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Freelance Indie Game Developer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Freelance Indie Game Developer information

What does a freelance indie game developer do?

A Freelance Indie Game Developer is an independent professional who designs, develops, and releases video games without the backing of a large publisher. They handle all aspects of game creation, including programming, art, design, and sometimes even marketing and distribution. Freelance indie developers often work alone or in small teams and have the creative freedom to explore unique ideas. Their work can range from small mobile games to larger PC or console projects, and they typically earn income through game sales, crowdfunding, or contract work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance indie game developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Indie Game Developer, you need strong programming skills (often in C#, C++, or Unity/Unreal), game design knowledge, and a solid portfolio showcasing your work. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems such as Git, and sometimes published games or relevant certifications are highly valuable. Creativity, self-motivation, time management, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly help you stand out in a freelance setting. These skills and qualities are important because they enable you to independently create, iterate, and market engaging games while managing client expectations and project deadlines.

What are some common challenges freelance indie game developers face when working independently?

Freelance indie game developers often juggle multiple responsibilities, from coding and designing to marketing and community management. One of the main challenges is balancing creative freedom with the practical aspects of project management, such as setting realistic deadlines and managing budgets. Additionally, working independently can sometimes lead to isolation, making it important to actively seek feedback and collaborate with other developers or artists. Staying motivated and disciplined without a traditional team structure is also crucial for successfully completing and launching a game.

What is the difference between Freelance Indie Game Developer vs Indie Game Designer?

AspectFreelance Indie Game DeveloperIndie Game Designer
CredentialsSelf-taught or formal education in programming, game design, or related fieldsBackground in game design, art, or storytelling, often with portfolio work
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote, project-basedIndependent or small team, often remote or co-located
Industry UsageDevelops and codes entire games or game componentsFocuses on game concept, mechanics, and visual/story elements
Search & Comparison IntentDevelopers creating or coding games independentlyDesigners focusing on game concept and aesthetics

While both roles operate independently in the indie game industry, Freelance Indie Game Developers primarily handle coding and technical development, whereas Indie Game Designers focus on game concept, mechanics, and visual storytelling. Both often collaborate but have distinct skill sets and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Indie Game Developer jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Indie Game Developer jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Indie Game Developer jobs in Michigan?

For Freelance Indie Game Developer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Indie Game Developer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Indie Game Developer jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Freelance Indie Game Developer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Freelance Indie Game Developer job openings:

Creative Lead/Instructional Design Manager

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site


Stellantis
IT Services

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 45 rated automakers

Good employer

Recommended by students

Paid breaks


Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

The Creative Lead/Instructional Design Manager guides the creative development of learning and performance support materials created by Stellantis Performance Institute for an audience of Stellantis dealership personnel with an emphasis on Sales and After Sales students (non-technical)
This is a full-time, on-site position with Stellantis' Performance Institute in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
This position is responsible for managing the creation of learning solutions that meet and exceed Stellantis Performance Institute expectations for improving retail performance. These learning solutions include a variety of media (e.g., web, print, live, games, animations, mobile and video) that communicate a clear, relevant message to all our external and internal audiences -- including our internal Performance Institute staff, trainers, and the end users in dealerships throughout the NAFTA region.
This role also collaborates with project managers, subject matter experts, instructional designers/writers, vendors and Performance Institute's internal teams to ensure effective and engaging learning experiences. In addition, this role designs and develops learning interventions.
Job Responsibilities include but not limited to:
  • Manage the instructional development process, from needs analysis/concept to implementation and measurement, including creating/updates templates and processes, curriculum and course design, writing/development and editing
  • Provide leadership, process support and general oversight/mentoring for contract developers and freelance personnel as required, including keeping track of how well people are doing in order to make improvements
  • Problem Solving - including proactive solutions to achieve improved effectiveness and efficiency
  • Maintain records and files of work and revisions, per departmental standards
  • Produce/edit product and skills-related creative deliverables with minimal supervision
  • Participate in status meetings, provide project updates, conduct/assist with presentations, delegate projects and manage developer workload as required
  • Benchmark other manufacturer's training and extract best practices for consideration within our strategies
  • Work with key Performance Institute leaders to ideate and implement learning solutions
  • Create presentations and supporting materials for executives to optimize their messaging
  • Attend skills-related training events (i.e., new Skills train the trainer sessions), video shoots and narrative voice-over recording sessions as required to ensure performance objectives and creative vision are maintained
  • Support management of ISD team, freelance staff and vendor partners utilized for a variety of projects

Basic Requirements
  • Minimum of Undergraduate degree; BA or BS in Behavioral Psychology, Technical Writing, Journalism, English, Instructional Design, Communications, or related field
  • Minimum 7 years of experience designing/developing training and performance improvement materials, with an emphasis on retail automotive (Sales/After Sales), in a professional environment
  • Demonstrated application of adult learning principles, performance improvement strategies and associated adult learning models and theories
  • Demonstrated familiarity with general automotive knowledge, systems, components and related technologies
  • Proven ability to provide, present and explain work samples during interview process
  • Proven experience managing a small team of instructional designers
  • Proven experience collaborating with project team members and various internal departments/disciplines to produce learning solutions and provide project status updates
  • Excellent and demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Word and Power Point. Minimum intermediate knowledge of Excel
  • Experience assisting training facilitators as required to prepare/facilitate courseware
  • Experience presenting to and working with executives
  • Excellent and demonstrated writing skills, e.g., creative, journalistic, marketing/copy, technical
  • Ability to work in-person at World Headquarters in Auburn Hills (in office 5 days a week)


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