Thinking about joining the GameStop team? Let’s cut to the chase – you’ll need to be at least 16 years old to work there, but most stores actually prefer employees who are 18 or older. Why? Because adulting comes with perks (like being legally able to work alone and handle certain responsibilities).
If you’re a gaming enthusiast dreaming of employee discounts and surrounded by the latest releases, here’s what you need to know about landing a job at the world’s largest video game retailer.
GameStop Age Requirements: Can You Get Hired?
First things first – GameStop does not hire 14 or 15-year-olds. Sorry to the freshman and sophomore crowd, but you’ll need to wait a bit longer.
For those who are 16-17, you’ve got a shot at entry-level positions, though your options will be more limited than your 18+ counterparts. Many locations will consider you for seasonal work or basic retail roles, especially during the holiday rush when they need all hands on deck.
Once you hit the magical age of 18, the full range of GameStop opportunities opens up – from regular sales associates to management tracks.
Why GameStop Prefers Legal Adults
GameStop isn’t just being ageist here. There are practical reasons why they lean toward hiring adults:
- Working solo shifts (someone’s gotta lock up at night)
- Managing cash and transactions (money stuff requires maturity)
- Selling memberships and warranties (you need some persuasive skills)
- Physical demands like lifting inventory boxes (up to 30 pounds)
- Legal requirements for handling certain game ratings
Think about it – would you want a 15-year-old responsible for thousands of dollars in inventory and cash registers? Probably not. That’s why most stores want folks who can legally work without restrictions.
What Jobs Can You Actually Get?
Your age will determine what positions you can apply for:
16-17 Years Old
- Game Advisor (entry-level)
- Seasonal Associate
- You’ll need a work permit in most states
18+ Years Old
- Sales Associate
- Senior Game Advisor
- Assistant Store Leader
- Store Leader (with experience)
Beyond age, you’ll need:
- Legal U.S. residency
- Valid social security number
- Government-issued ID
- Passing a background check
- Customer service skills (being awkward around people won’t cut it)
Experience requirements are pretty chill for entry-level positions. The company is more interested in your customer service attitude and gaming knowledge than whether you’ve worked retail before.
Is GameStop Actually a Good First Job?
Let’s be real – working at GameStop isn’t just playing games all day (shocking, I know).
The good stuff:
- You’ll talk about games (sometimes)
- Employee discounts (hello, cheaper games!)
- Flexible schedules for students
- Developing sales and people skills
- Learning about new releases first
The not-so-good stuff:
- Sales pressure (those PowerUp Rewards quotas are real)
- Standing for long shifts
- Dealing with…interesting…customers
- Corporate policies that might seem soul-crushing
- Not always getting the hours you want
It’s retail, after all. But as far as first jobs go, it beats flipping burgers if you’re into gaming culture. The retail experience you’ll gain is valuable for future employment too.
Seasonal Opportunities (AKA Your Best Shot)
If you’re on the younger side (16-17), your best bet is applying during the holiday season. GameStop typically beefs up staffing from October through January to handle the holiday rush and new game releases.
These seasonal positions can sometimes turn into permanent roles if you impress the managers. Think of it as an extended job interview with a paycheck.
Age Requirements Breakdown
| Age | Can You Work There? | What’s Available? |
|---|---|---|
| 14-15 | Nope | Nothing – go enjoy being a kid |
| 16-17 | Sometimes | Entry-level, seasonal, part-time (with work permit) |
| 18+ | Absolutely | All positions, including management tracks |
| 50+ | Of course! | No upper age limit as long as you can do the job |
The Bottom Line
If you want to work at GameStop, aim to be at least 16 for a shot at entry-level positions, but 18+ will give you the most opportunities. Being knowledgeable about games helps, but your attitude and willingness to sell memberships matters more to them.
While waiting to hit the age requirement, you could start building your gaming knowledge and customer service skills. Follow gaming news, practice talking to strangers without awkwardness, and maybe even volunteer somewhere to show you’re responsible.
And hey, if GameStop doesn’t work out, there are plenty of other teen-friendly employers out there that might be a better fit. Your gaming career doesn’t have to start at GameStop – but if you’re passionate about it, it’s definitely worth applying once you’re old enough!
