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Entry Level Video Game Developer Jobs in California

Intrepid Studios

Gameplay Programmer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$136K - $151K/yr

Work with game designers, artists, and other engineers to create compelling experiences * Break ... Passion and enthusiasm for video games * One or more shipped AAA multi-player titles preferred

Intrepid Studios

Gameplay Programmer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$136K - $151K/yr

Work with game designers, artists, and other engineers to create compelling experiences * Break ... Passion and enthusiasm for video games * One or more shipped AAA multi-player titles preferred

Youth Beat

Junior Producer Apprenticeship

Oakland, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Junior Producer Apprenticeship An entry-level position in video, photography, video editing, and production, starting at $20 per hour. This position is open to YouthBeat alumni. Duration: 2 years ...

Youth Beat

Junior Producer Apprenticeship

Oakland, CA

$20/hr

Junior Producer Apprenticeship An entry-level position in video, photography, video editing, and production, starting at $20 per hour. This position is open to YouthBeat alumni. Duration: 2 years ...

Univision

Activations Technician-Seasonal

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $29/hr

... engineering teams; * Maintain accurate inventory of promotional items, prizes, signage, and ... Strong social media skills and understanding of current trends. * Entry level video editing skills ...

Univision

Activations Technician-Seasonal

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $29/hr

... engineering teams; * Maintain accurate inventory of promotional items, prizes, signage, and ... Strong social media skills and understanding of current trends. * Entry level video editing skills ...

Univision

Activations Technician-Seasonal

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20/hr

... engineering teams; Maintain accurate inventory of promotional items, prizes, signage, and ... trends. Entry level video editing skills (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, CapCut) Prior ...

Arc Games

Legal Counsel

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$105K - $140K/yr

Arc Games, Inc. is a video game publisher based in the Bay Area, with titles including Star Trek ... * Entry-level candidates are welcome to apply, prior in-house experience is a plus but not ...

Integrated Resources INC

Video Technician

San Jose, CA · On-site

Candidate should have some understanding of content and programming rights whether video, music, games or books. Candidate will monitor video feeds, check VOD playback and metadata, update via ticket ...

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Entry Level Video Game Developer information

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

As of Sep 2, 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 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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Video Game Developer jobs in California?

The most popular types of 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,094 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Gameplay Programmer

Intrepid Studios

San Diego, CA • On-site

$136K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Founded in 2015, Intrepid Studios is the independent developer and publisher of the upcoming and Most Anticipated MMORPG, Ashes of Creation and the last-man-standing action game, Ashes of Creation Apocalypse. Intrepid's rapidly-growing studio in beautiful Southern California has assembled a veteran AAA team of tremendous talent and experience in the MMORPG industry, and we're always seeking self-driven and passionate individuals to share in our common goal: making fun games.

Job Description
  • Develop online gameplay features in Unreal engine
  • Learn and adopt the coding standards and development philosophies that are embraced by the team
  • Work with game designers, artists, and other engineers to create compelling experiences
  • Break-down design goals into smaller technical tasks
  • Provide feedback on gameplay and offer suggestions for improvement
  • Evaluate and communicate the potential impact of code changes to stakeholders
Qualifications
  • Demonstrated proficiency in C++
  • Experience with implementing networked gameplay features
  • Solid understanding of basic trigonometry
  • Bachelor's degree in CS, Math, Engineering, etc. or equivalent ability or experience
  • Minimum of 2 years game industry experience, or equivalent
  • Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize work
  • Must be an effective communicator, both verbally and written
  • Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and the desire to work in a highly collaborative team environment
  • Passion and enthusiasm for video games
  • One or more shipped AAA multi-player titles preferred
  • Experience working with visual scripting environments (e.g. Blueprints)
  • Perforce and Jira experience is a plus
  • Understanding of linear algebra is a solid bonus
Additional Information

 The gaming industry can be a turbulent storm of hiring cycles and layoffs. We've set out to do something different, to break this cycle and create an independent studio capable of withstanding the chaos of this industry. The studio is designed to be an open place for collaboration and communication, a place that is conducive to team building and success. Our goal is to build a family that will laugh together, play together, succeed together, and stay together.

All posted positions are on-site, full-time, with generous medical benefits options, paid sick/vacation days, and 401k. Intrepid Studios also offers an upbeat, casual, and collaborative environment with snacks provided daily and company lunch Fridays.

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