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Entry Level Game Developer Jobs in Gilbert, AZ (NOW HIRING)

All JobsGame Developer JobsEntry Level Game Developer JobsEntry Level Game Developer Jobs in Gilbert, AZ

Entry Level Game Developer information

See Gilbert, AZ salary details

$32.4K

$108.1K

$179.4K

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

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game developer in Gilbert, AZ is $108,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,200.00 and $123,600.00 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.
More about Entry Level Game Developer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Gilbert, AZ? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Gilbert, AZ are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Game Developer jobs in Gilbert, AZ? For Entry Level Game Developer jobs in Gilbert, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Gilbert, AZ are hiring for Entry Level Game Developer jobs? Cities near Gilbert, AZ 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 Gilbert, AZ as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,124 per year, or $52 per hour.
PAC Program - Recreation Aide, Instructor, and Leader (Part-Time)

PAC Program - Recreation Aide, Instructor, and Leader (Part-Time)

Phoenix Police Department

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$18.16 - $19.07/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

City Of Phoenix rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

220th of 649 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

ABOUT THIS POSITION
The Parks and Recreation Department is currently seeking highly motivated, friendly, and outgoing individuals who enjoy and have experience in working with school age children. Current vacancies are in the Phoenix Afterschool Center (PAC) Program, work sites are located in schools throughout the City of Phoenix boundaries. Phoenix Afterschool Center (PAC) Program is an out-of-school time recreation program where school-age youth are provided a variety of age appropriate, developmental activities that are fun, stimulating, and enriching. Work sites are located within schools throughout the City of Phoenix boundaries.
PARKS & RECREATION AIDES $17.30: are entry level positions that perform recreation work. General assignments may include cleaning and setting up for special events; performing custodial work such as cleaning restrooms and sweeping floors; providing clerical support; helping with various recreation programs such as arts and crafts, dance classes, social events, group games, and physical and sporting events and instruction.
RECREATION INSTRUCTORS $18.16 : may develop, implement, and guide recreation activities and supervise children in sports programs, and/or recreation classes, assist with special events; and plan, schedule, and conduct recreation classes in activities such as arts and crafts, dance, drama, music, sports, and games, or may facilitate city-wide sports leagues and tournaments; oversee leagues or programs; prepare facilities; monitor activities.
RECREATION LEADERS $19.07 : perform recreation work in a lead capacity over Recreation Aides, Instructors, and volunteers or in charge of a facility or major program area. This position is responsible for providing various recreational programming in an afterschool setting. This includes management of programs and coverage of facilities as required and to ensure safety of all participants. The role creates/facilitates programming and events in an afterschool setting, stays in communication with school administration, and attends monthly meetings.
The PAC program runs through the public-school schedule 2025-2026 (present - May 2026). PAC experiences intermittent breaks due to school breaks and City holidays: when school is not in session, PAC is not in session (i.e., spring, fall, winter, and summer breaks). Hours vary by school site and are typically 2 PM - 6 PM and one day a week for early release, as early as 11:30 AM. Staff are required to attend monthly evening staff trainings.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ability to provide customer service, implement recreational and sports activities, and plan educational enrichment programs for youth.
SALARY
PARKS & RECREATION AIDES: $17.30
RECREATION INSTRUCTORS: $18.16
RECREATION LEADERS: $19.07
BENEFITS
Part-time employees are eligible for earned paid sick time, city training, and free or discounted bus and light rail fares.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Parks and Recreation Aides:
  • Any combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.
  • Job description: Parks & Recreation Aides .
For all:
  • All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
  • For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions, click here .
Recreation Leaders:
  • Completion of sixty semester hours of college work and a minimum of one year related experience, or a bachelor's degree in Recreation or Education; or related field.
  • Any other combination of education and experience, which provides knowledge, skill and ability required to perform the job may be acceptable.
  • Job description: Recreation Leaders .
Recreation Instructors:
  • Completion of the 12th grade.
  • Job description: Recreation Instructors .

RECRUITMENT DATES
On-going need to fill these roles through the 2025-2026 school year (Current - May 2026). Submit an application to be contacted and considered immediately.
This recruitment and any interview process as a result of this recruitment may be used by multiple hiring managers and multiple departments throughout the City to fill any related current or future vacancies; other recruitments and appropriate eligible lists may also be considered.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
  • Job interviews may be held by video or audio conference.
  • If you are in need of computer resources, click here for free options.
  • Arizona at Work has frequent classes to help with resume writing, interviewing skills, and general career guidance. Click here for more information.
  • Explore other Employment Opportunities with the City of Phoenix .
  • Subscribe to receive e-mail notifications about new employment opportunities.
  • If you need assistance applying for this job, please contact our HR Connection Center at (602) 495-5700 .

REFERENCE
Recreation Leader, JC:43030, ID# 58053, 5/11/26, 3 mos., MR, Benefits: None
Building the Phoenix of tomorrow.
#DoWorkThatMakesPhoenixWork
City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.

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