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Game Design Internship Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Game Design Internship information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$16

$32

How much do game design internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for game design internship 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 is a game design internship?

A Game Design Internship is a temporary position that allows students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in the game development industry. Interns typically assist with various aspects of game design, such as creating game concepts, designing levels, testing gameplay, and providing feedback on user experience. These internships are valuable for building a portfolio, making industry connections, and learning industry-standard tools and processes. They often work closely with experienced designers and development teams to understand the full cycle of game creation.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on during a game design internship?

As a Game Design Intern, you can expect to participate in a variety of hands-on projects, such as designing game levels, prototyping gameplay mechanics, and contributing to brainstorming sessions with the design team. You'll often collaborate with artists, programmers, and producers to help implement features or refine existing gameplay elements. Interns are typically given opportunities to playtest games, provide feedback, and document their design ideas. The fast-paced and creative environment provides valuable exposure to the full game development pipeline, making it an excellent learning experience.

What is the difference between Game Design Internship vs Game Development Internship?

AspectGame Design InternshipGame Development Internship
Required SkillsCreativity, storytelling, level designProgramming, software engineering, technical skills
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, creative departmentsProgramming teams, technical departments
Industry UsageUsed in game studios focusing on design and user experienceUsed in studios focusing on coding and technical development
Common Search IntentUnderstanding design roles in gamingUnderstanding technical roles in gaming

Game Design Internships focus on creative aspects like storytelling, level design, and user experience, while Game Development Internships emphasize programming and technical development. Both roles are essential in game studios but cater to different skill sets and career paths.

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 need a foundational understanding of game mechanics, storytelling, and user experience, often supported by coursework or personal projects in game development. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and graphic design software, as well as basic scripting knowledge, is typically required. Creativity, teamwork, and strong communication are vital soft skills to effectively collaborate and share ideas within a development team. These skills and qualities are important because they enable interns to contribute meaningful ideas, adapt to feedback, and support the fast-paced, collaborative nature of game development.
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 Internship jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Game Design Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Game Design Internship job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,129 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Internship

Re-posted 12 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.