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Video Game Design Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Production Staff - The Norva

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$17.68 - $23.92/hr

If you want to be challenged to up your game and make a difference, then join us in giving the ... Load and unload equipment from trucks and set up equipment according to stage design while ensuring ...

Production Staff - The Norva

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$17.68 - $23.92/hr

If you want to be challenged to up your game and make a difference, then join us in giving the ... Load and unload equipment from trucks and set up equipment according to stage design while ensuring ...

Communications Associate

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$54K - $87K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

... game every day. We take our work seriously, but not ourselves. We believe great ideas come from ... Lead cross-functional collaboration with internal teams (editorial, design, video, digital ...

New

Communications Associate

Alexandria, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

... game every day. We take our work seriously, but not ourselves. We believe great ideas come from ... Lead cross-functional collaboration with internal teams (editorial, design, video, digital ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Video Game Design information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$18

$22

How much do video game design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for video game design in Virginia is $18.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $20.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Video Game Design vs Video Game Programming?

AspectVideo Game DesignVideo Game Programming
Primary RoleCreating game concepts, storylines, and gameplay mechanicsWriting code to implement game features and functionalities
Required SkillsCreativity, storytelling, understanding of game mechanicsProgramming languages, software development, problem-solving
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, collaborative teams, creative settingsDevelopment teams, technical environments, coding labs
Common CertificationsGame design degrees, portfolios, UX/UI knowledgeComputer science degrees, coding certifications, software proficiency

Video Game Design focuses on conceptualizing and designing the game's overall experience, while Video Game Programming involves coding and implementing those designs into a playable product. Both roles are essential in game development but require different skill sets and focus areas.

What jobs are there in video game design?

In video game design, common roles include game designer, level designer, character designer, and UI/UX designer. Other positions include game programmer, animator, sound designer, and quality assurance tester, each requiring specific skills and tools like game engines and design software.

What are some common challenges faced by video game designers when working on collaborative projects?

Video game designers often work in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with artists, programmers, and sound engineers. A common challenge is effectively communicating design ideas and ensuring that everyone understands the game vision, especially as features evolve. Balancing creative input from various team members while adhering to deadlines and technical constraints can also be demanding. Successful designers develop strong communication and problem-solving skills to navigate these dynamics and keep projects on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a video game designer?

To thrive as a Video Game Designer, you need a solid understanding of game mechanics, storytelling, and user experience, often backed by a degree in game design, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and graphic design software, along with knowledge of scripting languages, is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and strong communication are vital soft skills for turning ideas into engaging, playable experiences within a team environment. These skills and qualities are essential for developing innovative games that captivate players and succeed in a competitive market.

What is video game design?

Video game design is the process of creating the content and rules of a video game, including its story, characters, gameplay mechanics, and environment. Game designers work closely with artists, programmers, and other team members to bring their vision to life. They are responsible for shaping the player’s experience, balancing challenges, and ensuring the game is engaging and fun. This role often involves prototyping ideas, playtesting, and iterating on feedback to improve the game before release.

How do you get a job as a video game designer?

To become a video game designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in game design, computer science, or a related field, along with strong skills in programming, storytelling, and graphic design. Building a portfolio of game projects and gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles can improve job prospects. Familiarity with game development tools like Unity or Unreal Engine is also beneficial.

Is video game design a good career?

Video game design is a viable career that involves creating the concepts, mechanics, and visuals for video games, often requiring skills in programming, art, and storytelling. The industry offers opportunities in both large studios and indie development, with roles that may require proficiency in tools like Unity or Unreal Engine and a strong portfolio. Job stability and salary can vary based on experience, location, and the success of projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Video Game Design jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Video Game Design jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Video Game Design jobs in Virginia?

For Video Game Design jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Video Game Design jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Video Game Design jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Video Game Design jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Video Game Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Video Game Design job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,268 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

$54K - $71K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

External Description

Communications Specialist 

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Communications Specialist for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office.  The Communication Specialist provides communications support for the advancement of the Association's collective bargaining goals and other ALPA-wide communications initiatives.  They will work with assigned leaders of the MECs (Master Executive Councils), providing professional support in all areas of communication strategy, development, and execution.  They will also assist non-assigned pilot groups and MECs, as needed, during end-game negotiations, special events, and other matters that require additional resources. 

