Indie Roleplaying Game Studio is seeking an adjunct instructor for the Fall 2026 term. With the ... engineering/sciences/mathematics). We prefer applicants who have already earned a master's degree ...
Indie Roleplaying Game Studio is seeking an adjunct instructor for the Fall 2026 term. With the ... engineering/sciences/mathematics). We prefer applicants who have already earned a master's degree ...
Principal Gameplay Engineer - Unity
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$200K - $300K/yr
... motion - think "game feel" in the Super Meat Boy/Balatro/Hades sense: tight, expressive, and ... Indie feel. You've shipped experiences where the magic comes from timing, simplicity, and cohesion.
Principal Gameplay Engineer - Unity
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$200K - $300K/yr
... motion - think "game feel" in the Super Meat Boy/Balatro/Hades sense: tight, expressive, and ... Indie feel. You've shipped experiences where the magic comes from timing, simplicity, and cohesion.
This is an entry level role and great for a recent grad! Game Testers at SIE are responsible for finding and replicating bugs/glitches and accurately reporting them to the game developers. The ideal ...
This is an entry level role and great for a recent grad! Game Testers at SIE are responsible for finding and replicating bugs/glitches and accurately reporting them to the game developers. The ideal ...
... game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute ... Software development fundamentals (Frontend, Backend, QA, DevOps) * Product design & user ...
Quick apply
... game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute ... Software development fundamentals (Frontend, Backend, QA, DevOps) * Product design & user ...
... game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute ... Software development fundamentals (Frontend, Backend, QA, DevOps) * Product design & user ...
... game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute ... Software development fundamentals (Frontend, Backend, QA, DevOps) * Product design & user ...
Game Designer, Casual F2P
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
Play and deeply analyze casual games across genres, Match-3, Time Management, Simulation, Indie ... Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, art, QA, marketing) to ensure designs are ...
Quick apply
Game Designer, Casual F2P
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
Play and deeply analyze casual games across genres, Match-3, Time Management, Simulation, Indie ... Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, art, QA, marketing) to ensure designs are ...
Game Designer, Casual F2P
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
Play and deeply analyze casual games across genres, Match-3, Time Management, Simulation, Indie ... Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, art, QA, marketing) to ensure designs are ...
Game Designer, Casual F2P
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
Play and deeply analyze casual games across genres, Match-3, Time Management, Simulation, Indie ... Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, art, QA, marketing) to ensure designs are ...
Mountain View, CA, USA Machine Learning Engineer, User Understanding (Entry-Level / New Grad ... The top mobile games in the world, the most played PC indie titles, the most innovative console ...
Mountain View, CA, USA Machine Learning Engineer, User Understanding (Entry-Level / New Grad ... The top mobile games in the world, the most played PC indie titles, the most innovative console ...
Throughout the program, students collaborate on interdisciplinary teams with programmers, artists ... indie games, to art games, and games for change on established and experimental platforms. In ...
Throughout the program, students collaborate on interdisciplinary teams with programmers, artists ... indie games, to art games, and games for change on established and experimental platforms. In ...
... A developers like Activision and Electronic Arts to the Kickstarter-fueled Indie scene. If you're looking to jumpstart a career in game journalism, mxdwn Games is a great place to begin. If ...
... A developers like Activision and Electronic Arts to the Kickstarter-fueled Indie scene. If you're looking to jumpstart a career in game journalism, mxdwn Games is a great place to begin. If ...
... A developers like Activision and Electronic Arts to the Kickstarter-fueled Indie scene. If you're looking to jumpstart a career in game journalism, mxdwn Games is a great place to begin. If ...
... A developers like Activision and Electronic Arts to the Kickstarter-fueled Indie scene. If you're looking to jumpstart a career in game journalism, mxdwn Games is a great place to begin. If ...
Game Test Analyst
$17.75 - $18/hr
This is an entry level role and great for a recent grad! Game Testers at SIE are responsible for finding and replicating bugs/glitches and accurately reporting them to the game developers. The ideal ...
Game Test Analyst
$17.75 - $18/hr
This is an entry level role and great for a recent grad! Game Testers at SIE are responsible for finding and replicating bugs/glitches and accurately reporting them to the game developers. The ideal ...
Game Test Analyst
San Diego, CA · On-site
$17.75 - $18/hr
This is an entry level role and great for a recent grad! Game Testers at SIE are responsible for finding and replicating bugs/glitches and accurately reporting them to the game developers. The ideal ...
Game Test Analyst
San Diego, CA · On-site
$17.75 - $18/hr
This is an entry level role and great for a recent grad! Game Testers at SIE are responsible for finding and replicating bugs/glitches and accurately reporting them to the game developers. The ideal ...
