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Entry Level Game Developer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Steely

Jr System Engineer

Reston, VA

$80K - $99K/yr

Capable of demonstrating knowledge in the fields of Computer Science or Engineering. * Basic ... Team activities and gaming Compensation We believe in paying fairly and competitively based on the ...

Steely

Jr System Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$80K - $99K/yr

This entry-level position will work with our established team of engineers, focused on day-to-day ... Team activities and gaming Compensation We believe in paying fairly and competitively based on the ...

Steely

Jr System Engineer

Reston, VA

$80K - $99K/yr

Capable of demonstrating knowledge in the fields of Computer Science or Engineering. * Basic ... Team activities and gaming Compensation We believe in paying fairly and competitively based on the ...

Research Innovations

Production Technician

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $23/hr

This is not an entry-level role; we need a hands-on specialist with experience in the aerospace or ... You will work directly in the lab alongside our engineering leads to prototype and produce hardware ...

Research Innovations

Production Technician

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $23/hr

This is not an entry-level role; we need a hands-on specialist with experience in the aerospace or ... You will work directly in the lab alongside our engineering leads to prototype and produce hardware ...

Research Innovations

Production Technician

Alexandria, VA

$18.50 - $23/hr

This is not an entry-level role; we need a hands-on specialist with experience in the aerospace or ... You will work directly in the lab alongside our engineering leads to prototype and produce hardware ...

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All JobsGame Developer JobsEntry Level Game Developer JobsEntry Level Game Developer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Entry Level Game Developer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$33.6K

$112.1K

$186.1K

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

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game developer in Silver Spring, MD is $112,135.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,300.00 and $128,200.00 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 Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Game Developer jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Entry Level Game Developer jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Game Developer jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Game Developer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Entry Level Game Developer jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD 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 Silver Spring, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, and 51% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,135 per year, or $53.9 per hour.
Entry Level Software Engineer for DC Top Workplace 2014-2016!

Entry Level Software Engineer for DC Top Workplace 2014-2016!

Next Century Corporation

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Company Description

About Next Century

We were founded as a direct result of the 9/11 attacks and provide solutions that integrate situational awareness, at a glance analysis, decision support, collaboration, and other core capabilities utilizing our expertise in data visualization, user interface design, GIS, image exploitation, and mobile computing.

Who We Are Seeking

At Next Century, we are committed to growing our team of high performers to accomplish our mission of saving lives and protecting our country. We are not a body shop; we avoid staff augmentation, and we are totally committed to excellence in all that we do.

Joining our team is not just a position, but a journey with a team of world class software engineers who share a passion for using their skills and experience to make a difference.

  • We are seeking those that hold these traits and beliefs:
    • Passionate about protecting our country and saving lives
    • Aware of the concept of a high-performance organization and is committed to achieving them
    • Engineers that desire to work closely with end users to identify the most critical information
    • Demonstrated passion for learning and curiosity of the world


For more information, visit our website at: http://nextcentury.com

Send resumes or questions to:

Ms. Brittany Appler
Technical Recruiter
2701 Technology Drive
Annapolis Junction, MD 20701
United States

brittany.appler @ nextcentury.com

Job Description

We expect individuals to be team-orientated, self-motivated, high performers who have the aptitude and desire to learn and contribute. Our primary focus is to develop life-saving, mission-critical application solutions that integrate situational awareness, at-a-glance analysis, decision support, collaboration, and other core capabilities utilizing our expertise in data visualization, user interface design, GIS, image exploitation, and mobile computing.

You will work closely with senior engineers and architects, to design and implement new features and new core capabilities. Must have a passion for Java programming, a very strong understanding of its core concepts and ability to write quality code and meet deadlines. You will be participating in all phases of the development life-cycle.

Qualifications

Requirements:

  • Recently achieved an Academic Degree in Computer Science/Computer Engineering
  • Proficiency with Java coding and debugging skills
  • Good programming practices with solid object-oriented development experience
  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills
  • Able to demonstrate initiative
  • Superior time management skills
  • Detail-oriented, results-oriented, and action-oriented
  • Able to set priorities and undertake complex tasks with minimal supervision
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

***Position requires the willingness and ability to obtain a high level security clearance.

Additional Information

Career Growth

Next Century offers ample opportunities for personalized career growth. As an employee you will have the opportunity to expand your skills and apply your abilities in different contexts. Growth in your career can lead to spot bonuses for outstanding achievement and support for educational opportunities.

Expect a Flat Company

What does this mean? The leaders at Next Century empower employees as individuals. Exploring your talents here is encouraged. We want to talk about how our customers dont play for layers of management. Our team of recruiters hire a personality, not just a position.

We Hire For Talent

We look for technical skills, but also character. This ensures that not only will you be working with talented individuals, the experience will be enjoyable. We are all mission-driven as we work to solve our customers' and users' problems.

Personalized Coaching

Our coaching program fosters continuous improvement by assigning a coach to every participant. Everyone is held accountable by their coach for the goals that they set for themselves. Goals can be professional, personal, or educational; this holistic approach helps to remove obstacles that might otherwise impede employees' ability to grow. As employees improve, so does the organization; this investment in our employees pays off by enabling us to carry out our mission with a high level of excellence.

A Good Balance

We recognize the importance of balancing work and life, and enjoy regular interactions together after hours-at the ballpark, at the holiversary party, at the annual picnic, at our game nights, and at our happy hours.


We provide excellent benefits for our employees! (More detailed explanation of benefits provided during the interview process)

Insurance

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Life Insurance

Continuing Education

  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition reimbursement

Work Schedule

  • Flexible Hours
  • Personal Leave Time
  • Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave

Other

  • Healthy lifestyles programs
  • Domestic partner benefits

Financial

  • 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Up to $12,000 Referral Bonuses

Apply