Gameplay Programmer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Gameplay Programmer roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when backed by a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Studios filing Labor Condition Applications through DOL regularly sponsor these positions, and the E-3 visa offers Australian nationals a cap-exempt path with no lottery.
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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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Gameplay Programmer Jobs
Frame your degree for specialty occupation
Your degree field must directly relate to gameplay programming, not just software development broadly. A computer science or game development degree maps cleanly. If yours is adjacent, document coursework in physics simulation, AI, or graphics to strengthen the specialty occupation argument.
Target studios with active LCA filing history
Studios that have filed Labor Condition Applications before are far more likely to sponsor again. Use OFLC public disclosure data to identify game companies with certified LCAs for software engineer or programmer titles before you apply.
Distinguish engine work from general software roles
Gameplay Programmer isn't a standard DOL job category. When an employer files your LCA, your actual duties, engine work, gameplay systems, and physics code, need to map to a prevailing wage tier. Use the OFLC Wage Search to verify which wage level matches your experience before accepting an offer.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsors
Search Migrate Mate's job board to find studios with verified H-1B and E-3 LCA sponsorship history. It surfaces employers who have already navigated the filing process for programmers, so you're not starting the sponsorship conversation from scratch.
Confirm your O*NET classification with HR
Ask your future employer which O*NET occupation code they plan to use on your LCA. Gameplay Programmer duties often cross into Software Developer, Game Designer, or Simulation roles. The wrong classification can trigger a prevailing wage mismatch that delays certification.
Account for LCA timing before your start date
DOL must certify the LCA before your employer files the I-129 petition with USCIS. That certification step alone typically takes seven business days, but errors restart the clock. Build at least three weeks of buffer between your signed offer and your intended start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Gameplay Programmer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, as long as the position normally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field such as computer science, software engineering, or game development. Roles focused on engine systems, physics, AI, or rendering typically meet this standard. Generalist titles that don't require a specific degree field are harder to qualify, so the job description language matters.
Which visas are available to Gameplay Programmers seeking U.S. sponsorship?
The H-1B is the most common path and requires employer sponsorship, an LCA certified by DOL, and selection in the annual cap process. Australian nationals can also apply for the E-3 visa, which has no lottery and a separate annual allocation that has never been exhausted. Both require the role to meet the specialty occupation standard. USCIS adjudicates both visa categories.
How do I find game studios that actively sponsor work visas for programmers?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified sponsorship history for roles like Gameplay Programmer, so you can focus on studios that have already filed for similar positions. This saves significant time compared to cold-applying and discovering late in the process that a studio doesn't sponsor.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new game studio mid-project?
Yes. H-1B portability lets you start working for a new employer once they file a new I-129 petition with USCIS, without waiting for approval. The new employer must file before your current status expires. Your new role still needs to qualify as a specialty occupation, and the new employer files a fresh LCA with DOL before submitting the petition.
Does a three-year Australian bachelor's degree satisfy H-1B or E-3 specialty occupation requirements?
Generally yes. USCIS accepts foreign degrees that are equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree, and a three-year Australian degree in computer science or software engineering is widely recognized as equivalent. A credential evaluation from a recognized service can document this equivalency formally, which strengthens the petition if USCIS requests evidence.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Gameplay Programmer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.