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Entry Level Video Game Developer Jobs in Virginia

Associate

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$15 - $16.75/hr

Facility-Mechanic Round One Entertainment is looking to hire a part-time, non-exempt Entry Level Mechanic. Wage: $15 - 16.75 /Hour NO EXPERIENCE IS NECCESSARY Are you into video games, bowling ...

... developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users. We ... Please learn more by watching this video: Must Have Candidates must be 18 years of age or older and ...

$57K - $62K/yr

... developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users. We ... Please learn more by watching this video: Must Have Candidates must be 18 years of age or older and ...

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Entry Level Video Game Developer information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$18

$22

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

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level video game developer in Virginia is $18.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $20.00 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 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 its features or content. Entry level developers often focus on core mechanics and essential assets first, optimizing their workflow to deliver a playable experience efficiently.

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.

Will AI replace game devs?

As an entry-level video game developer, AI is a tool that can assist with tasks like procedural content generation and testing, but it is unlikely to fully replace human developers. Creativity, problem-solving, and understanding player experience remain essential skills that AI cannot replicate entirely. Developers who learn to work alongside AI tools can enhance productivity and focus on more complex aspects of game design.

How to get a job in game development with no experience?

Entry level video game developers can start by building a portfolio with personal projects, participating in game jams, and learning programming languages like C# or C++ commonly used in game engines such as Unity or Unreal. Gaining familiarity with tools, creating a demo reel, and pursuing online courses or certifications can also improve chances of entry-level employment without prior professional experience.

Is C++ or C++ better for games?

For entry level video game developers, C++ is widely used in game development due to its performance and control over hardware resources, making it suitable for high-performance games. C++ is often paired with game engines like Unreal Engine, which require knowledge of the language, while learning C++ fundamentals can also help in understanding other programming languages used in game development. Both are important skills for aspiring developers to learn, especially for roles involving engine programming or performance optimization.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Video Game Developer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Video Game Developer job openings:
Cloud Systems Engineer I, ADC System Security Engineering

Cloud Systems Engineer I, ADC System Security Engineering

Amazon

Herndon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,939 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Come join a security team who focuses on ease of use and delighting our customers to build and support security services, used across all of Amazon, that secure our internal systems and networks.
At Amazon Web Services (AWS), Security is our highest priority. Our team is responsible for inventing, scaling, and operating the foundational security services used across Amazon to secure our systems, processes, and data. We build authentication, authorization, and enforcement services that are used across our diverse internal teams as they build and deliver services for our customers

We support all of Amazon.com and AWS with our services, and need solution-oriented thinkers who are passionate about solving problems at scale, thinking through edge cases, and iterating quickly to delight our customers.
Are you a good fit for our team?
You'll love this team if you are passionate about security, and curious how we design security into the cloud and Amazon infrastructure from the minute a server hits our data center through how we securely administer and operate services. At Amazon, we are looking for engineers who know how to think through a problem, be creative, and who think outside the box in ways that benefit our customers.
The focus we have on our customers is why we are one of the world's most beloved brands - it is part of our company DNA

Our Engineers (you!) are obsessed with customer trust, building solutions that address real world risks, and thinking deeply about how humans use security systems to build elegant security that users love to use.
We are looking for people who bring diverse perspectives, ask a lot of questions, and challenge the status quo. We are a team of out-of-the-box thinkers, who iterate quickly, and think deeply about how to build secure systems that are easy to use.
This position requires that the candidate selected must currently possess and maintain an active TS/SCI security clearance with polygraph

The position further requires the candidate to opt into a commensurate clearance for each government agency for which they perform AWS work.
Key job responsibilities
In this role you will join an established and rapidly growing DevOps engineering team who is maintaining an existing security service while expanding the deployment, features, and capabilities to address significant new initiatives across the company.
You will:
- Build, deploy, and maintain security services that are used internally to support the US intelligence community.


- Work backwards from the customer to ensure our services are developed with features that meet the needs of our end users.
A day in the life
We work across the company on services that are always-on; the company depends on us. To perform our best, we value work/life harmony, flexible schedules, and unscheduled time to brain storm.

We support established, and rapidly growing services, with a DevOps model, so you will be part of an on-call rotation every couple of months.
Our challenges and goals are ambitious, often ambiguous, and we sometimes try things that don't work. We embrace the learnings from failure and iterate quickly.

We emphasize shipping rapidly, using automated releases and testing to deploy frequently, and deeply root causing issues to ensure that we stay fast. Almost all of our team works from home these days, but typically we are together in the office collaborating around a whiteboard, planning over coffee, or playing a video game during downtime.
About the team
Why AWS
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world's most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating - that's why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
AWS Infrastructure Services (AIS)
AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure

In other words, we're the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain - and we're looking for talented people who want to help.
Inclusive Team Culture
Here at AWS, it's in our nature to learn and be curious

Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture

When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there's nothing we can't achieve in the cloud.
Mentorship and Career Growth
We're continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth's Best Employer. That's why you'll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
Diverse Experiences
Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply

If your career is just starting, hasn't followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don't let it stop you from applying.


What Amazon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Amazon logo

About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US