They must exercise excellent organizational and project management skills, take initiative, and ensure that project benchmarks and deadlines are met.  They must also exhibit exceptional writing, problem-solving, consensus-building, and interpersonal skills to establish credibility with pilot leaders and ALPA's professional staff.  They must be able to develop and execute strategic media strategies that build awareness and support for key pilot group initiatives.  They must have experience with social media (organic and paid), media relations, advertising (digital, outdoor, and print), video, email, and web support.

Day-to-day, they will help individual pilot groups determine the proper development, packaging, placement, and timing of communications that advance specific MEC goals and assist their colleagues on similar projects as needed.  They will also provide tactical communication support in the areas mentioned above.

Interested applicants are requested to submit online portfolio link(s) showing previous work. 

Local travel:  20 - 25%.

 

ALPA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in a safe workplace.  We prohibit discrimination, harassment and harmful behavior of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, caste, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics as outlined in federal or provincial laws.  We highly value everyone and all are encouraged to apply, including minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities.

 

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

ALPA is a member-driven, staff supported, union with two internal professional unions.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in relevant area, e.g., Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field, from an accredited college or university is required, master's degree or completion of post-graduate courses preferred; or, the equivalent combination of education and practical experience.
  • Five (5) years of experience in a communications role at ALPA or in an equivalent advocacy and/or communications position elsewhere required. Aviation and/or labor union experience and/or knowledge strongly preferred.
  • Must be a self-starter with professional maturity and sound judgment, capable of independent decision-making.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written, for effective interaction with internal staff, external contacts, and pilots, with attention to detail when reviewing and editing written materials.
  • Must possess exceptional time management skills; be able to work independently in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment; and, transition easily between projects.
  • Ability to effectively interpret and disseminate complex information about aviation safety and security, labor contracts and collective bargaining, and communicate for public understanding strongly preferred.
  • Possesses the professional demeanor necessary to address issues of the most complex nature, to establish credibility in often-contentious circumstances, and to positively affect members, the media, and other audiences.
  • Experience planning and implementing social media and PR/education campaigns.
  • Strong track record in developing, executing, and evolving comprehensive and proactive communications plans, as well as specific programs and campaigns a definite plus.
  • Able to develop and execute multi-media strategies that build awareness and support for key pilot group initiatives.
  • Knowledge of ALPA policies, processes, structure, and strategic plans strongly preferred.
  • Knowledge of desktop publishing, presentation, design, and web content management preferred, with a willingness to learn new software applications to enhance effectiveness.
  • Software: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; basic videography, audio, and video editing required; Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, and InDesign, Vyond desirable.  Sitecore, Evoq, and/or HTML a plus.

Physical Demands:

Note:  The physical demands described herein are characteristic of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential physical activities of this position described below.

Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet.  Regularly required to maintain a stationary position, move about the office and the local metropolitan area, determine what others have said or written, and converse with others and exchange accurate information.

Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and travel (locally, nationally, and internationally).  May also include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving, e.g., to pack, unpack, and/or move cases.

Occasionally required to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds (lbs.).  While on travel, could be responsible to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve luggage weighing as much as 50 lbs.  (Assistance may not always be available.)

Please apply online at https://jobs-alpa.icims.com/jobs/1578/communications-specialist/job

ALPA offers competitive salaries with terrific benefits, including:

 

  • 401k Plan with Non-Elective Employer Contribution of 12% plus 2% contribution into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) after 180 days of employment.  No employee contribution required!  Employees can choose to make pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions to the 401(k). The plan permits in-plan Roth conversions and has a 4-year vesting schedule. The MBCBP has a 3-year cliff vesting period; 
  • Generous health care benefits on day one -  Aetna PPO Plan, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, and a Kaiser HMO Plan (where available), which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for the employee, their spouse, and/or dependent children. Employees do not have to pay premiums if they enroll in the Aetna High Deductible Health Plan or the Kaiser HMO Plan;
  • 15 days paid vacation and 13 holidays per year plus 2 volunteer days per year; 
  • Generous sick and bereavement leave;
  • Competitive parental leave;
  • Company-paid coverage for long term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment;
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts;
  • Retiree health plan and a retiree health account (retiree HRA). Funds in the retiree health account can be used to pay for eligible medical expenses in retirement;
  • Education Assistance Program that reimburses 100% of eligible expenses;
  • Optional benefits include a legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long term care insurance, and qualified transportation fringe benefits (where available); and,
  • Partial remote work opportunities are available after six months of service.

PROJECTED ANNUAL SALARY RANGE:  $ 80,884.00  -  $ 115,549.00

Relocation not provided.

Sponsorship not available for this position. 

PM19

Employment Type: OTHER