think outside of the established solutions
EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE
Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.
About us
Epic Games spans across 25 countries with 46 studios and 4,500+ employees globally. For over 25 years, we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.
See all H-1B Visa Gameplay Programmer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Gameplay Programmer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Gameplay Programmer
Map your degree to the role
USCIS evaluates whether your specific degree field directly relates to gameplay programming duties. A computer science or software engineering degree maps cleanly. A degree in a loosely related field may need a credential evaluation letter reinforcing the connection to game systems development.
Find sponsors through LCA filing history
Search Migrate Mate to identify studios and publishers that have certified Labor Condition Applications for gameplay or software engineering roles. Active LCA filers have already built the internal process to sponsor H-1B workers, which shortens your path from offer to petition.
Verify the LCA wage level before accepting
Your employer's LCA must certify a prevailing wage at or above the DOL rate for your worksite location. Run the OFLC Wage Search using the Software Developers SOC code before your offer stage so you can flag a mismatch before the petition is filed.
Confirm each studio location has its own LCA
If a publisher owns multiple studios and you work across sites, each physical worksite requires its own certified LCA. Clarify this during offer negotiation, especially at mid-size studios where multi-site arrangements for contractors or remote work are common.
Review the O*NET profile before your interview
The O*NET entry for Software Developers lists the core tasks and required knowledge areas USCIS uses when evaluating specialty occupation status. Framing your portfolio and interview answers around those specific technical duties strengthens the employer's petition narrative.
File during your 60-day grace period strategically
If you lose your gameplay programmer role, you have a 60-day grace period to secure a new sponsoring employer and have your H-1B petition filed. Use that window to target studios with existing H-1B infrastructure rather than companies filing for the first time.
H-1B Visa Gameplay Programmer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Gameplay Programmer role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. Gameplay Programmer positions typically require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a directly related field, which meets the USCIS specialty occupation definition. The employer documents this requirement in the I-129 petition. Studios that have sponsored H-1B workers before will have established templates for this documentation, which reduces petition risk.
Which employers sponsor H-1B visas for Gameplay Programmers?
Large publishers, mid-size studios, and technology companies with internal game development divisions are the most active sponsors. You can browse Migrate Mate to identify employers with verified LCA filing history for software engineering and gameplay roles, filtered by location. Studios with ongoing franchises or live-service titles tend to have recurring sponsorship needs.
How does the prevailing wage requirement affect Gameplay Programmer sponsorship?
DOL requires the sponsoring employer to certify on the LCA that your offered compensation meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for a software developer in your specific worksite city. The wage level, from Level I through Level IV, reflects your experience and seniority. You can verify the applicable rate using the OFLC Wage Search before your offer is finalized.
Can I switch gameplay programming jobs while on H-1B status?
Yes. Once your new employer files an H-1B petition with USCIS, you can begin work immediately under H-1B portability rules, without waiting for approval, as long as your previous status was lawful and the new petition is non-frivolous. The new employer must certify a fresh LCA for your new worksite before filing the I-129 petition.
What happens to my H-1B status if the studio is acquired or shuts down?
A studio acquisition does not automatically invalidate your H-1B if the successor entity assumes the sponsorship obligations, but you should confirm this with the acquiring company promptly. If the studio closes, your status ends with your employment, and the 60-day grace period begins. Using that window to target studios already set up to sponsor H-1B workers gives you the fastest path to a new petition.