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Game Development Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Washington, DC · Remote

$40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Rockville, MD · Remote

$40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Bowie, MD · Remote

$40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

College Park, MD · Remote

$40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Laurel, MD · Remote

$40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

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All JobsGame Development JobsGame Development Jobs in Washington

Game Development information

See Washington salary details

$36.8K

$122.9K

$203.9K

How much do game development jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for game development in Washington is $122,854.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,300.00 and $140,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Game Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Game Development, you need strong programming skills (commonly in C++, C#, or Java), a solid understanding of computer graphics, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as version control systems such as Git, is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that help in designing engaging gameplay and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for creating technically sound, innovative, and commercially successful games.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in game development teams?

Game development often involves tight deadlines, rapidly changing project requirements, and the need to balance creative vision with technical constraints. Team members regularly collaborate across disciplines—such as programming, design, art, and sound—which can lead to communication challenges and the need for strong teamwork skills. Additionally, adapting to new technologies and tools is essential, as the industry evolves quickly, requiring continuous learning and flexibility.

What is game development?

Game development is the process of creating video games, encompassing everything from concept and design to programming, art, sound, testing, and release. It often involves a team of professionals with different skills, such as game designers, programmers, artists, writers, and testers. The process may use game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine to build the game's mechanics, graphics, and overall experience. Game development can be done by large studios or individual indie developers, and projects can range from simple mobile games to complex, multi-platform titles.

What is the difference between Game Development vs Game Design?

AspectGame DevelopmentGame Design
Primary FocusProgramming, coding, and technical implementation of gamesConcept creation, story, and gameplay mechanics
Required SkillsProgramming languages, software engineering, problem-solvingCreativity, storytelling, user experience design
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, coding labs, software studiosDesign studios, creative teams, collaborative workshops
Common CertificationsComputer Science, Software Engineering, Programming coursesGame Design degrees, Creative Arts, Storytelling courses

Game Development involves the technical creation and programming of games, focusing on coding and software engineering. Game Design centers on crafting game concepts, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. Both roles often collaborate but require different skill sets and educational backgrounds, making them distinct yet interconnected careers in the gaming industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Development jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Game Development jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Development jobs in Washington? For Game Development jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Development jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Game Development jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Game Development jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Game Development job openings:
Game Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Development job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,854 per year, or $59.1 per hour.
Project Developer, Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI)

Project Developer, Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI)

George Mason University

Manassas, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

George Mason University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 529 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department: Col of Visual and Performing Arts
Classification: Info Technology Spec 1
Job Category: Classified Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Manassas, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Pay Band: 04
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Restricted: Yes
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
The Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) exists to support Mason's entrepreneurial and innovation goals by cultivating and supporting Mason-founded startups, rapid prototype development, high-value knowledge job creation, and regional economic development through serious game technology discovery to improve the human condition.
About the Position:
The Project Developer at the Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) plays a pivotal role in supporting the ideation, creation, and management of projects that advance the institute's applied research, incubator, and outreach initiatives. This position requires a highly adaptable individual with strong technical expertise in game development and emerging technologies. The Project Developer leads and oversees both individual and team-based projects, ensuring alignment with VSGI's strategic goals and technological standards. This role also includes representing VSGI in various internal and external engagements.
Responsibilities:
Provides design, development, and coding expertise for VSGI projects and grant-funded initiatives.
  • Designs and implements interactive digital experiences using Unity, Unreal, and other industry-standard engines;
  • Writes and maintains scalable, efficient code for serious game applications;
  • Collaborates with faculty and external partners to translate research into prototypes; and
  • Troubleshoots cross-platform technical issues.

Leads and manages VSGI research and start-up projects, including timelines, asset creation, and development workflows.
  • Develops project plans with clear milestones and deliverables;
  • Oversees asset creation and integration;
  • Coordinates interdisciplinary teams;
  • Documents decisions and project outcomes; and
  • Conducts QA testing and iterative improvements.

Facilitates communication among VSGI staff, affiliated companies, students, university administration, and external stakeholders;
  • Serves as liaison between technical and non-technical stakeholders;
  • Leads regular meetings and collaborative sessions; and
  • Mentors student interns and junior developers.

Delivers project updates and presentations to stakeholders, including corporate partners, faculty, administrators, and government officials.
  • Prepares and presents reports on project status and impact;
  • Tailors presentations to diverse audiences;
  • Contributes to grant reporting and proposals; and
  • Represents VSGI at public events;

Develops new resources and tools to support VSGI and affiliated programs when not directly engaged in project work.
  • Researches and prototypes emerging technologies; and
  • Supports curriculum development and outreach.

Represents VSGI in meetings with clients, partners, and dignitaries, including in the absence of the Director.
  • Acts as spokesperson for VSGI;
  • Builds relationships with partners and agencies;
  • Facilitates strategic discussions; and
  • Ensures continuity of leadership.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
  • Experience (generally, minimum of 3 years) in game development, including Unity and Unreal Engine;
  • Experience with VR, AR, and AI technologies;
  • Familiarity with source control systems (e.g., Git);
  • Knowledge of grant-funded initiatives;
  • Strong project management and team coordination skills;
  • Excellent communication and presentation abilities;
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively;
  • Ability to adapt to emerging technologies and shifting project needs;
  • Ability to investigate, adopt, and integrate new technologies as needed;
  • Proven ability to lead development projects and ensure timely, scoped delivery;
  • Proficiency in programming for game engines and related platforms;
  • Proficiency in programming languages relevant to game development (e.g., C#, C++, Python); and
  • Strong capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in related field;
  • Experience (generally, 5+ years) in Computer Game Design Development;
  • Experience in serious game development; and
  • Demonstrated ability working with a diverse population of artists, faculty, staff, students, and community members.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Project Developer, Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.
Posting Open Date: January 9, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: January 24, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.
If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!
George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/

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