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Retro Studios Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nintendo

Concept Artist [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $144K/yr

Founded in 1998, Retro Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., and a powerhouse in game development. Working hand-in-hand with Nintendo, we craft award-winning titles for the ...

Nintendo

Concept Artist [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $144K/yr

Founded in 1998, Retro Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., and a powerhouse in game development. Working hand-in-hand with Nintendo, we craft award-winning titles for the ...

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How much do retro studios jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for retro studios in the United States is $23.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is it like to collaborate with cross-functional teams at Retro Studios during game development?

At Retro Studios, game development is a highly collaborative process involving designers, artists, programmers, and audio specialists. Team members regularly participate in brainstorming sessions, milestone reviews, and agile sprints to ensure creative alignment and technical feasibility. Communication is key, as team members often provide feedback on each other's work and must adapt to iterative changes. This environment fosters innovation but also requires strong teamwork and adaptability to meet project goals and deadlines.

What is Retro Studios and what do they do?

Retro Studios is a video game development company based in Austin, Texas. They are best known for developing the Metroid Prime series for Nintendo, as well as contributing to other popular Nintendo franchises like Donkey Kong Country Returns. Retro Studios works closely with Nintendo and focuses on creating high-quality games primarily for Nintendo consoles. Their reputation is built on innovative gameplay, immersive worlds, and technical excellence.

What is the difference between Retro Studios vs Game Designer?

AspectRetro StudiosGame Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Game Design, Computer Science, or related field; portfolioBachelor's in Game Design, Computer Science, or related field; portfolio
Work EnvironmentGame development studios, collaborative teamsGame development studios, creative teams, often cross-disciplinary
Industry UsagePrimarily in game development companies like Nintendo, independent studiosInvolved in game development across various companies and projects

Retro Studios is a specific game development company known for creating titles like Metroid Prime, whereas a Game Designer is a role that involves designing game mechanics, storylines, and gameplay across multiple companies. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, Retro Studios refers to a particular employer, while Game Designer is a broader job title found in many organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Game Developer at Retro Studios, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Developer at Retro Studios, you need strong programming skills (such as C++), a solid understanding of game design principles, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unreal Engine, version control systems, and experience with 3D modeling or animation software is highly valued. Creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for contributing to innovative and engaging games. These skills are essential for developing high-quality, immersive gaming experiences that align with the studio's reputation and project goals.
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Retro Studios jobs near you
Infographic showing various Retro Studios job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 55% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,895 per year, or $24 per hour.
Technology Engineer (Retro Studios)

Technology Engineer (Retro Studios)

Nintendo

Austin, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Nintendo rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

RETRO STUDIOS: 
Founded in 1998, Retro Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., and a powerhouse in game development. Working hand-in-hand with Nintendo, we craft award-winning titles for the company's cutting-edge platforms, blending innovation, artistry, and gameplay excellence.

Our home base is Austin, Texas, a vibrant city known for its creative energy, live music, stunning natural scenery, and forward-thinking culture. With year-round sunshine and endless options for outdoor adventures, Austin offers the perfect backdrop for world-class developers to stay inspired, balanced, and at the top of their game.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

  • Assist in developing and maintaining core engine subsystems, including rendering, physics, audio, or memory management.
  • Maintain existing codebase and support the wider development team in diagnosing problems and coming up with good solutions.
  • Research coding techniques and algorithms to keep current technological developments and advancements in the game industry.
  • Work with content and engineering partners to identify problems and identify new solutions where required.
  • Participate in development, optimization, and debugging of low-level systems like physics, animation, and memory management.

*This job description outlines primary duties and requirements and is not intended to identify all tasks that may be performed; individuals occupying the position may be required to perform other duties.  The company may modify job duties from time to time, either in practice or in writing.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS:

  • Strong foundation in C/C++ skills.
  • Strong understanding of linear algebra, calculus and 3D mathematics.
  • Demonstrable prior work product: Personal projects, game jams, or a portfolio showcasing custom game development or engine work.
  • Excellent communication skills and a desire to work in a collaborative environment.
  • Strong debugging and analytical skills
  • Experience working independently and comfort with self-direction.
  • Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field required, or specific experience with video game programming.
  • 0-2 years of professional experience or a strong portfolio demonstrating engine-level systems, tooling, or low-level game technology work.

PREFERRED SKILLS

  • Experience or familiarity with commercial engines (Unreal Engine or Unity) to understand the differences from proprietary systems.
  • Experience with crash dumps and disassembly.

Retro Studios is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy, and respect for each other.

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