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Game Designer Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Centerfield

Software Engineer Intern

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

Hi, We're Centerfield! Supercharged customer acquisition. Centerfield delivers outcome-based digital marketing solutions and personalized omnichannel experiences for the world's leading brands.

Centerfield

Software Engineer Intern

Los Angeles, CA ยท Hybrid

Hi, We're Centerfield! Supercharged customer acquisition. Centerfield delivers outcome-based digital marketing solutions and personalized omnichannel experiences for the world's leading brands.

Centerfield

Software Engineer Intern

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

Hi, We're Centerfield! Supercharged customer acquisition. Centerfield delivers outcome-based digital marketing solutions and personalized omnichannel experiences for the world's leading brands.

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All JobsGame Designer Intern JobsGame Designer Intern Jobs in California

Game Designer Intern information

See California salary details

$9

$19

$36

How much do game designer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for game designer intern in California is $19.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a game designer intern do?

A Game Designer Intern assists in the creation and development of video games by contributing ideas, designing game mechanics, and helping with documentation. They often work closely with senior designers and other team members to prototype levels, balance gameplay elements, and test features. Interns also learn about the game development process, receive feedback, and may participate in brainstorming sessions or playtesting. The role is ideal for those looking to start a career in game development and gain hands-on experience in a collaborative environment.

What does a game designer intern do?

In a game designer intern role, you gain experience with designing video games as a student enrolled in a relevant college degree program. Your internship duties are to shadow your mentor as they teach you the responsibilities and skills game designers need to design and implement a vision into a working video game. You work with gaming clients under the oversight of your mentor to learn more about following client needs and goals to create their games. These positions are temporary, with design companies usually offering them over the summer months. Many companies pay their interns a salary throughout their internship, but some companies only provide unpaid positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game designer intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Designer Intern, you need a solid grasp of game design principles, storytelling, and basic programming or scripting knowledge, often supported by coursework in game development or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, and prototyping software, as well as version control systems, is highly valued. Creativity, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you effectively contribute ideas and work within multidisciplinary teams. These skills are essential for translating concepts into engaging gameplay experiences and collaborating efficiently in a dynamic development environment.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a game designer intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Game Designer Intern, you can expect to contribute to various stages of the game development process, from brainstorming and prototyping new gameplay mechanics to assisting with level design and playtesting. Interns often collaborate closely with artists, programmers, and senior designers, gaining hands-on experience in refining game systems and balancing gameplay. You'll likely attend team meetings, provide feedback on in-development features, and help document design decisions. This role offers a valuable opportunity to learn industry best practices while building a portfolio of real-world projects.

What is the difference between Game Designer Intern vs Game Artist Intern?

AspectGame Designer InternGame Artist Intern
Required SkillsGame design principles, creativity, basic programmingArt skills, graphic design, 2D/3D modeling
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, game development studiosArt departments, visual development teams
Common Industry UsageUsed in game development companies focusing on gameplay and mechanicsUsed in studios focusing on visual assets and art creation

Game Designer Interns focus on creating gameplay mechanics, storylines, and user experience, while Game Artist Interns concentrate on visual assets, character design, and environment art. Both roles are essential in game development but serve different creative functions within the industry.

More about Game Designer Intern jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Game Designer jobs in California are:

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For Game Designer Intern jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Designer Intern jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Designer Intern jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Game Designer Intern jobs?

Cities in California with the most Game Designer Intern job openings:

Game Designer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Designer Intern job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,777 per year, or $19.1 per hour.