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Game Designer Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Game Day Operations Intern

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

The Norfolk Admirals are seeking motivated, dedicated and eager interns to join the Game Day ... Complete projects created/designed by the Internship Supervisor to encourage creative thinking and ...

Marketing Intern

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... game of soccer. Our internship program is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and leadership development. Interns work alongside experienced staff on ...

This fast-paced, dynamic role offers broad exposure to in-house work product designed to help ... Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and ...

$51K - $70K/yr

This fast-paced, dynamic role offers broad exposure to in-house work product designed to help ... Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and ...

Posted today

Game Designer Intern information

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.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Game Designer Intern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Game Day Operations Intern

AEG

Norfolk, VA โ€ข On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

Internship

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

The Norfolk Admirals are seeking motivated, dedicated and eager interns to join the Game Day Operations Team for the 2026-27 Season. This entry-level internship will provide hands-on exposure to the industries of sports management, event management, and ticket sales/operations. The ideal candidate is located in/near the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area, enrolled in a class or program which provides them with academic credit for the completion of an internship, and carries his/herself with a willingness to learn, grow, and put their best foot forward.
The beginning of this internship will coincide with the start of the Fall 2026 Academic Semester. The Norfolk Admirals season will take place from October 2026 to April 2027. Interns will be encouraged to continue the internship for the duration of the season, but a schedule which ends with the Fall Semester is fine as well. The job duties of Game Day Operations Interns are the following:
Game Days
  • Be present and prepared to work for every assigned shift
  • Be available for all 36 scheduled Admirals home games
  • Assist Admirals staff in preparing the arena for the public
  • Provide exceptional customer service to fans at all times throughout games, including processing orders at our Merchandise Stand and fulfilling in-game activities
  • Execute activations both on- and off-ice to enhance fan engagement/entertainment, sponsor fulfillments, and marketing opportunities
  • Coordinate pre-game ceremonies including (but not limited to) National Anthem, Presentation of Colors, and Puck Drop
  • Organize/secure merchandise following the conclusion of games
  • Complete additional directives as assigned by your Internship Supervisor

Office Hours (Non-Game Days)
  • Work with the Sales Department to prospect new leads, qualify/disqualify buyers, and communicate information to fans
  • Assist the Merchandise Department to organize and take inventory of merchandise, and facilitate online merchandise orders
  • With the Marketing Department, produce sales collateral and promotional material to promote ticket sales
  • Complete projects created/designed by the Internship Supervisor to encourage creative thinking and utilize your unique perspective and interests
  • Complete additional directives as assigned by your Internship Supervisor

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

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About AEG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1992