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Game Developer Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... developers like Activision and Electronic Arts to the Kickstarter-fueled Indie scene ... If you're looking to jumpstart a career in game journalism, mxdwn Games is a great place to begin.

Our first focus is gaming: 3D environment generation and understanding for interactive ... Significant experience in software engineering and applied AI * 1+ year full time experience at a ...

Technical Intern 3

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

As a Software Engineer Technical Intern, you will join a team of engineers supporting software ... Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and ...

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Game Developer Intern information

See California salary details

$11

$22

$38

How much do game developer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for game developer intern in California is $22.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a game developer intern do?

As a game developer intern, your job is to provide temporary support for the development of video games. In this role, you may work on one or more projects, experience various aspects of being a developer, and otherwise further your learning as a student. Internships in game development almost never last for the entirety of a development project. Creating games often takes years, and interns only work for a few months at most. Some larger companies may shuffle you through games at different stages of development to help you learn more about the changes that occur during the development process. This job title refers specifically to developing video games, but it is possible to find an internship helping create board games instead.

What does a game developer intern do?

A Game Developer Intern assists in creating and testing video games under the supervision of experienced developers. Their tasks often include writing code, designing gameplay features, debugging, and collaborating with artists and designers. Interns are expected to learn industry-standard tools and development processes while contributing to real projects. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and can serve as a stepping stone to a career in game development.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a game developer intern expect during their internship?

As a Game Developer Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks ranging from coding gameplay mechanics and fixing bugs to assisting with level design and collaborating on team projects. Interns are often given the opportunity to contribute to both ongoing development tasks and specific features under the guidance of experienced developers. You'll likely work closely with artists, designers, and QA testers, gaining exposure to the full game development pipeline. The experience is designed to help you build your technical skills, understand agile workflows, and learn how to effectively communicate within a multidisciplinary team.

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

To thrive as a Game Developer Intern, you need foundational knowledge in programming languages like C++ or C#, basic understanding of game design principles, and often enrollment in or completion of a relevant degree program. Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine and version control systems like Git is typically expected. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork distinguish standout interns in this role. These skills ensure interns can contribute to project development, adapt to challenges, and collaborate effectively within a dynamic game development environment.

What is the difference between Game Developer Intern vs Game Programmer Intern?

AspectGame Developer InternGame Programmer Intern
Required SkillsBasic programming, game design understanding, teamworkStrong coding skills, knowledge of programming languages like C++ or C#
Work EnvironmentCollaborative, creative teams in game studios or tech companiesTechnical, coding-focused tasks within development teams
Typical EmployerGame studios, entertainment companies, tech firmsGame studios, software development companies
Common Search IntentEntry-level game development roles, internship opportunitiesTechnical programming roles, internship in game coding

Game Developer Interns typically focus on assisting with game design, testing, and basic development tasks, while Game Programmer Interns concentrate on coding, debugging, and implementing game features. Both roles are entry points into game development but emphasize different skill sets and responsibilities.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Game Developer Intern jobs in California?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Game Developer Intern job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Internship, 43% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,997 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

2027 Masters Software Test Engineering Intern/Co-Op

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$104K/yr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Participate in different phases of the Software Test lifecycle in collaboration with development teams and Project Engineers to drive defects to closure.

  • Develop and complete automated and manual Test Plans/Test Cases using various test strategies such as Functional, Negative, Regression, customer/end user testing, Performance, Reliability, and Usability.

  • Reproduce, troubleshoot, triage, report, and drive software defects to closure, and build Test Cases/Plans for new features, products, and operating systems.


Advanced Micro Devices rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 161 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. ADVANCE THE WORLD.
At AMD, we believe technology has the power to solve the world's most important challenges. From advancing healthcare and scientific discovery to powering AI and the technologies people rely on every day, innovation at AMD is shaping the future.
Whether you're designing next-gen processors, enabling AI breakthroughs, or bringing leading edge products to market, every role at AMD contributes to something bigger - technology that moves the world forward. Join us and, together, we'll advance your career.
As an AMD intern or co-op, you'll be placed at the epicenter of the AI ecosystem, working alongside experts and industry pioneers. You'll do important work, learn new skills, expand your network, and gain real-world experience on projects that impact millions of end-users worldwide. Whether you're an undergrad or a PhD student, your contributions matter-and your experience here will be a launchpad for what comes next.
JOB DETAILS:
  • Location: San Jose, CA or Santa Clara, CA
  • Onsite/Hybrid: This role requires the student to work full time (40 hours a week), in either a hybrid or onsite work structure throughout the duration of the co-op/intern term
  • Duration:
    • Spring-Summer Co-op: January 25, 2027 - August 13, 2027
    • Summer Internship:
      • Semester Schools: May 24, 2027 - August 13, 2027
      • Quarter Schools: June 21, 2027 - September 10, 2027
    • Summer-Fall Co-op:
      • Semester Schools: May 24, 2027 - December 10, 2027
      • Quarter Schools: June 21, 2027 - December 10, 2027

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:
We are seeking a highly motivated Software Test Engineering intern/co-op to join our team and participate in different phases of the Software Test lifecycle in close collaboration with the development teams and Project Engineers to drive defects to closures. In this role -
  • We will train you to develop and complete both automated and manual Test Plans/Test Case with varies test strategies consisting of Functional testing, Negative testing, Regression Testing, customer/end user testing, Performance, Reliability and Usability
  • We will have your involvement to prioritize and efficiently handle several concurrent projects and testing tasks
  • We will assign you tasks for reproduction, trouble shooting, and triaging of software defects, reporting of the same and driving them to closure
  • We will help you to build Test Case/Plan for new features, new products (dGPU and APU) and new Operating Systems (Linux and/or Windows)
  • You will be encouraged to share ideas to improve current process are valued
  • You will work with our team to identify matrices and measurements for various aspect of the software QA development cycle and making them efficient

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
  • You are currently enrolled in a US based University in an Masters degree program majoring in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline
  • If you have knowledge / experience with any of the following technical skills (or related areas) and are enthusiastic about this role, we strongly encourage you to apply -
    • Software quality analysis process and methodology
    • PC configuration (both Software and Hardware) with methods of Troubleshooting and interest in PC platform architecture
    • Programming/scripting skills like Python, VBA, C++, Selenium framework
    • Keen interest in PC gaming and latest computer graphics technologies (including 3D graphics concepts/API/Gaming, VR and MR, display technologies (FreeSync/HDR), Multimedia, Compute)
    • Exposure to development / triaging / debugging in Linux and/or Windows environment
    • Exposure to databases and reporting tools

Note: By submitting your application, you are indicating your interest in AMD intern positions. We are recruiting for multiple positions, and if your experience aligns with any of intern opportunities, a recruiter will contact you.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.
AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants' needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.
AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD's "Responsible AI Policy" is available here.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

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