Apple

Senior Creative Gameplay Engineer, Apple Arcade

Apple$130K — $180K *
Consumer Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in game development with a strong portfolio of shipped titles.
  • Expertise in Unity and C#, capable of building complex gameplay systems.
  • Ability to rapidly prototype and iterate to enhance gameplay experiences.
  • Deep understanding of scalable gameplay systems design.
  • Excellent communication and collaborative problem-solving skills.
  • Experience in technical design with responsibilities in gameplay design and implementation.
  • Familiarity with Apple platforms such as iOS, tvOS, macOS, and visionOS.

Responsibilities

  • Drive creative vision by designing, prototyping, and shipping innovative gameplay mechanics.
  • Own gameplay features from concept to polished implementation in Unity.
  • Champion new ideas that enhance the humor and charm of Sneaky Sasquatch.
  • Architect scalable gameplay frameworks that empower efficient content development.
  • Maintain high creative and technical standards in game design.
  • Communicate effectively across teams to ensure project alignment.
  • Be an integral part of a small and focused team, valuing general programming skills.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
  • Retirement benefits with company contributions.
  • Discounts on Apple products and free services.
  • Reimbursement for educational expenses related to career advancement.
  • Opportunities to become a shareholder through stock programs and purchase stock at a discount.
Full Job Description
As a Senior Creative Gameplay Engineer, you will contribute creative vision and technical expertise to the Sneaky Sasquatch team, creating innovative new gameplay experiences for millions of players around the world. You will:

- Drive the creative vision for new gameplay by designing, prototyping, and shipping innovative and expressive core mechanics and systems.

- Own major gameplay features from initial concept and paper design, through rapid iteration and playtesting, to final polished implementation in Unity.

- Champion new ideas for player activities, character abilities, and emergent systems that deepen the humor, charm, and heart of the Sneaky Sasquatch universe.

- Architect robust, scalable, and designer-friendly gameplay frameworks that empower the team to build new content and experiences efficiently.

- Help define and maintain the high creative and technical bar for Apple's internal game development, acting as a key stakeholder in game feel and player experience.

- Communicate clearly and effectively across teams to ensure alignment and momentum.

- Be a part of a uniquely small and focused internal team at Apple, where general programming skills are deeply valued with a focus on creative gameplay implementation.

- Work alongside the creators of Sneaky Sasquatch to define what it means for Apple to make games. This role offers the chance to create playful, emotionally resonant, and connected experiences for millions of players around the world.

Minimum Qualifications

10+ years of experience in game development, with a portfolio demonstrating exceptional creative and technical ownership on multiple shipped titles. This includes deep expertise in Unity and C#, with proven mastery of building complex gameplay systems from the ground up.

Preferred Qualifications

A proven ability to "find the fun" through rapid prototyping and iteration. Your portfolio should show us how you've turned a rough idea into a polished, delightful experience.

A deep understanding of gameplay systems design. You think in terms of scalable frameworks, not just one-off features.

A highly self-directed and resourceful attitude, comfortable navigating the ambiguity of the creative process.

Excellent communication skills and a passion for collaborative, team-oriented problem-solving.

Experience in a "technical design" or similar hybrid role where you were responsible for both the design and implementation of core gameplay.

Experience shipping on Apple platforms (iOS, tvOS, macOS, visionOS).

Deep familiarity with a wide range of game genres, with strong, well-reasoned opinions on game feel, pacing, and player motivation.

A genuine love for Sneaky Sasquatch and a passion for creating heartfelt, player-centered experiences.

About Apple

Apple is a corporation that designs, manufactures, and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, portable digital music players, and sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. Apple provides many products and services, including iPhone; iPad; iPod; Mac; Apple TV; a portfolio of consumer and professional software applications; the iOS and OS X operating systems; iCloud; and accessories, service, and support offerings. It sells its products worldwide through its retail stores, online stores, direct sales force and third-party cellular network carriers, wholesalers, retailers, and value-added resellers to the consumer and also sells third-party iPhone, iPad, Mac and iPod compatible products, including application software and accessories through its online and retail stores. Introduced in 1984, the Macintosh was the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI). That feature and others such as an improved floppy drive design and a low-cost hard drive that made data retrieval faster helped Apple cultivate a reputation for innovation. Apple was named as the most admired company in the United States in 2008 and in the world from 2008 to 2012 by the Fortune magazine. The company was founded by Steven Paul Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Gerald Wayne on April 1, 1976, and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Apple Careers

Join Apple, a place where extraordinary people gather to do their best work. Our ever-expanding global team is at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the tech industry. At Apple, we're not just building products—we're crafting the kind of wonder that revolutionizes entire industries. It's the diversity of our people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Work You’ll Do Embark on a journey with Apple’s market-leading team to help some of the world’s most influential companies navigate their path to digital mastery with cutting-edge technology and services. Transform industries and touch lives with your unique ideas at Apple. Here, you’ll lead through a unique position at the intersection of technology, creativity, and robust industry expertise. Collaborate with a global team of professionals who are at the top of their game in technology and design. Apple isn’t just a company, it’s a community of innovators and passionate thinkers. Introducing the Apple Innovation and Leadership Initiative We are building a market-leading team to drive our efforts in delivering groundbreaking solutions and services. At Apple, job opportunities are abundant, offering you the chance to explore diverse roles from engineering to marketing, all designed to empower your career growth. Do Innovative Work Join the largest group of creative and technical experts in the world—professionals dedicated to redefining what’s possible through technology and innovation. Deliver targeted solutions through a depth and breadth of expertise that’s unmatched, driving forward our commitment to excellence and leadership in every project we undertake. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in a wide range of projects utilizing Apple’s technology and resources. Harness the unparalleled capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development that only Apple can offer. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with limitless opportunities at Apple. Go as far as your ambition takes you with unmatched training, development, and certification support. Explore Discover how Apple is leading the way in tech innovation: [With iOS] Businesses can streamline operations and enhance customer interactions... READ MORE Smart home technology integration that sets the standard for convenience and security... READ MORE The Apple Experience Our combined service capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development help clients overcome challenges and lead transformation in their industries. Clients worldwide look to Apple for new strategies and solutions that drive growth and innovation in the digital era. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Whether you’re seeking a professional role, an internship, or a leadership position, Apple offers a variety of employment opportunities. SEARCH APPLE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at Apple, a company committed to diversity, innovation, and leadership. Explore job opportunities, employment benefits, and the culture of growth and innovation at Apple. Prepare your resume, hone your interview skills, and ready yourself for a career at one of the most prestigious companies in the world. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Learn more about Apple
Size
154,000 employees
Market Cap
$2,074.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$63.9 billion
Founded
1976
5 Year Trend
+11.5%
Revenue
$294.1 billion
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