Bellevue, WA, USA Machine Learning Engineer, Offline Infrastructure (Entry-Level / New Grad ... The top mobile games in the world, the most played PC indie titles, the most innovative console ...
Bellevue, WA, USA Machine Learning Engineer, Offline Infrastructure (Entry-Level / New Grad ... The top mobile games in the world, the most played PC indie titles, the most innovative console ...
Machine Learning Engineer, Offline Infrastructure (Entry-Level / New Grad)
Mountain View, CA · On-site
$125K - $165K/yr
Mountain View, CA, USA Machine Learning Engineer, Offline Infrastructure (Entry-Level / New Grad ... The top mobile games in the world, the most played PC indie titles, the most innovative console ...
Machine Learning Engineer, Offline Infrastructure (Entry-Level / New Grad)
Mountain View, CA · On-site
$125K - $165K/yr
Mountain View, CA, USA Machine Learning Engineer, Offline Infrastructure (Entry-Level / New Grad ... The top mobile games in the world, the most played PC indie titles, the most innovative console ...
ABOUT US Xsolla is a global commerce company with robust tools and services to help developers solve the inherent challenges of the video game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with ...
ABOUT US Xsolla is a global commerce company with robust tools and services to help developers solve the inherent challenges of the video game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with ...
ABOUT US Xsolla is a global commerce company with robust tools and services to help developers solve the inherent challenges of the video game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with ...
Quick apply
ABOUT US Xsolla is a global commerce company with robust tools and services to help developers solve the inherent challenges of the video game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with ...
Software Engineer - Game Dev
Atlanta, GA · On-site
This is an entry-level engineering role ideal for someone eager to grow their skills while contributing to high-quality slot game experiences. We are actively seeking candidates who use AI-assisted ...
Software Engineer - Game Dev
Atlanta, GA · On-site
This is an entry-level engineering role ideal for someone eager to grow their skills while contributing to high-quality slot game experiences. We are actively seeking candidates who use AI-assisted ...
Performance Coaching Intern
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$20/hr
ABOUT US Xsolla is a global e-commerce company with robust tools and services to help game developers solve the inherent challenges of the video game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner ...
Performance Coaching Intern
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$20/hr
ABOUT US Xsolla is a global e-commerce company with robust tools and services to help game developers solve the inherent challenges of the video game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner ...
Performance Coaching Intern
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$20/hr
ABOUT US Xsolla is a global e-commerce company with robust tools and services to help game developers solve the inherent challenges of the video game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner ...
Performance Coaching Intern
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$20/hr
ABOUT US Xsolla is a global e-commerce company with robust tools and services to help game developers solve the inherent challenges of the video game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner ...
Entry Level Indie Game Developer information
See salary details
$32.5K - $45.9K
3% of jobs
$45.9K - $59.3K
10% of jobs
$59.3K - $72.7K
8% of jobs
$79.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$72.7K - $86.1K
10% of jobs
$86.1K - $99.5K
16% of jobs
The median wage is $102K / yr.
$99.5K - $113K
20% of jobs
$119.9K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$113K - $126.4K
16% of jobs
$126.4K - $139.8K
0% of jobs
$139.8K - $153.2K
1% of jobs
$153.2K - $166.6K
5% of jobs
$166.6K - $180K
11% of jobs
$32.5K
$108.5K
$180K
How much do entry level indie game developer jobs pay per year?
As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level indie game developer in the United States is $108,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Indie Game Developer, and why are they important?
To thrive as an Entry Level Indie Game Developer, you need a solid grasp of programming fundamentals (often in languages like C# or C++), basic game design principles, and a relevant degree or portfolio showcasing your work. Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine and version control systems like Git is typically expected. Creativity, problem-solving ability, and strong teamwork skills help you contribute to small, collaborative teams and adapt to evolving project requirements. These competencies ensure you can effectively build, iterate, and launch engaging indie games in a competitive industry.
What are some common challenges faced by entry level indie game developers, and how can they be overcome?
Entry level indie game developers often face challenges such as limited resources, tight budgets, and wearing multiple hats within small teams. Balancing creative ambitions with practical constraints can be difficult, especially when managing time between programming, art, sound, and marketing tasks. Effective communication and collaboration with team members, utilizing accessible development tools, and participating in online communities can help overcome these hurdles. Learning to scope projects realistically and seeking feedback early in the process are also essential strategies for success.
