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Graduate Game Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AGS

Junior Software Developer- Table Games

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$64K - $83K/yr

... game products. This role is well suited for a new graduate or early career engineer who is looking to develop strong software engineering skills within a collaborative and highly regulated ...

Aquinas College

Graduate Assistant

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

This position has the capacity to assist with game day operations, compliance, strength and ... programming. ● Develop and refine skills in project management, data organization, and ...

AGS LLC

Junior Software Developer- Table Games

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$64K - $83K/yr

... game products. This role is well suited for a new graduate or early career engineer who is looking to develop strong software engineering skills within a collaborative and highly regulated ...

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Graduate Game Developer information

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$32.5K

$108.5K

$180K

How much do graduate game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate game developer in the United States is $108,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the 80 20 rule in game development?

The 80/20 rule in game development suggests that approximately 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes, meaning a small portion of features or tasks often deliver the majority of value. For graduate game developers, focusing on core gameplay mechanics and essential features can maximize productivity and project impact while minimizing unnecessary work.

Is 30 too late to get into game development?

Graduate game developers can enter the industry at any age, as many employers value skills, portfolio work, and relevant experience over age. Learning programming languages like C++ or C# and gaining experience through personal projects or internships can help regardless of age, making 30 not too late to start a career in game development.

What is a Graduate Game Developer job?

A Graduate Game Developer is an entry-level role for recent graduates looking to start a career in game development. They typically work as part of a team, assisting in coding, designing, and testing video games. Responsibilities may include developing game mechanics, troubleshooting bugs, and collaborating with artists and designers. This role provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience using industry-standard tools and technologies. Employers usually seek candidates with a relevant degree and a strong portfolio showcasing their work.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Graduate Game Developer expect in their first role?

As a Graduate Game Developer, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks, such as writing code for gameplay features, fixing bugs, assisting with prototyping, and collaborating with artists and designers to bring game concepts to life. You may also be involved in playtesting, optimizing performance, and learning about the full game development lifecycle. Entry-level developers typically work under the guidance of senior engineers and are encouraged to contribute fresh ideas while developing their technical and teamwork skills. This supportive structure helps new graduates quickly build experience in both technical and creative aspects of game production.

Will AI replace game devs?

As a graduate game developer, AI is a tool that can automate certain tasks like asset generation or testing, but it is unlikely to fully replace human developers. Creativity, problem-solving, and understanding player experience remain essential skills that AI cannot replicate entirely. Developers will continue to adapt by integrating AI tools into their workflows to enhance productivity and innovation.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Game Developer, you need a degree in computer science or a related field, solid programming skills (often in C++, C#, or Unity), and a foundational understanding of game design principles. Familiarity with popular game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems such as Git, and relevant portfolio projects are highly valued by employers. Strong teamwork, effective communication, creativity, and a willingness to learn help new graduates stand out in collaborative development environments. These skills enable you to contribute effectively to project goals, adapt to evolving technologies, and work well within a dynamic and creative team.

What can I do with a game dev degree?

A game developer with a degree can work in roles such as game programmer, designer, or artist, contributing to the creation of video games across various platforms. They often use programming languages like C++ or C# and tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine. Graduates can also pursue careers in related fields like interactive media, simulation development, or virtual reality design.
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Graduate Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Game Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,471 per year, or $52.1 per hour.
Game Programming Professor - Full-Time, Part-Time, or Adjunct

Game Programming Professor - Full-Time, Part-Time, or Adjunct

University of Advancing Technology

Tempe, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

If you love game programming and have a passion for education, UAT is the place for you!
Who We Are:
University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is an elite intimate private college in Tempe, AZ focused on educating students in advancing technology who desire to innovate in the areas of emerging technology disciplines including Advancing Computer Science, Information Security, Game and New Media technologies.
Living on campus, students are surrounded by a true living-learning technology environment that incubates their ideas into innovations that students can patent and take to market. Students must create an innovation project to graduate.
We are an entrepreneurial, results-oriented company recognized for delivering high standards of innovation and service. As an organization designed to change the lives of some of the brightest young minds, we rely on the excellence of every member of our family to continuously exceed our own standards and our students' expectations.
Who You Are:
Have you ever wanted to teach others about game programming? We are searching for an addition to our astounding team of faculty. You must be an expert in various programming languages and development techniques associated with game applications. An exemplary UAT instructor can relate their knowledge and experience in using both object oriented and scripting languages, while guiding our students through industry standard game engines such as Unreal and Unity.
The instructor should be a wizard of many wands and be a master in PC, iOS, console and Android platforms. The instructor needs to be able to present on the theoretical aspects of game programming that include topics such as: game AI, collisions, input device integration, 2D graphics, 3D graphics, object transformations, database integration and optimization. The individual that joins the UAT family must be able to relate to our technophile, high performing, all-things-geek students, best practices associated with application development processes, such as agile models, along with documentation. We need a game-changing (pun intended) professor that will inspire our students and arm them with the skills they'll need to stay ahead of the game design industry.
Don't have teaching experience - that's where we come in. UAT's team of faculty and staff will work with you as you:
Essential Duties:
  • Facilitation of innovative student game projects
  • Mentoring geeky technology driven students
  • Development and delivery of collegiate learning experiences related to game programming
  • Development of course materials related to college level game programming courses

