Careers in Game Design

By Willy Franzen

Looking for an entry level job or internship in game design? This is an overview of how to approach the search and a list of companies that might have relevant entry level and internship opportunities.

Photo Credit: Flickr user mahfrot

Do you enjoy turning things into a game? If you love games and creating them–video games, board games, even card games, you can turn that love into a career.

The options for game design vary widely depending on the type of game you’re interested in. Here are a few options organized by type of game:

Computer and video games: Writer, animator, character artist, audio engineer
Mobile and online games: iOS or Android developer, artist, designer, Flash developer
Board games: Graphic designer, game writer, game tester

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree for most of these jobs as well as a portfolio of past work for some positions. A love of games won’t hurt.

Companies with Entry Level Jobs and Internships in Game Design

Disruptor Beam - Disruptor Beam is a Framingham, MA based company that is aiming “to create the most fan-centric game company in the world.”

See the complete Disruptor Beam profile

Betaworks - Betaworks is an NYC company that works "to create beneficial and transformative products for the socially connected world.”

See the complete Betaworks profile

Gameloft - Gameloft is a New York, NY based company that allows its “fans to play games anywhere, anytime, and on any digital platform.”

See the complete Gameloft profile

GSN - GSN “is a multimedia entertainment company that offers original and classic game programming and competitive entertainment" on tv and online.

See the complete GSN profile

Stray Boots - Stray Boots is a New York, NY based company that offers scavenger hunts and interactive walking tours of a variety of cities through your mobile phone.

See the complete Stray Boots profile

GTECH - GTECH is a Providence, RI based company that calls themselves "architects of gaming." They focus mostly on lottery games, and they have some great job openings.

See the complete GTECH profile

GREE - GREE is a Japanese mobile social game developer that is expanding rapidly in the U.S, and that means that they're hiring a ton of new grads.

See the complete GREE profile

ngmoco - ngmoco is a social/mobile gaming company that calls their employees mofos. It looks like a great place to work, so maybe being a mofo isn't all that bad.

See the complete ngmoco profile

Orbotix - The Orbotix jobs page lists some amazing perks along with some really great opportunities. Check them out if you're excited about their balls.

See the complete Orbotix profile