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Graduate Game Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Xsolla

Performance Coaching Intern

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20/hr

With more paths to profits and ways to win, developers have all the things needed to enjoy the game ... undergrad or graduate) * Genuine interest in human performance, coaching culture, and ...

Xsolla

Performance Coaching Intern

Los Angeles, CA

$20/hr

With more paths to profits and ways to win, developers have all the things needed to enjoy the game ... undergrad or graduate) * Genuine interest in human performance, coaching culture, and ...

Apple

RF Passive Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

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.

Unitytech

Machine Learning Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$143K - $214K/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 ...

Unitytech

Machine Learning Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$143K - $214K/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 ...

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All JobsGraduate Game Developer JobsGraduate Game Developer Jobs in California

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 Jul 12, 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:
Graduate Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Game Developer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 60% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,050 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Game Research & Development Intern, Engine Research

LightSpeed Studios

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$28.27 - $60/hr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Business UnitLIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is made up of passionate players who advance the art & science of game development through great stories, great gameplay, and advanced technology. We are focused on bringing next generation experiences to gamers who want to enjoy them anywhere, anytime, across multiple genres and devices.About the Hiring TeamLightspeed Tech Center is a R&D department under Lightspeed Studios which develop PUBG Mobile and other high-quality games. Our Tech Center leads the research, exploration, and discovery of innovative technologies and provides technical services for all games during all phases of life cycle, including engine, audio, QA, AI, next generation game, technical cooperation, etc.What the Role Entails

Working with scientists to research and develop advanced techniques in the following topics:

  • 3D geometric learning,
  • Re-meshing and UV optimization,
  • Physically-based animation and simulation
  • Machine learning for computer graphics
  • Motion planning in virtual city
  • Character locomotion and control
  • realistic image synthesis and real-time rendering techniques
  • Researching and developing tools and pipelines to facilitate the use of technologies in the game development environment
Who We Look For
  • Strong coding skills in one of following programming languages: C++, python, TensorFlow/Torch
  • Solid knowledge in calculus, linear algebra, basic numerical analysis
  • A strong sense of responsibility and good communication skills

Plus:

  • Graduate students in a master or Ph.D. level program
  • Publications on computer graphics/vision, machine learning, and robotics
  • Familiarity with game engine, graphics APIs, and GPU programming

Location State(s)

US-California-Los AngelesThe expected base pay range for this position in the location(s) listed above is $28.27 to $60.00 per hour. Actual pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This position will be eligible for 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked and up to 13 paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect, full-time interns are also eligible to enroll in the Company-sponsored medical plan.Equal Employment Opportunity at Tencent

As an equal opportunity employer, we firmly believe that diverse voices fuel our innovation and allow us to better serve our users and the community. We foster an environment where every employee of Tencent feels supported and inspired to achieve individual and common goals.

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