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Game Design Intern Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Game Design Intern information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$16

$32

How much do game design intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for game design intern in Michigan is $16.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as a Game Design Intern?

As a Game Design Intern, you’ll typically work on a variety of tasks such as prototyping gameplay mechanics, designing levels, documenting game features, and playtesting builds. You’ll often collaborate closely with designers, artists, and programmers, contributing your ideas in brainstorming sessions and providing feedback on in-development features. Interns may also support the team by researching trends or helping refine user experiences. This hands-on involvement offers a valuable opportunity to learn industry-standard tools and gain exposure to the full game development cycle.

What is the difference between Game Design Intern vs Game Developer Intern?

AspectGame Design InternGame Developer Intern
Required SkillsCreativity, game mechanics understanding, basic design toolsProgramming, coding, software development
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, creative departmentsDevelopment teams, coding environments
Typical TasksConcept creation, level design, prototypingWriting code, debugging, implementing features

Game Design Interns focus on conceptualizing game mechanics, designing levels, and creating prototypes, while Game Developer Interns work on coding, software development, and implementing game features. Both roles often collaborate but differ mainly in skill set and daily tasks, with design interns emphasizing creativity and planning, and developer interns concentrating on technical programming.

What does a Game Design Intern do?

A Game Design Intern assists game designers and development teams in creating and refining video game concepts, mechanics, and levels. Their responsibilities often include brainstorming ideas, prototyping gameplay elements, providing feedback on game features, and conducting playtests. Interns may also help document design decisions and collaborate with artists, programmers, and other team members to ensure the game is engaging and meets quality standards. This role is a great way to gain hands-on experience and learn about the game development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Game Design Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Design Intern, you generally need a solid understanding of game mechanics, storytelling, and basic programming or design principles, often supported by coursework or a related degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, and graphic or prototyping software is highly valuable. Creativity, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you contribute ideas and work effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for turning concepts into engaging gameplay experiences and for learning quickly in a dynamic industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Design jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Game Design jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Game Design Intern jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Game Design Intern job openings:

Internship

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Unpaid Internship

Open to the Public

Open Always

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Tribal Development Coordinator, work in a supportive environment to gain experience and learn skills of the tribal positions and program responsibilities. This program is intended for currently enrolled students requiring an internship and externship. Interns will be placed in departments related to their respective degree, however, there may be times when intern is assigned to a different department based on the circumstances and/or needs of the tribe.


Key management within tribal operations, gaming and other tribal business ventures will be targets for internships under this program. Interns will be developed within tribal operations that have projected growth and who can provide on-the-job mentorship, which will unite with the academic goals and curriculum of the candidate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Intern within the Tribal Operations or other tribal enterprises.
  • Comply with all policies and procedures of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
  • Complete internship requirements within program timeframe.
  • Comply with all Tribal Scholarship policies throughout the academic school year.
  • Maintain academic enrollment during the full duration of internship.
  • Have and Maintain a cumulative 2.5 or higher grade point average throughout the internship
  • Perform duties and responsibilities relevant to placement.
  • Participate in cultural and academic professional development opportunities.
  • Be Mentored alongside assigned department director or assigned supervisor to gain managerial experience.
  • Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and all other privacy regulations.
  • Provide excellent customer service for all internal and external customers of the operations at all times. Provide solutions for customer concerns and continually focus on customer service as our top priority.
  • Must maintain strict confidentiality and present a positive, professional demeanor and image at all times.
  • The above duties and responsibilities are not an all-inclusive list but rather a general representation of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position. The duties and responsibilities will be subject to change based on organizational needs and/or deemed necessary by the supervisor.


Contacts/Purpose of Contacts:

  • Contact with associates within the organization for the purpose of collaborating and gaining basic knowledge of all Saginaw Chippewa tribal enterprises.


Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Must be an enrolled student at a college or university, and provide SCIT with documentation of the University’s requirements/scope of work for the required internship.
  • Must currently have a cumulative 2.5 grade point average.
  • Must submit an official transcript and class schedule during recruitment process.
  • Must submit a completed Internship packet and signed Internship Agreement to include the following:
    • Internship Application Cover Sheet
    • A letter of interest identifying which department/program you would most like to work with and why, as well as your strengths/assets, and what you hope to learn
    • One letter of recommendation from the student’s university advisor/supervisor
    • A resume/CV
    • May be subject to a background check and drug screening test; dependent on department placement.
    • Each department/program may have additional requirements of their own
    • A college transcript may be required by some departments


    License, Certification, or Special Requirements:

    • Must be able to obtain HIPAA Certification.
    • Native American preference shall apply to all positions.


    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

    • Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
    • Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
    • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
    • Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
    • Ability to carry out instructions furnished in verbal or written format.


    Physical Demands:

    • Frequent use of hands, wrists, fingers associated with computer equipment.
    • Required to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
    • Occasionally walk and reach with arms and hands.
    • Normal visual acuity, ability to talk and hear.
    • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.


    Work Environment:

    • Normal office or school environment or assigned work placement.