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Video Game Industry Entry Level Jobs (NOW HIRING)

mxdwn Entertainment

Game News Writer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We are currently looking for passionate writers with strong and varied interests in the video game industry and community. mxdwn Games News Writers are expected to be on top of and keep up to date ...

blackapple

Game Tester

Redmond, WA

... Video Gamers! We are seeking individuals interested in getting ground floor experience with the testing industry. This is a seasonal on-going project with a large local software company. This is an ...

blackapple

English game tester position

Redmond, WA

... the gaming industry. Recent grads are encouraged to apply!! REQUIREMENTS Be at least 18 years of age, and able to work in the US A passion for, and experience with, Video Games! Console gaming ...

blackapple

Game Tester

Redmond, WA

$14/hr

... gaming industry. Recent grads are encouraged to apply!! REQUIREMENTS - Be at least 18 years of age, and able to work in the US o A passion for, and experience with, Video Games! Console gaming ...

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Video Game Industry Entry Level information

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How much do video game industry entry level jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for video game industry entry level in the United States is $18.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the video game industry, most entry-level roles do not pay $2000 a day; such high daily rates are typically associated with highly specialized or freelance positions like top-tier game developers, consultants, or project managers with extensive experience. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, or a strong reputation, and are less common at the entry level.

What are some common entry level roles in the video game industry?

Common entry-level roles in the video game industry include quality assurance testers, junior programmers, and entry-level artists or animators. These positions often require basic skills in relevant software, a passion for gaming, and sometimes a related degree or portfolio. They provide a starting point for careers in game development, design, or production.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level professionals in the video game industry, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level professionals in the video game industry often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced development cycles, communicating effectively within multidisciplinary teams, and staying current with rapidly evolving technologies. To overcome these, it's important to proactively seek feedback, participate in team meetings, and invest time in learning new tools and industry trends outside of work hours. Building strong relationships with peers and mentors can also help navigate the complexities of studio workflows and foster career growth.

What is the difference between Video Game Industry Entry Level vs Video Game Tester?

AspectVideo Game Industry Entry LevelVideo Game Tester
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer related courseworkHigh school diploma; no specific certifications typically required
Work EnvironmentGame studios, development teams, or remoteGame studios, testing labs, or remote
Industry UsageEntry point for various roles in game developmentSpecialized role focused on testing and quality assurance
Common Search IntentStarting a career in gamingQuality assurance and bug testing

While both roles are entry points in the gaming industry, Video Game Industry Entry Level positions encompass a broad range of roles, including testing, design, and production. Video Game Testers specifically focus on testing games for bugs and quality issues. Entry level roles may require general skills and education, whereas testers focus on quality assurance tasks. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right positions in the gaming industry.

What are entry-level jobs in the video game industry?

Entry-level jobs in the video game industry are positions designed for individuals with little to no professional experience in game development or related fields. These roles often include titles such as QA tester, junior game designer, production assistant, or community manager. Entry-level positions provide hands-on experience, industry exposure, and opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, making them a great starting point for those interested in building a career in gaming. While requirements vary, a passion for games, basic technical skills, and a willingness to learn are commonly sought after.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an entry-level position in the video game industry, and why are they important?

To thrive in an entry-level video game industry role, you generally need a foundational understanding of game design or development, familiarity with programming languages (such as C# or C++) or art tools, and a relevant degree or portfolio. Experience with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, and basic knowledge of version control systems like Git, are typically required. Creativity, teamwork, adaptability, and strong communication set candidates apart in collaborative and fast-evolving environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively contributing to projects and learning quickly within a dynamic industry.

How to get a job in the gaming industry with no experience?

Entry-level positions in the gaming industry often require a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant skills such as programming, design, or art, even without professional experience. Gaining experience through personal projects, internships, or online courses in tools like Unity or Unreal Engine can improve your chances. Networking within gaming communities and participating in game jams also help build connections and showcase your abilities.

How to make $80,000 a year without a degree?

In the video game industry, entry-level roles such as quality assurance testers or customer support specialists typically do not require a degree but usually pay less than $80,000 annually. To reach higher salaries without a degree, professionals often need to develop specialized skills like programming, 3D modeling, or game design, and gain experience through certifications or self-education, with some roles in game development or management reaching or exceeding that income level with experience and skill growth.
More about Video Game Industry Entry Level jobs
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Video Game Industry Entry Level jobs near you
Infographic showing various Video Game Industry Entry Level job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 18% Full Time, 76% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,600 per year, or $18.6 per hour.
Video Game Tester - QA (OnCall Contract)

Video Game Tester - QA (OnCall Contract)

side

Charleston, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About Side

Side is a global video game development and services provider, offering technical and creative solutions to many of the largest developers and studios around the world. Founded in 2009 and drawing on 30+ years' experience from our parent company in Japan, Side has since grown to become a global force with 15+ studios in over a dozen countries across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.

Our industry-leading services include game development, art production, audio production, quality assurance, localization, localization QA, player support, community management, and datasets.

Job Overview:

We are dedicated to empowering our clients in the gaming sector in the Charleston, South Carolina area. If you are a passionate gamer seeking to make your mark in the gaming industry, we invite you to apply.

We are currently in the process of building a team of full-time, entry-level Game Testers for a gaming studio located in Charleston, South Carolina, to better serve our gaming clients in an oncall capacity.

Requirements

We are searching for Entry Level Video Game Testers for our new Gaming studio in Charleston, South Carolina servicing our major gaming client. This is an in-studio position, no remote work will be considered. Only local candidates in the Charleston, SC area or candidates in the U.S that are willing to relocate without subsidies will be considered. No visa sponsorship will be provided.

Skills Required:

  • Ability to work either independently or in a team and with other colleagues, sometimes under pressure to meet deadlines.
  • Gaming experience on one or more platforms.
  • The ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner.
  • A keen ability to identify subtle issues or inconsistencies that may affect the quality or functionality of the software.
  • The capacity to prioritize tasks efficiently and manage testing deadlines to ensure timely delivery of quality software.

Benefits

This is an on-call contingent role and not eligible for benefits