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Game Design Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Game Design Intern information

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 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, 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 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:
Game Design Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Design Intern job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.
Graduate Intern - Esports Operations & Recruitment

Graduate Intern - Esports Operations & Recruitment

Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Beach, VA

$14 - $18.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Batten University Esports

Batten University Esports is seeking a motivated and creative Graduate Intern to support the Director of Esports with daily program operations, student-athlete engagement, recruitment initiatives, and the execution of our premier collegiate Rocket League LAN event, CompleteU Collision on the Coast. This role is ideal for a graduate student interested in esports administration, event management, collegiate athletics, marketing, and social media strategy.

The Graduate Intern will play an active role in helping grow the university's esports ecosystem while gaining hands-on experience in collegiate esports operations and event production.

Position Responsibilities

Esports Operations Support

  • Assist the Director of Esports with day-to-day team operations and administrative tasks
  • Coordinate team schedules, practice logistics, match communications, and player support
  • Help maintain organization and communication between players, coaches, and staff
  • Support gameday and competition operations for varsity esports programs

Event Management - CompleteU Collision on the Coast

  • Assist in planning and executing the university's signature Rocket League collegiate LAN event, CompleteU Collision on the Coast
  • Coordinate event logistics including team communication, registration, scheduling, venue setup, and tournament operations
  • Support sponsor engagement, attendee experience, and event-day staffing
  • Assist with live event promotion and on-site content creation

Recruitment & Outreach

  • Utilize the Stay Plugged In Program to identify, contact, and recruit prospective esports student-athletes
  • Conduct outreach through phone calls, email, Discord, and social media platforms
  • Build relationships with prospective students, coaches, and esports communities
  • Maintain recruitment tracking and communication records

Social Media & Content

  • Assist with management of Batten University Esports social media platforms including X and Instagram
  • Create engaging esports-related content including graphics, short videos, match announcements, and event promotions
  • Help grow audience engagement and brand visibility across platforms
  • Capture and post live content during events and competitions

Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in a graduate program at Batten University 
  • Strong interest in esports, collegiate athletics, gaming culture, or event management
  • Familiarity with collegiate Esports preferred
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills
  • Experience with social media platforms, especially X and Instagram
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends during competitions and events
  • Self-motivated, collaborative, and detail-oriented

Preferred Skills

  • Experience with Esports tournament platforms and Discord communities
  • Basic graphic design or video editing experience
  • Knowledge of collegiate esports recruiting practices
  • Event operations or livestream production experience is a plus

Learning Opportunities

This internship provides practical experience in:

  • Collegiate Esports administration
  • Event planning and LAN tournament operations
  • Student-athlete recruitment
  • Brand development and social media marketing
  • Community engagement within the esports industry

Compensation & Schedule

  • Graduate Internship Position- full tuition and stipend 
  • Flexible scheduling based on academic commitments

  • Opportunities for travel and event participation may be available

This description is to be regarded as a general overview of the responsibilities required for this position. It is not intended as a contractual agreement; other related duties may be assigned.

If you found this job listing on an external site, please apply directly on the University's career page to be considered.

About Batten University

Batten University (batten.edu) is Coastal Virginia's premier university of the liberal arts and sciences. Situated on a 300-acre park-like campus in Virginia Beach, Batten University annually enrolls more than 5,000  learners in all programs in all locations, including nearly 1,700 students in undergraduate, graduate and online programs. Students thrive in average class sizes of 12, and nearly 90 percent of new graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of graduation. Through its Environmental Guiding Principles, the University incorporates a commitment to sustainability in every aspect of campus life. Batten University is an inclusive community dedicated to scholarship and service grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, inspiring students to build meaningful lives through engagement in Coastal Virginia's dynamic metropolitan region, the nation and the world.

Location

Batten University has often been defined by its desirable and unique location in Coastal Virginia. Located in Virginia Beach, the University is just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay on a beautiful 300-acre park-like campus. The area is home to a host of business, governmental, and cultural institutions, as well as rich historical and natural resources. Nestled in the heart of one of Virginia's largest metropolitan areas, Batten University is physically insulated from the bustle of the city traffic, and yet the vast resources of its surrounding urban area are easily accessible. Our region is proud of its vibrant city life, sandy beaches, and rich history. Learn more at  visitvirginiabeach.com/explore.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Batten University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered on the basis of skills, experience, and qualifications without regard to race, religion, color, creed, gender, national and ethnic origin, age, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, the presence of non-job-related medical disability, or any other legally protected status.

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