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Game Development Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Ann Arbor, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Kalamazoo, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Detroit, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Stardock Corporation

Senior Game Developer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Education and/or Experience Desired: * 7+ years of experience in game or simulation development. * Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or relevant field. * Strong C ...

Stardock Corporation

Senior Game Developer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Education and/or Experience Desired: * 7+ years of experience in game or simulation development. * Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or relevant field. * Strong C ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Kalamazoo, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Ann Arbor, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Detroit, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Brunswick

Unity Software Developer

Muskegon, MI · On-site

Develop interactive projection-based games and experiences using Unity * Build and optimize applications for a desktop-based development environment * Integrate projection mapping systems (e.g ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Ann Arbor, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes production pipeline understanding and connects 3DS Max skills to architectural visualization, film VFX, and game development. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Kalamazoo, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes production pipeline understanding and connects 3DS Max skills to architectural visualization, film VFX, and game development. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Detroit, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes production pipeline understanding and connects 3DS Max skills to architectural visualization, film VFX, and game development. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

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All JobsGame Development JobsGame Development Jobs in Michigan

Game Development information

See Michigan salary details

$28.3K

$94.5K

$156.9K

How much do game development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for game development in Michigan is $94,542.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $108,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is game development?

Game development is the process of creating video games, encompassing everything from concept and design to programming, art, sound, testing, and release. It often involves a team of professionals with different skills, such as game designers, programmers, artists, writers, and testers. The process may use game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine to build the game's mechanics, graphics, and overall experience. Game development can be done by large studios or individual indie developers, and projects can range from simple mobile games to complex, multi-platform titles.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in game development teams?

Game development often involves tight deadlines, rapidly changing project requirements, and the need to balance creative vision with technical constraints. Team members regularly collaborate across disciplines—such as programming, design, art, and sound—which can lead to communication challenges and the need for strong teamwork skills. Additionally, adapting to new technologies and tools is essential, as the industry evolves quickly, requiring continuous learning and flexibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in game development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Game Development, you need strong programming skills (commonly in C++, C#, or Java), a solid understanding of computer graphics, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as version control systems such as Git, is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that help in designing engaging gameplay and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for creating technically sound, innovative, and commercially successful games.

What is the difference between Game Development vs Game Design?

AspectGame DevelopmentGame Design
Primary FocusProgramming, coding, and technical implementation of gamesConcept creation, story, and gameplay mechanics
Required SkillsProgramming languages, software engineering, problem-solvingCreativity, storytelling, user experience design
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, coding labs, software studiosDesign studios, creative teams, collaborative workshops
Common CertificationsComputer Science, Software Engineering, Programming coursesGame Design degrees, Creative Arts, Storytelling courses

Game Development involves the technical creation and programming of games, focusing on coding and software engineering. Game Design centers on crafting game concepts, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. Both roles often collaborate but require different skill sets and educational backgrounds, making them distinct yet interconnected careers in the gaming industry.

What jobs are there in game development?

In game development, common roles include game designer, programmer, artist, animator, sound designer, and quality assurance tester. These positions often require skills in programming languages, graphic design, and familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine.

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

The most popular types of Game Development jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Game Development jobs in Michigan?

For Game Development jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Development jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Development jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Game Development jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Game Development job openings:

Game Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Development job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,542 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Student Game Developer (Student Position)

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI • On-site

$14 - $14.49/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Ferris State University rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

577th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Student Game Developer (Student Position)
Job no: 498110
Work type: Student Employment - General
Location: Big Rapids, MI 49307
Categories: Student Employment - General
Position Title: Student Game Developer (Student Position)
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Department:
College of Pharmacy
Advertised Salary: $14.00-$14.49
Summary of Position: Seeking motivated student developers to join an interdisciplinary team creating a web-based educational video game. The game will teach players about antibiotics, vaccines, and their role in defending the body against harmful pathogens through engaging gameplay and interactive learning experiences
Position Type: Student
Position Requirements:
Current student at Ferris State University
Demonstrate skills in game design principles and game development
Experience creating 2D art and/or animation for video games
Proficiency using the Godot game engine
Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with Git or other version control systems
Experience developing web-based games
Familiarity with user interface (UI) design and user experience (UX) principles
Portfolio demonstrating completed game projects, artwork, or animations
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
Reliable, self-motivated, and capable of managing assigned tasks independently
Availability to work 20-24 hours per week throughout the project (through Fall 2027)
Essential Duties/Responsibilities: Collaborate with faculty and student team members to design and develop gameplay systems.
Develop game features and mechanics using the Godot game engine.
Create and implement 2D artwork, animations, and user interface elements.
Participate in game design discussions, prototyping, testing, and iteration.
Debug, optimize, and maintain project code and assets.
Attend regular team meetings and communicate project progress effectively.
Contribute ideas and feedback to improve the overall player experience and educational value of the game.
Number of Positions Available: 1
Documents Needed to Apply: Resume
Job Close Date: December 31, 2026
EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
Advertised: 13 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 31 Dec 2026 Eastern Standard Time
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