What is the difference between Entry Level Indie Game Developer vs Junior Game Programmer?
| Aspect | Entry Level Indie Game Developer | Junior Game Programmer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Skills | Basic programming, game design, creativity | Programming languages, debugging, software tools |
| Work Environment | Independent projects, small teams, startups | Game studios, development teams, collaborative settings |
| Industry Usage | Indie game development, small studios | Game development companies, larger studios |
Both roles often require foundational programming skills and a passion for gaming. An Entry Level Indie Game Developer typically works on personal or small team projects, focusing on creativity and design, while a Junior Game Programmer is more involved in coding, debugging, and technical implementation within a professional studio environment. The roles overlap in skills but differ mainly in scope and work setting.
What are entry level indie game developers?
Entry level indie game developers are individuals who are new to game development and work within small, independent teams or as solo creators to produce video games. They typically handle a range of tasks, such as programming, designing, art creation, and testing, often learning on the job and wearing multiple hats. Their focus is usually on creative projects with limited budgets, aiming to break into the gaming industry or build a portfolio. Entry level indie developers may release their games on platforms like Steam, itch.io, or mobile app stores. The role is well-suited for those passionate about games, creativity, and self-driven learning.
More about Entry Level Indie Game Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Indie Game Developer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Indie Game Developer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Indie Game Developer jobs? The most popular types of Indie Game Developer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Indie Game Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Indie Game Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Indie Game Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Indie Game Developer jobs are:
Full-time
Posted 10 days ago
Carnegie Mellon University rating
8.6
Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
53rd of 539 rated colleges and universities
Job description
Description
The IDeATe course 53-322 IDeATe: Little Games/Big Stories: Indie Roleplaying Game Studio is seeking an adjunct instructor for the Fall 2026 term.
With the media resurgence of tabletop and live action roleplaying, standards like Dungeons and Dragons and Vampire the Masquerade have gained more players thanks to popular streaming platforms. While these games have been a cultural touchstone, players have always gone out of their confines and into the thriving independent role playing games community. Producing unique forms of play, and exploring themes outside the realms of fantasy, indie games are bigger than ever. This studio course aims to introduce students to the history and methods of creating independent analog roleplaying games in their many forms. Students will receive hands-on experience which aims to cultivate a praxis and practice as well as investigate the current art of independent roleplaying games. Focusing on analog roleplaying games across the current indie design spectrum (storytelling, tabletop, journaling, and larp), students will split their time between playing games and critically learning from their form and creating their own games. At the end of the semester, students will submit their work in the form of a self-published roleplaying zine. There will be opportunities for students to receive feedback from current industry practitioners in critique sessions. No game writing or design experience is necessary to join this course.
53-322 IDeATe: Little Games/Big Stories: Indie Roleplaying Game Studio
Units | 9
Time | 10:00-11:50am, Tues/Thurs
Location | Hunt Library A10A (IDeATe Media Lab)
Lab/office Hours | To be set by instructor
Qualifications
We are open to applicants from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, including (but not limited to) game design, performing, electronic, and visual art, humanities, and other technical disciplines (engineering/sciences/mathematics). We prefer applicants who have already earned a master's degree in their discipline, but are open to considering students currently in a master's or doctoral program. We encourage applications from people who identify as members of communities that are historically underrepresented in the academy.
The IDeATe course 53-322 IDeATe: Little Games/Big Stories: Indie Roleplaying Game Studio is seeking an adjunct instructor for the Fall 2026 term.
With the media resurgence of tabletop and live action roleplaying, standards like Dungeons and Dragons and Vampire the Masquerade have gained more players thanks to popular streaming platforms. While these games have been a cultural touchstone, players have always gone out of their confines and into the thriving independent role playing games community. Producing unique forms of play, and exploring themes outside the realms of fantasy, indie games are bigger than ever. This studio course aims to introduce students to the history and methods of creating independent analog roleplaying games in their many forms. Students will receive hands-on experience which aims to cultivate a praxis and practice as well as investigate the current art of independent roleplaying games. Focusing on analog roleplaying games across the current indie design spectrum (storytelling, tabletop, journaling, and larp), students will split their time between playing games and critically learning from their form and creating their own games. At the end of the semester, students will submit their work in the form of a self-published roleplaying zine. There will be opportunities for students to receive feedback from current industry practitioners in critique sessions. No game writing or design experience is necessary to join this course.
53-322 IDeATe: Little Games/Big Stories: Indie Roleplaying Game Studio
Units | 9
Time | 10:00-11:50am, Tues/Thurs
Location | Hunt Library A10A (IDeATe Media Lab)
Lab/office Hours | To be set by instructor
Qualifications
We are open to applicants from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, including (but not limited to) game design, performing, electronic, and visual art, humanities, and other technical disciplines (engineering/sciences/mathematics). We prefer applicants who have already earned a master's degree in their discipline, but are open to considering students currently in a master's or doctoral program. We encourage applications from people who identify as members of communities that are historically underrepresented in the academy.
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