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Entry Level Game Developer Jobs in Cleveland, OH

All JobsGame Developer JobsEntry Level Game Developer JobsEntry Level Game Developer Jobs in Cleveland, OH

Entry Level Game Developer information

See Cleveland, OH salary details

$31.5K

$105.2K

$174.6K

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

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game developer in Cleveland, OH is $105,198.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $120,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Will AI replace game devs?

AI is unlikely to fully replace entry level game developers, as creative design, problem-solving, and programming skills remain essential in game development. AI tools can assist with tasks like asset generation and coding, but human oversight and creativity are critical for creating engaging games. Developers will need to adapt by learning new tools and focusing on areas where human input is vital.

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.

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.

Is 30 too late to get into game development?

Entry level game developers can start at any age, including 30 or older, as the industry values skills, portfolio, and continuous learning. Many successful developers have transitioned into the field later in life by learning programming languages like C++ or Unity, and building a strong portfolio through personal projects or courses.

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 studying game design principles can help demonstrate skills to employers without prior professional experience.
More about Entry Level Game Developer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Cleveland, OH? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Cleveland, OH are:
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Game Developer jobs in Cleveland, OH look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Game Developer jobs in Cleveland, OH are:
What cities near Cleveland, OH are hiring for Entry Level Game Developer jobs? Cities near Cleveland, OH with the most Entry Level Game Developer job openings:
Entry Level Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Game Developer job openings in Cleveland, OH as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,198 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Electrical Design Engineer- Entry Level

Thorson Baker & Associates Inc.

Richfield, OH • On-site

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description:

Participate as a team member in the technical development of schematic, design development, construction documents, specifications, and construction administration for institutional and commercial building projects.


Duties Include:

  • Electrical engineering of power and lighting systems for institutional, retail and commercial building projects.
  • Prepare calculations and well-coordinated, technically sound construction documents that are cost effective, clear, efficient, and constructible in a friendly work environment.
  • Communicate and coordinate with architects, owners, other engineering disciplines, vendors, building officials, other consultants, etc. throughout the design phases of the building project.
  • Perform engineering calculations including energy, load, photometrics, voltage drop, etc.
  • Must meet client schedules and internal design and construction administration time budgets.
  • Office construction administration including review of shop drawings, respond to RFI’s, and coordinate with contractors, design team, building officials, owner, etc. through the construction phase of the building project.
  • Able to travel nationally for pre-design site visits, design meetings, construction phase site observations, etc. and prepare detailed technical narrative reports.
Requirements:Requirements
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering required.
  • Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Efficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Familiar with AutoCAD and Revit.
  • FE/EIT a plus.
  • Capable of attending and engaging in meetings with clients, owners, contractors, etc. in a positive and productive manner.
  • Possess a good work ethic and be efficient in job duties.
  • Willing to work extra hours above 40 hours a week when necessary to meet project deadlines and client demands.


Thorson Baker + Associates offers a flexible starting time:

8 hours Mon-Friday

8.5 hours Mon-Thursday with 6-hour Fridays

9 hours Mon-Thursday with 4-hour Fridays



Benefits:

  • 401K
  • 401K Matching
  • Free vision insurance
  • Free Dental Insurance
  • Free Short-Term Disability
  • Free Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance

Our company culture includes, but is not limited to:

  • Memorable and unique social events.
  • Monthly catered birthday lunches
  • Thanksgiving turkeys and pies.
  • Christmas parties and employee appreciation box of assorted treats.
  • Indoor Winter sport Olympics.
  • Outdoor Summer Games.
  • (2) Yearly company golf outings.
  • Multiple pot luck lunches throughout the year.
  • Multiple holiday cook offs.
  • Exercise facilities with locker rooms and showers.
  • Personal Trainer lead weekly workouts (free to employees).
  • Toning and stretching/Yoga weekly sessions (free to employees).
  • Work from home flexibility.
  • Work, life balance.