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Game Design Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Basic proficiency in office software and design tools * Strong sense of responsibility and teamwork ... Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect, full-time interns are ...

Design Engineer Co-Op

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Familiarity with SolidWorks or other 3D CAD software (coursework or internship experience a plus ... Our Commitment to You At Maesa, we live by our values of collaboration, curiosity, game-changing ...

Design Engineer Co-Op

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Familiarity with SolidWorks or other 3D CAD software (coursework or internship experience a plus ... Our Commitment to You At Maesa, we live by our values of collaboration, curiosity, game-changing ...

Lead UX Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$123K - $162K/yr

... the game. You will report into the Senior Director of Product. This role is based in our Santa ... Collaborate with UX, design, and production teams at Tencent to set the UX direction * Evaluate how ...

Lead UX Designer

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $161K/yr

... the game. You will report into the Senior Director of Product. This role is based in our Santa ... Collaborate with UX, design, and production teams at Tencent to set the UX direction * Evaluate how ...

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Game Design Internship information

What is a game design internship?

A Game Design Internship is a temporary position that allows students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in the game development industry. Interns typically assist with various aspects of game design, such as creating game concepts, designing levels, testing gameplay, and providing feedback on user experience. These internships are valuable for building a portfolio, making industry connections, and learning industry-standard tools and processes. They often work closely with experienced designers and development teams to understand the full cycle of game creation.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on during a game design internship?

As a Game Design Intern, you can expect to participate in a variety of hands-on projects, such as designing game levels, prototyping gameplay mechanics, and contributing to brainstorming sessions with the design team. You'll often collaborate with artists, programmers, and producers to help implement features or refine existing gameplay elements. Interns are typically given opportunities to playtest games, provide feedback, and document their design ideas. The fast-paced and creative environment provides valuable exposure to the full game development pipeline, making it an excellent learning experience.

What is the difference between Game Design Internship vs Game Development Internship?

AspectGame Design InternshipGame Development Internship
Required SkillsCreativity, storytelling, level designProgramming, software engineering, technical skills
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, creative departmentsProgramming teams, technical departments
Industry UsageUsed in game studios focusing on design and user experienceUsed in studios focusing on coding and technical development
Common Search IntentUnderstanding design roles in gamingUnderstanding technical roles in gaming

Game Design Internships focus on creative aspects like storytelling, level design, and user experience, while Game Development Internships emphasize programming and technical development. Both roles are essential in game studios but cater to different skill sets and career paths.

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 need a foundational understanding of game mechanics, storytelling, and user experience, often supported by coursework or personal projects in game development. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and graphic design software, as well as basic scripting knowledge, is typically required. Creativity, teamwork, and strong communication are vital soft skills to effectively collaborate and share ideas within a development team. These skills and qualities are important because they enable interns to contribute meaningful ideas, adapt to feedback, and support the fast-paced, collaborative nature of game development.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Game Design jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Game Design Internship jobs? Cities in California with the most Game Design Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Game Design Internship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Internship, 36% Full Time, and 46% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Animation Intern (Unpaid for Course Credit Only)

Dreamscape Learn

Culver City, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

We're looking for a creative and motivated Animation Intern to support our design and content team. This internship is ideal for students interested in animation, motion graphics, and storytelling who want hands-on experience working on real projects in a collaborative environment.
Responsibilities
  • Assist with creating 3D animations for digital experiences
  • Help with props, vehicles, basic character or environment animation
  • Collaborate with designers, artists, and cross-functional teams to bring
  • concepts to life
  • Revise animations based on feedback and project needs
  • Help organize animation assets and files

Requirements
  • Currently enrolled student pursuing Animation, Motion Design, Game Design, or a related field
  • Familiarity with animation principles (timing, spacing, squash & stretch, etc.)
  • Experience or coursework using tools such as Premiere Pro, Blender, Maya, Unity, or similar
  • Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
  • Ability to take direction and meet deadlines
  • Portfolio or samples of animation work (class projects welcome)

Nice to Have
  • Experience with Unity, Unreal Engine, or interactive media
  • Basic drawing, 3D modeling, or rigging skills
  • Interest in immersive, educational, or interactive experiences
  • Previously played vr games content

Benefits
  • Real-world animation experience on active projects
  • Mentorship and feedback from experienced creatives
  • Portfolio-worthy work
  • Exposure to a professional creative production pipeline
  • Exposure to real world tracking documents like Jira, Confluence and Shotgun
  • School credit (as approved by your academic program)

Disclaimer: This internship is an unpaid educational opportunity intended to provide training and experience related to Human Resource Management. It is offered for academic credit only in connection with an accredited educational program. Participation is designed for the benefit of the student and does not create an employment relationship. Interns will not displace regular employees and will work under close supervision to support their learning experience. Completion of this internship does not entitle the intern to a job at Dreamscape Learn (or continued employment) at the conclusion of the program.