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Entry Level Game Developer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Geologist I

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$55K - $72K/yr

Game changer. Pioneer. TRC has long set the bar for clients who require more than just engineering ... Overview The TRC Austin, TX office is seeking a talented and motivated entry-level Geologist or ...

Entry Level Game Developer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$31.4K

$104.8K

$174K

How much do entry level game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game developer in Austin, TX is $104,836.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,800.00 and $119,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 30 too old to get into game dev?

Entry level game developers come from diverse backgrounds and ages, and starting at 30 is not too late. Success depends on acquiring relevant skills such as programming, design, or art, and building a portfolio to demonstrate your abilities. Many employers value experience and passion over age, making it possible to enter the field at any age with dedication.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level game developers when working on their first projects?

Entry level game developers often encounter challenges such as balancing creative ideas with technical limitations, adapting to collaborative workflows, and managing tight deadlines. Learning to navigate large codebases, understanding version control systems, and effectively communicating with designers, artists, and senior programmers are key aspects of the role. Overcoming these hurdles requires a willingness to learn, ask questions, and seek feedback from teammates, which helps foster both technical and interpersonal growth within a supportive game development environment.

What Does an Entry-Level Game Developer Do?

As an entry-level game developer, your responsibilities revolve around programming the algorithms and code that control video games. Your duties are to develop action sequences in games, graphical user interfaces, and other basic tools that allow seamless gameplay. You must be conscious of console or computer requirements, such as memory usage and graphics chip limitations, and you should be able to identify and fix glitches in the game quickly. You work closely with other programmers and QA testers to ensure that you deal with these issues systematically.

What is the 80 20 rule in game development?

In game development, the 80/20 rule suggests that roughly 80% of the game's value comes from 20% of the features or work. Entry level game developers often focus on core mechanics and essential assets first to maximize impact and efficiency during development cycles.

Is AI replacing game devs?

AI is increasingly used in game development to assist with tasks like procedural content generation and testing, but it does not replace entry level game developers. Developers are needed to design, program, and oversee AI tools, ensuring creative and technical quality. Skills in programming, game engines, and AI integration remain essential for game development roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Game Developer vs Junior Game Programmer?

AspectEntry Level Game DeveloperJunior Game Programmer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Game Design, or related fieldBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentGame studios, indie developers, or freelance projectsGame development teams, software companies, or indie studios
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in gaming industry for entry rolesOften used interchangeably with Entry Level Game Developer in job listings
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree in a related field and involve working in game development environments. While the titles may differ slightly, they often refer to similar entry-level positions focused on coding, debugging, and supporting game projects. The main difference lies in terminology preference among employers, but both roles serve as starting points for a career in game programming.

What does an Entry Level Game Developer do?

An Entry Level Game Developer assists in the creation and implementation of video games by writing code, debugging, and collaborating with other team members such as artists and designers. They typically work under the supervision of senior developers and are often responsible for smaller features or specific tasks within a larger project. Their work may include programming gameplay mechanics, fixing bugs, and learning new tools and technologies used in game development. This role is an excellent starting point for those looking to gain experience and grow within the gaming industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Game Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Game Developer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages like C++ or C#, basic game design principles, and typically a degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems like Git, and basic graphic or animation tools is highly beneficial. Creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills that help you collaborate and adapt in dynamic development environments. These skills ensure you can efficiently contribute to game projects, meet technical requirements, and work well within multidisciplinary teams.

How to be a game developer with no experience?

Entry level game developers typically start by learning programming languages such as C# or C++, and gaining familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. Building a portfolio with small projects, participating in game jams, and pursuing online courses or certifications can help demonstrate skills to employers without prior professional experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Austin, TX? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Austin, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Game Developer jobs in Austin, TX? For Entry Level Game Developer jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Game Developer jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Game Developer jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Entry Level Game Developer jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Entry Level Game Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Game Developer job openings in Austin, TX as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,836 per year, or $50.4 per hour.
ASIC Design Verification Engineer - New College Grad 2026

ASIC Design Verification Engineer - New College Grad 2026

Nvidia Corporation

Austin, TX โ€ข On-site

$134K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

NVIDIA has continuously reinvented itself over two decades. Our invention of the GPU in 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI - the next era of computing. NVIDIA is a "learning machine" that constantly evolves by adapting to new opportunities which are hard to solve, that only we can pursue, and that matter to the world. This is our life's work, to amplify human inventiveness and intelligence.
The NVIDIA System-On-Chip (SOC) group is looking for an entry level ASIC Verification Engineer! In this position you will have the chance to create a high-level and broad impact at NVIDIA working on a system-level IP responsible for measuring performance on multiple projects. Your focus will be on verifying and improving the related verification methodologies for the corresponding design (RTL). For this position, you should have real passion for verification methodologies and implementation that enable high quality system-level IP design and robust verification at multiple environment levels (e.g., unit, sub-system, and SOC).
What you'll be doing:
  • Design and maintain the unit level/sub-system Verification environment.
  • Understand the architecture specifications, develop and carry out the test plan to verify the design.
  • Create the UVM components, sequences, tests and scoreboards.
  • Sign off on the verification efforts with very high quality code and functional coverage.
  • Launch regressions, resolve the issues, and make forward progress towards achieving the DV milestone targets
  • Automate the manual steps involved in launching build, regression, and triages.
  • Collaborate with architects, designers, and software engineers to achieve the project goals.
  • Pro-actively contribute to improving the efficiency of the testbenches by embracing the latest techniques.

What we need to see:
  • Completing an MS or higher in Computer or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
  • Experience in System Verilog, UVM and in general OOPS based programming.
  • Strong coding skills in Python or other industry-standard scripting languages.
  • Strong understanding of RTL design (Verilog).
  • Good understanding of computer architecture fundamentals.
  • Familiarity with verification tools such as VCS or equivalent simulation tools, and debug tools like Verdi.

With industry-leading salaries and a generous benefits package, we are widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. The most forward-thinking engineers in the world do their life's work at NVIDIA. If you're creative and autonomous, with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you.
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 116,000 USD - 189,750 USD for Level 2, and 136,000 USD - 218,500 USD for Level 3.
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until January 13, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993