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Game Designer Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Graphic Design Intern

Elmhurst, IL ยท On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Required to work on game nights, off-hours, and on weekends when requested ***Must provide a ... Experience in designing static and animated ads for web, social, email, and display * Excellent ...

... designers. In this role, you'll support design and documentation tasks, help create client ... gaming, healthcare, multifamily, and sports and recreation. If you are ready to design alongside ...

... designers. In this role, you'll support design and documentation tasks, help create client ... gaming, healthcare, multifamily, and sports and recreation. If you are ready to design alongside ...

Spearheaded by PEAK6 co-founder, Jenny Just, our Trading Internship is designed to encourage smart ... risk-taking games * Weekly poker sessions hosted by traders to tie in trading concepts

Spearheaded by PEAK6 co-founder, Jenny Just, our Trading Internship is designed to encourage smart ... risk-taking games * Weekly poker sessions hosted by traders to tie in trading concepts

Spearheaded by PEAK6 co-founder, Jenny Just, our Trading Internship is designed to encourage smart ... risk-taking games * Weekly poker sessions hosted by traders to tie in trading concepts

Spearheaded by PEAK6 co-founder, Jenny Just, our Trading Internship is designed to encourage smart ... risk-taking games * Weekly poker sessions hosted by traders to tie in trading concepts

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Game Designer Intern information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$19

$37

How much do game designer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for game designer intern in Chicago, IL is $19.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $22.31 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Designer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Game Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Game Designer Intern jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Designer Intern jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Game Designer Intern jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Game Designer Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Game Designer Intern job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,519 per year, or $20 per hour.

Graphic Design Intern

AEG

Elmhurst, IL โ€ข On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Internship

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

This is an unpaid internship and can be used towards school credit if needed.
The Graphic Design intern will work closely with the Director of Marketing and other various members of the organization and be involved in the day-to-day graphic/visual elements of the Chicago Union. They will gain valuable insight into various aspects of a professional sports organization. This individual will support the team in telling the story of our brand through visually impactful, culturally relevant, and cutting-edge design.
The successful candidate will be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a consistent structure, can-do attitude, and top-notch creative execution. Moreover, this individual must take initiative independently and manage ambiguity while embodying the vision, mission, and core values of the Chicago Union ultimate team.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as brand creative support on major marketing campaigns, social and sponsorship needs.
  • Developing graphics packages for a wide range of media including social, web, email, apparel, outdoor, marketing promotions, and in-game needs
  • Maintain quality control of content, and support design strategy and execution
  • Organize event and gameday media
  • Support the team in innovation and staying up to date with trends and best practices
  • Ability to manage multiple projects & brands simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail
  • Required to work on game nights, off-hours, and on weekends when requested

***Must provide a portfolio of work
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications
  • Advance software skills required: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Pro, Bridge)
  • Experience in designing static and animated ads for web, social, email, and display
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Must be self-motivated, detail oriented, and have a sense of accountability
  • Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license
  • Must reside in the Chicagoland area and be able to attend all Union events including home games, practices, and tournaments.

Education and Experience
  • Currently working towards or have graduated with a degree in Sports Marketing, Graphic Design, or related field
  • Prior experience working in an in-house creative team, creative agency, or related, with knowledge and enthusiasm for professional sports

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