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How much do video game developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for video game developer in Michigan is $16.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $17.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do video game devs make?

Video game developers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and company size, but the median annual wage in the industry is around $80,000. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while experienced developers or those with specialized skills can earn over $120,000 annually. Knowledge of programming languages and game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine can influence earning potential.

What are Video Game Developers?

Video game developers are professionals who design, create, and program video games for computers, consoles, or mobile devices. They work as part of a team to develop the gameplay, graphics, user interface, and storylines that make up a video game. Developers can specialize in various areas such as game design, programming, art, animation, or sound. Their responsibilities often include coding, testing, debugging, and collaborating with other team members to ensure the game runs smoothly and meets creative vision. Video game developers may work for large studios or as independent creators.

Is 30 too old to get into game dev?

Video game development is a field open to individuals of all ages, and many successful developers start or transition into the industry later in life. Skills such as programming, design, and familiarity with tools like Unity or Unreal Engine are more important than age, and continuous learning can help new entrants succeed regardless of when they start.

What are some common challenges Video Game Developers face when working on large-scale projects?

Video Game Developers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with large, multidisciplinary teams, managing shifting project requirements, and adhering to tight deadlines. Communication and collaboration are essential, as developers must work closely with artists, designers, and quality assurance testers to ensure a cohesive final product. Balancing creative vision with technical limitations and resource constraints can also be demanding, but it provides valuable experience in problem-solving and adaptability.

Will AI replace game devs?

Video game developers use skills in programming, design, and storytelling to create interactive experiences. While AI can assist with tasks like procedural content generation and testing, it is unlikely to fully replace human developers due to the need for creativity, problem-solving, and nuanced decision-making in game development.

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

To thrive as a Video Game Developer, you need strong programming skills (often in C++, C#, or Java), a solid understanding of game design principles, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine and version control systems like Git is essential. Creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for creating engaging, technically sound games that meet both artistic and functional requirements in a competitive industry.

What is the difference between Video Game Developer vs Game Designer?

AspectVideo Game DeveloperGame Designer
Primary RoleProgram and build the game, focusing on coding, mechanics, and technical implementation.Design game concepts, storylines, characters, and gameplay mechanics.
Required SkillsProgramming languages (C++, C#), software development, problem-solving.Creativity, storytelling, game design principles, user experience.
Work EnvironmentTypically in development teams, working closely with artists and designers.Often collaborates with developers, artists, and writers to shape game concepts.

While both roles are essential in game development, Video Game Developers focus on coding and technical implementation, whereas Game Designers concentrate on creating the game's concept and gameplay experience. They work together to produce engaging and functional games.

What Does a Video Game Developer Do?

A video game developer has several responsibilities, including creating efficient and clean code, producing gameplay feature and game idea prototypes, and helping to create the engine or base of games. You can choose to specialize in a specific platform, such as creating games for a console system, smartphones, or a computer system. Your duties may require you to develop game concepts, write code, work with sprints or Agile methodology, or assist with the game’s audio and design features. You may also collaborate with other video game creators to polish the game once you finish it.

What is the 80 20 rule in game development?

In game development, the 80/20 rule suggests that roughly 80% of the game's value comes from 20% of its features or content. Developers often focus on the most impactful features to optimize resources and improve player experience, making prioritization and scope management essential skills for a game developer.
More about Video Game Developer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Video Game Developer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Video Game Developer jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Video Game Developer jobs in Michigan? For Video Game Developer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Video Game Developer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Video Game Developer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Video Game Developer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Video Game Developer job openings:
Video Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Video Game Developer job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,643 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
GRAY MEDIA TRAINING PROGRAM FALL '26 - WILX

GRAY MEDIA TRAINING PROGRAM FALL '26 - WILX

GRAY TELEVISION

Lansing, MI

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Gray Television rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 65 rated media

Job description

About Gray Media:

Gray Media, or Gray, is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, formally known as Gray Television, Inc. The company is the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households. The portfolio includes 77 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first and/or second-highest-rated television station, as well as the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 45 markets totaling nearly 1.5 million Hispanic TV Households. The company also owns Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Gray's additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

