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Senior Game Developer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Stardock Corporation

Senior Game Developer

Plymouth, MI

$120K - $160K/yr

Stardock is currently seeking a talented Senior Game Developer. The ideal candidate is well versed in C++, has shipped titles in the past and loves strategy games. This is a salaried, full-time ...

Stardock Corporation

Senior Game Developer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Stardock is currently seeking a talented Senior Game Developer. The ideal candidate is well versed in C++, has shipped titles in the past and loves strategy games. This is a salaried, full-time ...

BetMGM

Senior Product Manager, Gaming

Three Rivers, MI · On-site +1

$116K - $154K/yr

Jersey City, NJ - Hybrid About the Role The Senior Product Manager, Gaming is a key contributor ... Deep experience working within Agile environments, partnering effectively with engineering, design ...

BetMGM

Senior Product Manager, Gaming

Three Rivers, MI · On-site +1

$116K - $154K/yr

Jersey City, NJ - Hybrid About the Role The Senior Product Manager, Gaming is a key contributor ... Deep experience working within Agile environments, partnering effectively with engineering, design ...

Stardock

Senior Graphics Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

Salary: $100,000 to $200,000 annually Stardock released the first DirectX 12 game as well as the ... We are currently seeking a full-time Senior Graphics Engineer to work on our next generation game ...

Crowe LLP

Senior AI Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site +1

$100K - $137K/yr

Senior AI Engineer 1 About Crowe Studio Crowe Studio is a business unit dedicated to helping ... game-changing AI solutions. We help companies de-risk AI adoption while demonstrating solid ROI.

Marquardt Group

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Rochester Hills, MI · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Sr. Mechanical Engineer We are currently in search of a Sr. Mechanical Engineer to join our ... Innovation - You want to support Marquardt in pursuing new and game changing technology. * Pursuit ...

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All JobsGame Developer JobsSenior Game Developer JobsSenior Game Developer Jobs in Michigan

Senior Game Developer information

See Michigan salary details

$67.5K

$134.3K

$199.2K

How much do senior game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior game developer in Michigan is $134,280.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,600.00 and $153,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the 80 20 rule in game development?

The 80/20 rule in game development suggests that approximately 80% of a game's value comes from 20% of its features or content. Senior game developers often focus on optimizing core mechanics and key features to maximize player engagement while minimizing unnecessary work on less impactful elements.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Senior Game Developer on a game development team?

As a Senior Game Developer, you are often responsible for designing core gameplay systems, writing and reviewing code, and ensuring technical quality across multiple components of the game. You will mentor junior developers, help establish development best practices, and work closely with artists, designers, and project managers to bring gameplay concepts to life. The role frequently involves troubleshooting complex issues, optimizing performance, and participating in strategic planning for current and future projects. Your work will have a significant impact on both the technical direction and overall success of the game, making collaboration and leadership important aspects of the job.

How much does a senior game dev make?

A senior game developer typically earns between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often have expertise in programming languages like C++ or C# and use game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine.

What is a Senior Game Developer job?

A Senior Game Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing game mechanics, systems, and features. They lead technical and creative aspects of game development, guide junior developers, and collaborate with designers, artists, and producers to ensure high-quality gameplay experiences. Their role often includes coding, debugging, performance optimization, and mentorship. Additionally, they contribute to architectural decisions, maintain best coding practices, and stay updated with industry trends.

Is 30 too old to get into game dev?

Senior game developers come from diverse backgrounds and ages, and entering the field at 30 is common. Success depends on skills, portfolio, and experience with game engines like Unity or Unreal, rather than age. Many developers start or transition into game development later in life and find opportunities in the industry.

Is AI replacing game devs?

AI is increasingly used as a tool to assist game developers in tasks like procedural content generation, testing, and animation, but it does not replace the need for skilled game developers. Senior game developers continue to design, program, and oversee game projects, integrating AI tools to enhance productivity and creativity. Human expertise remains essential for creative direction, problem-solving, and ensuring quality in game development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Senior Game Developer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Game Developer, you need extensive experience in programming languages (such as C++, C#, or Java), a deep understanding of game engines (like Unity or Unreal Engine), and a strong portfolio demonstrating completed projects. Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git), collaborative development tools (such as JIRA or Perforce), and relevant certifications add to your technical proficiency. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you guide teams and collaborate across disciplines. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering polished games, driving innovation, and ensuring cohesive teamwork in a fast-paced industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Game Developer jobs in Michigan? For Senior Game Developer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Game Developer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Game Developer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Senior Game Developer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Senior Game Developer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Game Developer jobs in MI? For Senior Game Developer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Senior Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Game Developer job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,280 per year, or $64.6 per hour.
Senior Game Developer

Senior Game Developer

Stardock Corporation

Plymouth, MI

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Are you an avid gamer interested in creating awesome games? Stardock is currently seeking a talented Senior Game Developer. The ideal candidate is well versed in C++, has shipped titles in the past and loves strategy games. This is a salaried, full-time position at our Plymouth, Michigan office and relocation assistance will be provided.


Primary Responsibilities Include:

  • Implement low level systems such as windowing, controllers, rendering, audio, and networking.
  • Architect, build and maintain core systems in modern C++ on multicore CPUs.
  • Write technical documents describing core systems.
  • Mentor and collaborate with other developers in a team environment.
  • Work closely with Design, Production, and Art to develop requirements and implementation plans.
  • Manage timelines and milestones to meet stakeholder expectations.
  • Work closely with Production and QA to address bugs.


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++ background.
  • Passion for games and game design.
  • Self-motivated and loves solving problems.
  • Experience with modern graphics APIs (DirectX, OpenGL, Vulkan, Metal).
  • Expertise in several of the following: Optimization, networking, UI/UX, AI, generative AI, physics, data management, graphics, gameplay, audio, HLSL/GLSL shaders, pipelines, terrain.
  • Able to learn new technology quickly and execute on a schedule in a fast-paced cross-discipline team environment.
  • Experienced with version control software (e.g. Perforce, SVN, etc.).


The salary for this position ranges from $120,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on your qualifications, experience, and expertise. Stardock is committed to offering a competitive compensation package tailored to the right candidate.

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