... indie games. Solid programming skills are required though a creative approach to mod design and willingness to learn game engines is a must. Key Responsibilities - Design and implement game ...
Quick apply
... indie games. Solid programming skills are required though a creative approach to mod design and willingness to learn game engines is a must. Key Responsibilities - Design and implement game ...
... engineers, designers, whoever it takes, until it's actually solved. You'll be the person who ... This is an entry-level role, so we don't specify a degree, your age, or your background. We care ...
... engineers, designers, whoever it takes, until it's actually solved. You'll be the person who ... This is an entry-level role, so we don't specify a degree, your age, or your background. We care ...
Our partner is looking for a Game Developer - Voxel-Based Engine (Java) based in Netherlands. This role offers the opportunity to build and evolve a custom voxel-based game engine from the ground up.
Our partner is looking for a Game Developer - Voxel-Based Engine (Java) based in Netherlands. This role offers the opportunity to build and evolve a custom voxel-based game engine from the ground up.
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.
Creative / Game Recruiter
Fairfield, CT · Remote
$50K - $65K/yr
... Indie studios, game genres (Action, RPG, Shooter, Mobile, Live Service), and common game development terminology such as Gameplay Programming, Game Design, Unreal Engine, Unity, Production, QA, and ...
Creative / Game Recruiter
Fairfield, CT · Remote
$50K - $65K/yr
... Indie studios, game genres (Action, RPG, Shooter, Mobile, Live Service), and common game development terminology such as Gameplay Programming, Game Design, Unreal Engine, Unity, Production, QA, and ...
... Indie studios, game genres (Action, RPG, Shooter, Mobile, Live Service), and common game development terminology such as Gameplay Programming, Game Design, Unreal Engine, Unity, Production, QA, and ...
Quick apply
... Indie studios, game genres (Action, RPG, Shooter, Mobile, Live Service), and common game development terminology such as Gameplay Programming, Game Design, Unreal Engine, Unity, Production, QA, and ...
Creative / Game Recruiter
Fairfield, CT · Remote
$50K - $65K/yr
... Indie studios, game genres (Action, RPG, Shooter, Mobile, Live Service), and common game development terminology such as Gameplay Programming, Game Design, Unreal Engine, Unity, Production, QA, and ...
Creative / Game Recruiter
Fairfield, CT · Remote
$50K - $65K/yr
... Indie studios, game genres (Action, RPG, Shooter, Mobile, Live Service), and common game development terminology such as Gameplay Programming, Game Design, Unreal Engine, Unity, Production, QA, and ...
Creative / Game Recruiter
Fairfield, CT · Remote
$50K - $65K/yr
... Indie studios, game genres (Action, RPG, Shooter, Mobile, Live Service), and common game development terminology such as Gameplay Programming, Game Design, Unreal Engine, Unity, Production, QA, and ...
Quick apply
Creative / Game Recruiter
Fairfield, CT · Remote
$50K - $65K/yr
... Indie studios, game genres (Action, RPG, Shooter, Mobile, Live Service), and common game development terminology such as Gameplay Programming, Game Design, Unreal Engine, Unity, Production, QA, and ...
Creative / Game Recruiter
Fairfield, CT · On-site
$50K - $65K/yr
... Indie studios, game genres (Action, RPG, Shooter, Mobile, Live Service), and common game development terminology such as Gameplay Programming, Game Design, Unreal Engine, Unity, Production, QA, and ...
Creative / Game Recruiter
Fairfield, CT · On-site
$50K - $65K/yr
... Indie studios, game genres (Action, RPG, Shooter, Mobile, Live Service), and common game development terminology such as Gameplay Programming, Game Design, Unreal Engine, Unity, Production, QA, and ...
... 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 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 ...
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 ...
AI-First Engineering Intern
$20 - $25/hr
... game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute ... We're offering AI Engineer Internships in regions across the globe to help drive that shift ...
AI-First Engineering Intern
$20 - $25/hr
... game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute ... We're offering AI Engineer Internships in regions across the globe to help drive that shift ...
AI-First Engineering Intern
$20 - $25/hr
... game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute ... We're offering AI Engineer Internships in regions across the globe to help drive that shift ...
AI-First Engineering Intern
$20 - $25/hr
... game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute ... We're offering AI Engineer Internships in regions across the globe to help drive that shift ...
AI-First Engineering Intern
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$20 - $25/hr
... game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute ... We're offering AI Engineer Internships in regions across the globe to help drive that shift ...
AI-First Engineering Intern
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$20 - $25/hr
... game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute ... We're offering AI Engineer Internships in regions across the globe to help drive that shift ...
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 Aug 3, 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:
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Job description
Wand makes gaming magical. Through game customization and guidance, we build tools that helps players have more fun in their favorite games.
Our platform works across thousands of PC games, ensuring that great games are accessible to everyone, regardless of time constraints, skill level, or accessibility needs. We want to build the future of game assistance, and we're hoping you'll join us.
Role OverviewWe're seeking an engineer with strong reverse-engineering instincts to create and implement game modifications, with an initial focus on Unreal/Unity Engine-based titles spanning AAA, AA, and indie games. Solid programming skills are required though a creative approach to mod design and willingness to learn game engines is a must.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement game modifications using our SDK framework
- Analyze game mechanics and systems to identify modification opportunities
- Create hooks into game functions
- Modify game object properties and game state
- Develop solutions for desired gaming features (e.g., resource modification, character manipulation)
- Investigate, troubleshoot, and fix bugs in existing and in-development modifications
- Test and validate modifications across different game versions
- Document modification techniques and implementation patterns
Required Skills & Experience
- Proficiency in C++ programming
- Analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities
- Creative approach to mod design with a genuine interest in how players experience and reshape games
- Ability to generate a high volume of creative mod ideas quickly, including under tight deadlines
- Ability to learn and adapt to new technical frameworks
- Experience with Unreal Engine and/or Unity or exposure to other engines used across AAA, AA, and indie titles
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing game trainers or modification tools
- Background in game development or modding communities
- Familiarity with game engine architectures and event systems
- Reverse engineering experience (disassembly, debugging tools, static/dynamic analysis, etc.)
Technical Knowledge Areas
- Programming proficiency
- Memory management and pointer manipulation
- Function hooks
Please attach your PC's validated hardware specs via CPU-Z at the back of your resume. You can download CPU-Z here: https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html