Skills and Education Required:
  • Industry experience developing computer game applications
  • Skills in developing applications using both object oriented and script based tools
  • Experience with application development approaches
  • Game application documentation
  • Development experience in PC, console and mobile platforms
  • Experience working within game engines such as Unity, Unreal, etc.
  • Experience applying computer game concepts such as rendering, transformations, lighting, collisions, AI, UI and gameplay
  • Experience with database integration into game applications
  • Master's degree in Game Programming or related field with 18 credit hours in game programming required
  • 3+ years viable work/industry experience and academic credentials

Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain game systems and mechanics for a variety of game genres and platforms.
  • Implement core gameplay features such as AI, character controls, physics, animations, and multiplayer systems.
  • Collaborate with designers and artists to create smooth, engaging, and immersive gameplay experiences.
  • Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code in languages like C++, C#, or Python.
  • Optimize game performance for both high-end and low-end platforms, ensuring smooth frame rates and minimal loading times.
  • Design and implement efficient algorithms to solve complex in-game problems (e.g., pathfinding, AI decision-making).
  • Use game engines such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or proprietary engines to implement gameplay features and tools.
  • Conduct unit testing, debug code, and perform integration testing to ensure stability and quality.
  • Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in the game industry, including VR/AR, AI, and cloud-based gaming solutions.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications:
Note: A combination of the following skills is preferred; not all are required.
  • Proficiency in C++, C#, or other programming languages commonly used in game development
  • Experience with game engines such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or Godot
  • Strong understanding of 3D mathematics (linear algebra, vector operations, matrix transformations)
  • Knowledge of game physics, collision detection, and optimization techniques
  • Familiarity with shader programming (GLSL/HLSL) and rendering pipelines
  • Understanding of AI programming for games (pathfinding, decision trees, finite state machines)
  • Experience with multiplayer game programming and networking (client-server architectures, data synchronization)
  • Comfortable with version control systems (e.g., Git, SVN) and agile development methodologies
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team, with strong communication skills
  • Experience in VR/AR development and/or mobile game development is a plus

Pedagogy:
UAT's Synchronic Learning model is designed especially for students of advancing technology. Tailored to both undergraduate and graduate students, Synchronic Learning provides an education framework that prepares superior graduates to become tomorrow's innovators. This model embodies UAT's methodologies, curricula, and people dedicated to fostering an environment of innovation that promotes demonstrated mastery and job readiness. An integral part of this framework is SyncFlex, a flexible learning approach with an emphasis on mentored education that provides real project experience to cultivate superior graduates.
Important Notes:
Location Requirements: This is not a remote position; candidates must be willing to work in-person at our campus in Tempe, AZ.
Adjunct Pay: $3,000 for in-person courses; $2,400 for hybrid/online courses
Part-Time Pay: $42,500 - $55,000 dependent on Education and Experience
Full-Time Salary + Benefits: $85k-$110k dependent on Education and Experience.
  • Medical insurance option with UAT covering 60% of the premium cost, depending on coverage selection.
  • UAT has your BACK, by covering 100% of the monthly premium for Short-Term and Long-Term coverage.
  • Dental, Vision, 401k, Life Insurance, and AD&D Options
  • Over 15 Paid Holidays - we work hard, but give you that extra time to play hard as well!
  • Competitive Employee and Dependent Scholarship Programs; we take pride in your educational background and look forward to supporting your families' academic goals and endeavors.
  • Meal Benefit at University Café. HANGRY? Never heard of here. Come get your lunch at the café, on us, YUM!
  • University Store Discount amongst other Discount Programs.
  • Positive, open, and transparent Work Environment and culture that includes Kudos Program, Casual Fridays and Select Work Weeks, Employee Wellness Activities, Bring your Pet to Campus, along with Summer and Winter Happiness Events.
  • Employee Training and Development: Essential Skills Modules are scheduled on the job, allowing for learning, working, and implementation.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.
UAT does not sponsor foreign visa's. Thank you for your understanding.

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