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Entry Level Video Game Developer Jobs in Irvine, CA

iHeartMedia

Anchor/Producer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$130K - $132K/yr

... of programming that reflects the diversity of the many communities we serve - and our company ... May prepare written content, visual images, audio material and video footage for websites, blogs ...

Twitch

Customer Experience Specialist

Irvine, CA

$19 - $24/hr

... they be creators, customers, developers, or viewers. In this role you will be focusing on ... Immerse yourself into the culture of Twitch, the video game industry, and our expanding repertoire ...

Code Ninjas

Coding Instructor

Fountain Valley, CA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

... and building video games they love. Kids have a blast and can't wait to come back. Parents are ... Do you enjoy teaching and building problem-solving skills in young engineering minds? Have you ...

Code Ninjas

Coding Instructor

Fountain Valley, CA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

... and building video games they love. Kids have a blast and can't wait to come back. Parents are ... Do you enjoy teaching and building problem-solving skills in young engineering minds? Have you ...

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Entry Level Video Game Developer information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$13

$19

$24

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level video game developer in Irvine, CA is $19.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $21.68 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 cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Entry Level Video Game Developer jobs? Cities near Irvine, CA 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 Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,432 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Game Day Assistant - GDA for Spirit League -Special Needs Athletics

Spirit League (sports for special needs)

Mission Viejo, CA • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

There is no organization like Spirit League, providing year-round connection and self-confidence on the field of play to a historically under-supported population. Nearly 600 autistic, neurodivergent, or developmentally disabled youths and adults in Orange County participated in Spirit League athletics in 2025. The League is expanding, and now offers an additional week each season to include a Community Day event - programming that brings experts, families and athletes together to connect, support, and learn from each other, off the fields.
We are the only special needs team sports league in California that offers year-round programming.  We run 11 weeks of Soccer in the Fall, 11 Weeks of Baseball in the Winter, and 11 weeks of Basketball in the Spring.  We hire Game-Day Assistants year-round, as another sports season is always around the corner.  We hire per season, so you can apply anytime of year!
Game-Day Assistant (GDA)
 
Reports To:  Program Director

Rate of Pay: $25 p/h starting compensation, Part-Time.  We pay more for people experienced and/or trained to work with this population.
Hours:  The GDA is the foundation for the overall quality and delivery of all Spirit League Youth Sports.  The GDA must be present at all Spirit League Youth Athletics unless approved by their supervisor.  Additional hours outside of game time are required to prep, review, and facilitate all SL Youth athletic programming.
Every Spirit League GDA is expected to work effectively with all team members, ensure the health and safety of all athletes, and maintain a caring community that nurtures the growth of all athletes.  General responsibilities of all Program Staff include:
  • Ensuring compliance with safety rules and regulations.
  • Be customer and client-facing through
    • answering phone calls and responding to emails promptly 
    • Resolving customer complaints and issues courteously 
    • Building positive and supportive relationships with all members of the SL community (staff, coaches/volunteers, families, athletes)
    • Ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Function as an ambassador for Spirit League to the larger community; finding opportunities to bring awareness to the League, express its benefits, and always speak positively about the Spirit League community and its value.
  • Staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.
Responsibilities Specific to the Game Day Assistant (GDA):

·         Assist program staff in preparing courts and equipment for games;
·         Manage or referee a game on one's own, assisting coaches and athletes as needed;
·         Helping teach basic sports skills to athletes during practice and game time;
·         Adjusting equipment on the court when preparing for the next age division to play;
·         Helping staff clean up equipment and return to on-site storage;
·         Assisting the Youth Game-Day Athletic Program Manager, as needed, on game day.
 
Candidates should have experience working with athletes/teens with autism and general knowledge of game rules (Soccer, Baseball, Soccer). An understanding of applied behavioral analysis is a plus.
For inquiries, please email our Program Director at info@spiritleague.org