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Retro Studios Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Graphics Engineer (Retro Studios)

Austin, TX

$138K - $171K/yr

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 ...

Graphics Engineer (Retro Studios)

Austin, TX · On-site

$138K - $171K/yr

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 ...

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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Retro Studios information

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How much do retro studios jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 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.
More about Retro Studios jobs
What states have the most Retro Studios jobs? States with the most job openings for Retro Studios jobs include:
Animator [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Animator [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Nintendo of America Inc

Austin, TX • On-site

Contractor

Posted 12 days ago


Nintendo rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

94th of 190 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. Retro Studios is looking for an Animator! We are looking for someone who is passionate about quality and takes pride in their work. An animator who wants to be part of a creative and collaborative team. Someone who will be thrilled to work on Nintendo's awesome IPs! We expect our animators to exhibit leadership qualities and encourage involvement and responsibility across wider aspects of the project. DESCRIPTIONS OF DUTIES: You will implement and maintain animations for a wide range of characters, creatures, bosses, cinematics and pretty much anything that moves. You will be responsible for collaborating and sharing your ideas on animation as well as other aspects of our projects such as gameplay and story. We will count on you to help us identify needs and propose solutions that will improve our production pipeline. We all use "Band-Aid solutions" from time to time, but we love forward thinkers, people who think long term. Your feedback will be greatly appreciated, and you will get plenty of critique from others to help you grow your own skills. You feel comfortable on the technical side of animation deployment. You don't have to be an expert rigger or scripter, but you know how to set up simple characters and are familiar with using a variety of tools to speed up your work process. You are part of a creative team, the process of game making is dynamic, so it is important that you maintain familiarity with the game, the latest changes and updates. You enjoy collaborating with other development disciplines, contributing your expertise and taking advantage of the expertise of others to achieve more together. Did we mention how excited we are that you are considering this position? *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: Minimum 5 years' experience with in-game and/or cinematic video game animation, including at least 2 full video game production cycles. A robust portfolio that demonstrates a wide range of animation experience. Considerable experience animating in Maya. Undergraduate degree in art related subject or completion of an intensive art training program preferred. Specific experience can be substituted for formal education. Effective written, verbal and interpersonal skills. 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
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