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Game Design Intern Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Ghost Story Games

OR · On-site

$107K - $158K/yr

You have a strong understanding of level design, gameplay pacing and global balance and keep a ... or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of ...

Teamwass

OR

... game shows, competition formats, and reality-based concepts and is looking for a Creative ... The intern will support the development team by researching, writing, and helping shape original ...

Ghost Story Games

OR · On-site

$185K - $210K/yr

The Challenge Ghost Story Games is seeking a talented Engineering Manager to join us on Judas, the ... on design goals. * Understanding of procedural content generation systems/algorithms. * Self ...

All JobsGame Design Intern JobsGame Design Intern Jobs in Oregon

Game Design Intern information

See Oregon salary details

$9

$20

$38

How much do game design intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for game design intern in Oregon is $20.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Game Design Intern vs Game Developer Intern?

AspectGame Design InternGame Developer Intern
Required SkillsCreativity, game mechanics understanding, basic design toolsProgramming, coding, software development
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, creative departmentsDevelopment teams, coding environments
Typical TasksConcept creation, level design, prototypingWriting code, debugging, implementing features

Game Design Interns focus on conceptualizing game mechanics, designing levels, and creating prototypes, while Game Developer Interns work on coding, software development, and implementing game features. Both roles often collaborate but differ mainly in skill set and daily tasks, with design interns emphasizing creativity and planning, and developer interns concentrating on technical programming.

What does a game design intern do?

A Game Design Intern assists game designers and development teams in creating and refining video game concepts, mechanics, and levels. Their responsibilities often include brainstorming ideas, prototyping gameplay elements, providing feedback on game features, and conducting playtests. Interns may also help document design decisions and collaborate with artists, programmers, and other team members to ensure the game is engaging and meets quality standards. This role is a great way to gain hands-on experience and learn about the game development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game design intern?

To thrive as a Game Design Intern, you generally need a solid understanding of game mechanics, storytelling, and basic programming or design principles, often supported by coursework or a related degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, and graphic or prototyping software is highly valuable. Creativity, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you contribute ideas and work effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for turning concepts into engaging gameplay experiences and for learning quickly in a dynamic industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Design jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Game Design jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Game Design Intern jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Game Design Intern job openings:
Game Design Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Design Intern job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,613 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Senior Designer

Ghost Story Games

OR • On-site

$107K - $158K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

The Challenge:

Ghost Story Games is seeking a talented Senior Designer to join us on Judas, the highly anticipated game led by Ken Levine (System Shock 2, BioShock series).  Unique in its creative vision, Judas is also built upon novel technology by which the visual world, gameplay, and story unfolds in meaningful, dynamic ways.  The result is a significant and personal journey adapted to each player's experience and offers a new approach to the art and storytelling of video games.  

We're looking for an experienced lead designer to help build the best possible gameplay experience for our next project. You have a strong understanding of level design, gameplay pacing and global balance and keep a holistic view of how it all fits together in moment to moment gameplay. You have a strong ability to deconstruct high level gameplay systems, breaking them down into specific technical details, features and tasks as well as possess the technical acumen to dive in and hook it all up in a highly systemic game.

What You'll Take On:

  • Primary ownership for the design, prototyping and fostering of one or more core gameplay systems, including player mechanics, world simulation and / or AI.

  • Lead, coordinate and participate in collaborative, interdisciplinary sub-teams to implement and balance gameplay features from initial design to final polish.

  • Author, revise and provide feedback on internal design documentation, including feature specifications and implementation guides.

  • Collaborate with the design team to incorporate systems into level gameplay and maintain overall balance between multiple gameplay systems.

  • Continually iterate, balance and tune features and gameplay based on feedback from design leads, QA and playtesting.

What You Bring:

  • 10+ years of design experience on PC or console games in a systems design capacity.

  • Have worked on projects throughout the entire production cycle, from concepting through ship.

  • Strong skills in design/scripting (Unreal 4 experience preferred).

  • Ability to work independently to diagnose and solve problems; to work within a schedule; and to deliver effectively to deadlines.

  • Excellent communication, collaboration, interpersonal and organizational skills.

  • Familiarity with highly systemic games with procedural elements.

  • Experience with design for shooters, immersive sims and/or action RPGs.

  • Experience with Perforce or similar source control solutions.

When Applying For This Position:

Please watch the following GDC talk given by Ken Levine: http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1020434/Narrative


The pay range for this position in Massachusetts at the start of employment is expected to be between $107,100 and $158,520 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.If hired, employee will be in an ~at-will position~ and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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