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Game Design Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

K12 Zone Engineering Intern

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

K12 Zone Engineering Intern The K12 Zone Engineering Intern supports the design and development of ... Experience building interactive applications, games, simulations, virtual experiences, or web-based ...

Technical Intern 3

Manassas, VA · On-site

$49.59K - $68.99K/yr

Supporting technical work in areas ranging from the design, verification, test of space products ... Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and ...

Technical Intern 2

Arlington, VA · On-site

$45.55K - $63.33K/yr

Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and ... Knowledge of Data Structures and Object-Oriented Design/Development * Knowledge of Agile based ...

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Rendering is the process of generating a final visual output from data or a design. It is used across various fields: * In computer graphics and gaming: transforming 3D models into realistic images ...

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Game Design Intern information

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$19

$36

How much do game design intern jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for game design intern in Virginia is $19.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $21.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Game Design Intern, and why are they important?

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 types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as a Game Design Intern?

As a Game Design Intern, you’ll typically work on a variety of tasks such as prototyping gameplay mechanics, designing levels, documenting game features, and playtesting builds. You’ll often collaborate closely with designers, artists, and programmers, contributing your ideas in brainstorming sessions and providing feedback on in-development features. Interns may also support the team by researching trends or helping refine user experiences. This hands-on involvement offers a valuable opportunity to learn industry-standard tools and gain exposure to the full game development cycle.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Game Design jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Game Design jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Game Design Intern jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Game Design Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Game Design Intern job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 41% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,959 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
Game Simulation Developer Intern

Game Simulation Developer Intern

Obsidian Solutions Group LLC

Fredericksburg, VA • On-site

$18 - $23.75/hr

Internship

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description:

Game Simulation Developer Intern – Obsidian Labs

Primary Work Location: Fredericksburg, VA

Must be a U.S Citizen: Yes


Obsidian Labs, the applied innovation, rapid prototyping, and advanced engineering division of Obsidian Solutions Group, is seeking a Game Simulation Developer Intern to support the design and development of immersive simulation environments. This role provides hands-on experience working alongside a multidisciplinary team building next-generation capabilities that integrate game engine technologies, geospatial systems, and real-time data into operationally relevant training and decision-support tools.

The intern will contribute to the development of interactive simulation features supporting Obsidian Labs’ flagship platforms, including VERTEX, enabling advanced Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training for defense, public safety, and critical infrastructure missions. This is an opportunity to directly support cutting-edge human-machine teaming applications and immersive training systems in a mission-driven environment


Requirements:

Specific Responsibilities

  • Support development of simulation environments using game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine
  • Assist in building interactive features, environments, and gameplay mechanics for training simulations
  • Contribute to integration of real-time data streams, geospatial information, and sensor inputs into simulation environments
  • Develop and test scripts, prototypes, and modules supporting immersive AR/VR and desktop-based simulation systems
  • Collaborate with software engineers, designers, and operational subject matter experts to translate mission requirements into technical features
  • Participate in debugging, performance optimization, and validation of simulation systems
  • Assist with scenario development for training, wargaming, and mission rehearsal applications
  • Support documentation efforts including technical write-ups, user guides, and development notes

Required Skills and Experience:

  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Game Development, Software Engineering, or related field
  • Experience with at least one programming language (C#, C++, Python, or JavaScript)
  • Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine
  • Basic understanding of object-oriented programming and software development principles
  • Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
  • Photo editing (ex. Adobe photoshop, Adobe Illustrator)
  • Applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with a portfolio or demo reel link demonstrating their work.

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Experience with AR/VR development or immersive technologies
  • Familiarity with 3D modeling tools (Blender, Maya, or similar)
  • Understanding of simulation concepts, physics engines, or AI behaviors in games
  • Exposure to geospatial tools (GIS) or mapping frameworks
  • Interest in defense, public safety, or mission-driven simulation applications
  • Experience working with version control systems (e.g., Git)

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

  • Normal office and lab environment

Travel Requirements

  • N/A

Company Description

Obsidian Solutions Group LLC (OSG) is a fast-growing professional services firm based in Fredericksburg, VA. We create value for our customers by delivering technology-enabled & mission-oriented technical solutions that solve complex problems, protecting people, information, and assets. Our core capabilities are in providing Enterprise IT, Intelligence Analysis, Production & Development and Knowledge-Based Professional Services Solutions that enable the customer’s mission. Obsidian Solutions Group LLC is a certified 8(a), service-disabled, veteran-owned small business.

A career at Obsidian Solutions Group means you are able to put your expertise, credentials, and talents to great use working with customers in the DOD and Intelligence Community, while enjoying the excitement of working in a fast-growing organization committed to making a difference for our customers and in our community. Contribute independently and collaboratively alongside our amazing team of doers and thinkers. Obsidian Solutions Group is small enough to offer a family atmosphere yet large enough to deliver a highly competitive compensation package. We hire and retain the best in the industry, offering exceptional benefits that protect the well-being of our employees, their spouses and domestic partners, and their families.

Our corporate philosophy is centered on hiring and retaining employees with the requisite skills, professional experience, personal commitment, and ethical standards necessary to foster a culture of operational excellence necessary to surpass our customer’s expectations.

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Obsidian Solutions Group is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, protected veteran status, and any other non-merit factor, or any other characteristic protected by law.