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Entry Level Video Game Developer Jobs in California

Naughty Dog

Gameplay Programmer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$144K - $160K/yr

Minimum of 2 years working in the video game industry * Bachelor's degree in computer science or ... Experience programming on enemies, including AI * Design or scripting experience in implementing ...

Snail Games USA

Office Administrator

Beverly Hills, CA

$65K - $75K/yr

Office Administrator About Us Snail Games USA is a global game developer and publisher delivering ... Additional Information As part of the Company's activities in video game development, publishing ...

Snail Games USA

Office Administrator

Beverly Hills, CA

$65K - $75K/yr

Office Administrator About Us Snail Games USA is a global game developer and publisher delivering ... Additional Information As part of the Company's activities in video game development, publishing ...

Snail Games USA

Office Administrator

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Office Administrator About Us Snail Games USA is a global game developer and publisher delivering ... Additional Information As part of the Company's activities in video game development, publishing ...

Spellbrush

Front-End Engineer (Anime)

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

The Frontend Role: We're seeking a talented Front-End Engineer to join our team and help us build the next generation of anime and video game tools. You'll be responsible for designing and developing ...

Spellbrush

Front-End Engineer (Anime)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Frontend Role: We're seeking a talented Front-End Engineer to join our team and help us build the next generation of anime and video game tools. You'll be responsible for designing and developing ...

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Entry Level Video Game Developer information

See California salary details

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How much do entry level video game developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level video game developer in California is $18.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectEntry Level Video Game DeveloperJunior Game Programmer
Required CredentialsDegree in Computer Science, Game Design, or related fieldDegree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentGame studios, tech companies, freelance projectsGame studios, tech companies, internship programs
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in gaming industry for entry rolesOften used interchangeably, focusing on coding tasks

Entry Level Video Game Developers and Junior Game Programmers often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. The main difference lies in terminology; 'Entry Level Video Game Developer' emphasizes a broader role involving design and development, while 'Junior Game Programmer' focuses more specifically on coding tasks. Both roles serve as starting points in the gaming industry, with overlapping skills and responsibilities.

What is an entry level video game developer?

An entry level video game developer is a professional who helps design, code, and test video games, usually as part of a larger development team. These developers often work on specific tasks such as programming game features, fixing bugs, or creating basic game assets under the supervision of more experienced developers. Entry level positions are ideal for recent graduates or those new to the industry, providing hands-on experience with game development tools, engines, and workflows. Over time, entry level developers can advance to more specialized or senior roles as they gain experience.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Video Game Developer, you need a solid grasp of programming languages (such as C++, C#, or Python), basic software engineering principles, and a relevant degree or portfolio of game projects. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems like Git, and possibly certifications in game development are commonly expected. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help you stand out in collaborative, fast-paced development environments. These skills are crucial to efficiently creating engaging games, meeting project deadlines, and contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

What are the most common challenges faced by entry level video game developers when joining a new project team?

Entry level video game developers often encounter challenges such as adapting to the team's workflow, learning proprietary tools or engines, and understanding the existing codebase. Collaborating effectively with designers, artists, and senior developers can also be a learning curve, as clear communication is essential for integrating features and gameplay elements. Over time, new developers gain confidence by asking questions, actively participating in team meetings, and taking on small tasks that gradually build their skills and familiarity with the project.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Video Game Developer jobs in California? For Entry Level Video Game Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Video Game Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Video Game Developer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Video Game Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Video Game Developer job openings:
Entry Level Video Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Video Game Developer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 5% As Needed, 37% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,094 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Gameplay Programmer

Gameplay Programmer

Naughty Dog

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$144K - $160K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

This is a hybrid/ onsite position.

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5. We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Parts I and II are now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we're busy at the kennel working onIntergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us. 

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contributes to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together. 

In service of these goals, Naughty Dog is growing our Programming team! Come help us to push the technical limits of video games by implementing new ideas to make our characters and their world feel more real and more alive.  As a Gameplay Programmer, you will collaborate closely across disciplines such as Design and Animation to create and iterate on various new and existing systems based on the needs of the project with some of the best developers in the world. 

What you will do: 

  • Work closely with the Design and Animation teams to bring ideas and new gameplay features into the game 

  • Collaborate with the team to design and implement and iterate on new enemy types, modifying existing features and creating new features to support the design

  • Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed 

What skills you will use: 

  • Minimum of 2 years working in the video game industry 

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent work experience 

  • Solid math skills with emphasis on 3D math 

  • Solid knowledge of C and C++ programming languages 

  • Possesses the ability and drive to contribute and advance all aspects of a game 

 Bonus Skills: 

  • Experience programming on enemies, including AI 

  • Design or scripting experience in implementing enemies

  • Console programming experience 

  • Passion for playing and developing exceptional games 

  • Interest in crafting and iterating on moment-to-moment gameplay 

As part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates should expect to be given a technical interview.

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