Gameplay Engineer Intern [Spring 2027]

Crystal Dynamics; United States; Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, & vision benefits

Hybrid on-site/off-site work

Paid holidays & extra December days

Additional paid time-off

Job summary

Crystal Dynamics offers a remote spring internship across most U.S. states. This 12-week program includes hands-on work on active AAA projects, mentorship, and professional development to build industry-ready skills.

Eligibility includes graduating in 2026, a relevant degree, full-time availability (40 hrs/week), and legal eligibility to work in the United States. Onboarding begins onsite in San Carlos, CA.

Qualifications

• Graduated in 2026 (Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter).
• Degree in Animation, Art, Game Art, Technical Art, Game Design, Game Development, Engineering, or related fields.
• Availability to work full-time (40 hrs/week) Feb 1–Apr 23, 2027, including onboarding onsite in San Carlos, CA.
• Legal eligibility to work in the United States.
• Submit resume, cover letter, and a link to GitHub or portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Implement gameplay features in Unreal Engine using C++ and Blueprint scripting.
• Debug, test, and integrate code within Unreal Engine during production.
• Use industry tools like Unreal Engine, IDEs, Git, and code reviews.
• Assist with debugging, optimization, and gameplay systems.
• Learn Unreal Engine workflows and collaborative production practices.

Skills

C++ game development

Unreal Engine

Debugging

Problem solving

Education

Degree in Animation, Art, Game Art, Technical Art, Game Design, Game Development, Engineering, or related fields

Tools

GitHub

Unreal Engine

Job description

Crystal Dynamics is constantly seeking the best gaming talent worldwide to add to our 30-plus year legacy of game development creating new and iconic franchises. We are committed to making great games with great people and living the dream while doing it.

Benefits for our regular full-time positions include, but are not limited to, a competitive regional salary, 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance options, professional development reimbursement, flexible hybrid on-site/off-site work opportunities, company paid holidays, plus additional paid days in December when the studio is closed for holiday break, and the ability to accrue additional paid time-off.

Join us and help shape an amazing studio culture, where we’re building award-winning franchises like Tomb Raider and more!

Crystal Dynamics is now accepting applications for a remote spring internship, open to candidates across most U.S. states. As part of this 12-week program, you will take part in meaningful, hands‑on work that contributes directly to active AAA projects. Throughout the program, you will step into a professional development environment where ongoing projects, experienced mentors, and collaborative teams give you a direct view into AAA game creation. This internship is designed to help you build industry ready skills, form strong professional relationships, and deepen your understanding of how world class games are made!

Eligibility Criteria

• Graduated from a college or university program in 2026 (Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter).
• Degree in Animation, Art, Game Art, Technical Art, Game Design, Game Development, Engineering, or related fields.
• Availability to work full‑time (40 hrs / week), during core business hours, for the duration of the program (February 1st – April 23rd, 2027), including the first week onsite at our studio in San Carlos, CA for onboarding.
• Legal eligibility to work in the United States.
• Submission of a complete application that includes a resume, cover letter, and a link to your GitHub or portfolio.

What You Will Gain

• Practical Project Involvement: Contribute to active game development efforts while learning production scope, workflows, and the advanced tools used across modern AAA pipelines.
• Professional Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced professionals with deep industry knowledge.
• Skill Development: Expand your skill set, establishing a solid foundation for your professional journey.
• Team Collaboration: Work alongside our dedicated onsite and remote teams including fellow interns, building valuable professional relationships within the gaming industry.

What You Will Do

• Work with engineers and designers to implement gameplay features in Unreal Engine, using both C++ and visual scripting workflows to support production needs.
• Participate in game development tasks including debugging, testing, implementation support, and code integration within Unreal Engine.
• Build essential skills using industry-standard tools such as Unreal Engine, development environments, source control tools, and code review workflows.
• Support engineers by assisting with coding, debugging, optimizing, and contributions to gameplay systems, tools, and supporting code.
• Deepen your understanding of Unreal Engine development workflows and collaborative engineering practices in a production environment.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Portfolio, GitHub, or coursework demonstrating foundational engineering skills, including one or more of the following:
  • Experience with C++ game development, especially within Unreal Engine.
  • Familiarity with Unreal Engine Blueprints or visual scripting, with an interest in building reliable gameplay code.
  • Strong debugging, problem-solving, and linear algebra fundamentals.
• Exposure to industry-standard development software, tools and engines.
• Industry involvement outside classroom curriculum such as game jams, personal projects and/or contributions to group projects that show going above and beyond.
• Willingness to tackle challenges, learn from feedback, and adapt to new tools or workflows.
• Ability to communicate your ideas with eagerness to learn and turn feedback into action.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation for this internship is $22-25/hr. Compensation is location-based and will be aligned to the intern’s confirmed work location during the program. Interns are also eligible for a medical, dental, and vision benefits package. Your recruiter can provide more information about total compensation.

Internship Pay Rate (United States)

$22 - $25 USD

The pay for this internship role includes the base hourly rate, and does not include the medical, dental and vision benefits package that interns will also be eligible for.

By submitting an application, you acknowledge that you have read and understand Crystal Dynamics's Privacy Notice.

Crystal Dynamics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to identifying and implementing positive and persistent measures to ensure equal opportunity in the recruitment, hiring, development, training, promotion and compensation of a diverse team employee group. This includes persons of different race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding, genetic characteristic, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, political affiliation, age, veteran status, uniform service member status, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship, as well as any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Crystal Dynamics is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. If you require any accommodations, please notify us at your earliest convenience during the interview process.