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Graduate Game Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the mission to bring ... Open to current undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates of a Computer ...

Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the mission to bring ... Open to current undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates of a Computer ...

Do you like changing the game? Envision what you could do here! At Apple, we believe new ideas have ... Excellent academic background with industry related work experience beyond graduate school studies.

Machine Learning Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site +1

$117K - $152K/yr

This is an ideal role for a recent university graduate who is excited to work on large-scale ... The top mobile games in the world, the most played PC indie titles, the most innovative console ...

Machine Learning Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$117K - $152K/yr

This is an ideal role for a recent university graduate who is excited to work on large-scale ... The top mobile games in the world, the most played PC indie titles, the most innovative console ...

About Us: We're an innovative tech startup on a mission to change the game in professional services ... This is an amazing opportunity for a recent graduate with a passion for Python and a strong ...

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Graduate Game Developer information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$107K

$177.6K

How much do graduate game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate game developer in California is $107,050.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $122,400.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Game Developer jobs in California? For Graduate Game Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Game Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Game Developer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Game Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Game Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Game Developer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,050 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Graduate Assistant - Marketing & Game Promotion (SA)

California State University

Turlock, CA

$17/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

254th of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Graduate Assistant - Marketing & Game Promotion (SA)

Apply now Job no: 558537
Work type: Student Assistant
Location: Stanislaus - Turlock
Categories: Athletics, Temporary, Time Varies, On-site (work in-person at business location), Unit 15 - CSUEU - Student Assistants

    • Position Summary
    • Temporary hourly-intermittent student assistant position available in Athletics.
    •  
    • Start Date
    • Position available on or after August 17, 2026 and ending on or before May 31, 2027.  Possibility of reappointment based on budget, department needs, and job performance.
    • Job Description/Duties
    • The Graduate Assistant for Marketing & Game Promotion supports the Athletics Department in enhancing the fan experience, increasing attendance, and promoting NCAA Division II athletic programs through strategic marketing initiatives and game-day entertainment. This position assists with the planning and execution of promotional campaigns, event operations, and fan engagement activities for home athletic contests and special events. 
      Duties include but are not limited to:
      • Assist with the planning and execution of athletic marketing campaigns for all Stan State intercollegiate sports programs. Coordinate in-game promotions, fan engagement activities, contests, and entertainment during home athletic events.
      • Support game-day operations including setup, sponsorship fulfillment, PA scripts, music coordination, and halftime activities.
      • Develop promotional strategies to increase attendance, student engagement, and community involvement.
      • Manage and update athletics social media platforms with promotional content, graphics, and event information.
      • Collaborate with coaches, student organizations, and campus departments to promote athletic events.
      • Assist in creating marketing materials such as flyers, digital graphics, email campaigns, and video board content.
      • Track attendance, fan engagement metrics, and promotional effectiveness for reporting purposes.
      • Coordinate with sponsors and vendors to ensure activation and visibility during events. Recruit, train, and supervise student workers or game-day volunteers.
      • Maintain branding consistency across athletic promotions and event presentations.
      • Help organize special events including youth clinics, theme nights, alumni events, and postseason tournaments.
      • Execute pregame, in-game, and postgame promotional timelines.
      • Operate or assist with video board content, music playlists, and crowd interaction elements.
      • Distribute promotional giveaways and manage fan contests.
      • Serve as liaison between marketing staff, event operations, and broadcasting crews.
      • Ensure NCAA and conference branding standards are followed during events.
      • Other duties as assigned.
    • Qualifications
    • Preferred Qualifications:
      • Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field.
      • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
      • Experience with social media platforms, event management, and customer engagement preferred.
      • Knowledge of collegiate athletics and NCAA regulations is desirable.
      • Strong communication and organizational skills
      • Social media and graphic design experience
      • Event management and multitasking ability
      • Knowledge of collegiate athletics and NCAA rules
      • Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays during athletic seasons

      Required Qualifications:
      • Post-baccalaureate students in a graduate program must be registered in a minimum of four (4) Fall/Spring units.
    • Salary Range
    • $17.00 per hour. 
    • How to Apply
    • To be considered, qualified candidates must submit a completed Stanislaus State online employment application and resume. Applications are accepted electronically only.  Please note that failure to completely fill out each section of the online application may result in your application not receiving consideration.  To apply online, please click the "Apply Now" button on this page.
    • Application Deadline
    • OPEN UNTIL FILLED
    • Background Clearance Notice

    • Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
    • Additional Information
    • Clery Act Disclosure

      Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the annual security report (ASR), is now available for viewing at  https://www.csustan.edu/epc/clery-safety-reports. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Stanislaus State for the previous three years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the office of the Clery Director located at One University Circle, Turlock, CA 95382.

      Equal Employment Opportunity

      The university is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

      Applicants requiring necessary accommodations to the application process may contact the Human Resources Department at (209) 667-3351.  California Relay Service is available at (800) 735-2922 voice and (800) 735-2929 TDD.  As a federal contractor, we are committed to attracting a diverse applicant pool.  Please consider completing the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability form (your response will not be shared with the search committee) at:  https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/sec503/Self_ID_Forms/VoluntarySelf-ID_CC-305_ENG_JRF_QA_508c.pdf.

      CSU Stanislaus hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States.  In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

      The CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. The CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California.

    •  
    • The individuals who appear to be the best qualified for this position will be contacted by telephone or email for an interview.

      INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

      #LI-DNI

Advertised: Jul 29 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

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Long Beach, CA, US