About WILX:

WILX, the highly rated NBC affiliate located in Lansing, Michigan, for more than 60 years, is on a growth trajectory. WILX currently produces 33 hours of news per week and is growing. A market leader in news, digital, and social media, WILX News 10 is home to Emmy award-winning reporters and the recipient of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters “Station of the Year” award. WILX is a breaking news and weather station, with a strong emphasis on original, local reporting. Our respected main anchors live here and have made WILX their career home. This includes the longest-running sportscaster in the state of Michigan. Our newsroom leadership is known for developing young journalists. Mid-Michigan (Lansing/Jackson area) is a big news market, home to the state capital and Michigan State University. It is a vibrant, diverse, stable area and a great place to live and work. Lansing is just an hour away from Grand Rapids, downtown Detroit, and a day-trip “up north” for some of the most beautiful places in the country. If you love lakes, boating, fishing, camping, beaches, downhill skiing, wine, craft brew, Broadway shows, Big 10 sports, minor-league baseball, NFL/NBA/NHL games…Michigan has it all!

The Training Program:

General Responsibilities:

What You’ll Do:

  • Own the role: Step into the shoes of a producer, MMJ, meteorologist, or media sales executive and handle real-world assignments (yes, the kind that may go on air and online). 
  • Drive digital engagement: Create content that lives beyond the TV screen, think social media, streaming apps, and web stories—because we’re digital-first, always.
  • Collaborate with pros: Work side-by-side with seasoned veterans who are the best in the business, gaining insights you won’t find in any textbook.
  • Commit to the craft: Dedicate 25 hours per week for 10 weeks to mastering your specialty and building a professional-grade portfolio.
  • Make an impact: Tell stories that matter to the community or help local businesses grow through innovative media strategies. 
  • Build your future: Position yourself at the front of the line for full-time career opportunities within Gray Media’s network of 113 stations.

What You Bring:

  • Current enrollment: You’re a college student (Junior or Senior status preferred) chasing a degree in Journalism, Communications, Sales, Marketing, or a related field.
  • A "doer" mindset: You aren't afraid to get your hands dirty and take initiative; you’re here to work, not just watch.
  • Digital savvy: You understand that media happens everywhere, from the big screen to the palm of someone’s hand.
  • Strong work ethic: You bring urgency, organization, and a "can-do" attitude to every shift.
  • Communication skills: You can tell a story, pitch an idea, or explain a forecast with clarity and confidence.
  • Reliability: You’re ready to commit to the full 10-week program and the 25-hour weekly schedule.
  • Passion for local: You care about the community and want to see how local media makes a real difference.

Why You’ll Love It Here:

  • Real-world experience: You’ll graduate with more than just a line on your resume; you’ll have the experience of having done the job.
  • Unprecedented access: With 113 stations across the U.S., you’re part of a massive, innovative network that’s leading the future of media.
  • Career fast-track: We love hiring our own. This program is designed to be the ultimate audition for your first full-time role with Gray.
  • Paid training: Earn while you learn. This is a paid internship. 
  • A culture of innovation: We’re evolving on purpose, and you’ll be right there on the front lines of that evolution.

    Qualifications/Requirements:

    Be currently enrolled in a college/university (preferred Junior/Senior)
    Strong work ethic and organizational skills
    Earning a degree in Journalism/Communications, Sales, Marketing, Engineering, News, Sports, or related fields, with a desire to get hands-on experience in the local media industry

    If you are interested in interning in these areas, the station may have openings in these departments for you:

    • Marketing
    • Creative Services
    • Sports
    • Weather
    • News Production 
    • News MMJ 
    • Engineering 

    Ready to stop practicing and start performing? Let’s build the future of media together

    The intern rate of pay can range from minimum wage in your state to $15 an hour.

    Interested in the program?  Go to https://gray.tv/careers#currentopenings, type "Intern WILX" (in search bar)

    WILX-TV/Gray Media is a drug-free company

    Additional Info:

    Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
    Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Gray’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

    What Gray Television employees say

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