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Junior Game Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

YO AI Labs

Cocos2d-x Junior Game Developer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$78K - $102K/yr

Cocos2d-x Junior Game Developer Job Type: Contractor Location: Remote Job Summary: In this role ... Solid knowledge of Cocos2d-x and hands-on experience with 2D game development workflows. * Strong ...

2K

Senior Financial Analyst

Novato, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Our portfolio is brought to life by some of the most influential game development studios in the ... Guide and mentor junior staff members in technical aspects of their job, while building productive ...

2K

Senior Financial Analyst

Novato, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Our portfolio is brought to life by some of the most influential game development studios in the ... Guide and mentor junior staff members in technical aspects of their job, while building productive ...

2K

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

Fluent with game development tools, and experience with pipelines, standards and workflows ... A strong empathetic team member, able to take ownership over your tasks and mentor more junior ...

2K

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

Fluent with game development tools, and experience with pipelines, standards and workflows ... A strong empathetic team member, able to take ownership over your tasks and mentor more junior ...

San Manuel Casino

Junior Sous Chef

Highland, CA · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Demonstrates sufficient knowledge of menu development techniques, process to develop recipes ... Participates in all Gaming Commission, IHS and other inspections. 4. Ensures all logs, requisitions ...

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Junior Game Development information

How much does a junior game developer make?

A junior game developer typically earns between $45,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, company size, and experience. Entry-level roles often require knowledge of programming languages like C++ or Unity, and proficiency with game development tools is beneficial.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a junior game developer?

To thrive as a Junior Game Developer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages (such as C++ or C#), basic game design principles, and a relevant degree or portfolio demonstrating your abilities. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems (e.g., Git), and possibly certifications in these tools are commonly expected. Creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure you can contribute meaningfully to game projects, work collaboratively with other developers, and adapt to the fast-evolving demands of the gaming industry.

What is a junior game developer?

Junior Game Developers are entry-level professionals who assist in creating and programming video games. They typically work under the guidance of more experienced developers, contributing to tasks such as coding, debugging, and implementing game features. These roles often require foundational knowledge of programming languages like C# or C++, as well as familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine. Junior Game Developers also collaborate with artists, designers, and testers to help bring game concepts to life and ensure a smooth gameplay experience. It's a great starting point for building a career in the gaming industry.

What are common challenges faced by junior game developers when transitioning from school projects to professional game development teams?

Junior game developers often find that moving from academic or personal projects to a professional studio environment requires adapting to collaborative workflows, strict deadlines, and established coding standards. In a team setting, communication and code integration become critical, and juniors may need to quickly familiarize themselves with proprietary tools or engines. Additionally, balancing creativity with project constraints is essential, as professional development often involves prioritizing tasks and iterating based on feedback. Embracing feedback and learning from more experienced colleagues can help juniors navigate these challenges and grow in the role.

How to get a job in junior game development with no experience?

To get a junior game development position with no experience, focus on building a portfolio of small projects using popular tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, and learn programming languages such as C# or C++. Gaining knowledge through online courses, tutorials, and participating in game jams can demonstrate your skills to employers. Internships or volunteering can also provide practical experience and industry exposure.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Game Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Junior Game Development jobs in California? For Junior Game Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Game Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Game Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Junior Game Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Junior Game Development job openings:
Junior Game Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Game Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Cocos2d-x Junior Game Developer

YO AI Labs

San Francisco, CA • Remote

$78K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Cocos2d-x Junior Game Developer

Job Type: Contractor

Location: Remote

Job Summary: In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input. No prior experience in AI is required — your domain knowledge is what matters.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Develop and refine game logic, mechanics, and features using Cocos2d-x for prototype and production-level projects.
  2. Collaborate closely with the customer's team to provide high-quality real-world input for AI training processes.
  3. Create, modify, and troubleshoot game assets and scenes to support a diverse set of training objectives.
  4. Test, debug, and optimize Cocos2d-x code to ensure robust and efficient gameplay experiences.
  5. Document code and processes thoroughly, ensuring clarity for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  6. Engage in open, clear written and verbal communication to report project status and challenges.
  7. Work iteratively in response to feedback, consistently improving deliverables for AI development needs.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

  1. Solid knowledge of Cocos2d-x and hands-on experience with 2D game development workflows.
  2. Strong problem solving and troubleshooting abilities in a game development context.
  3. Experience collaborating remotely with distributed teams in a fast-paced environment.
  4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on clear, concise updates and documentation.
  5. Ability to follow technical specifications and adapt to evolving project requirements.
  6. Understanding of game design principles and player experience optimization.
  7. Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to grow within a dynamic AI training environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  1. Experience working on projects for AI training or data generation purposes.
  2. Familiarity with additional game engines or programming languages.
  3. Background in collaborating with AI or machine learning specialists.