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Freelance Game Developer information

See Illinois salary details

$31.5K

$105.1K

$174.4K

How much do freelance game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance game developer in Illinois is $105,111.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $120,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance game developer?

A Freelance Game Developer is a self-employed professional who designs, develops, and programs video games for clients or personal projects. They often work on various aspects of game development, including coding, art, design, or audio, depending on their skill set. Freelancers typically find work through contracts, commissions, or by creating and selling their own games. This role offers flexibility in choosing projects and work hours but requires strong self-discipline, technical skills, and business acumen.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance game developer?

To thrive as a Freelance Game Developer, you need strong proficiency in programming languages (such as C++, C#, or JavaScript), game engines (like Unity or Unreal Engine), and a solid understanding of game design principles. Expertise in using version control systems (e.g., Git), graphics tools, and sometimes relevant certifications, such as Unity Certified Developer, are valuable. Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving skills help build client relationships and effectively manage multiple projects. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality games on schedule while adapting to varying client needs and technical challenges.

What are some common challenges freelance game developers face, and how can they overcome them?

Freelance game developers often encounter challenges like finding consistent work, managing multiple client expectations, and staying updated with the latest technology and industry trends. Balancing creative freedom with client requirements and ensuring timely delivery of projects can also be demanding when working independently. To overcome these challenges, successful freelancers focus on building a strong portfolio, networking within the gaming community, regularly updating their skillset, and using project management tools to organize tasks and deadlines. Staying proactive in communication and maintaining professionalism with clients helps build long-term working relationships and a steady stream of opportunities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Game Developer jobs in Illinois?

For Freelance Game Developer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Game Developer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Game Developer jobs in Illinois are:

Freelance Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Game Developer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,111 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Senior Lua Developer (Roblox) - AI Code Evaluation

Chicago, IL • Remote

Lifted, an Upwork Company™
Software Development • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Lifted, an Upwork Company™external

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Company Description

An enterprise client is seeking experienced Lua Developers to support AI model training through technical evaluations, scripting tasks, and code quality reviews. This opportunity is ideal for developers who have strong Lua programming skills and experience building or scripting within the Roblox ecosystem.

The client partners with leading AI organizations to improve the quality of next-generation AI models by leveraging the expertise of experienced software developers. Selected freelancers will help evaluate AI-generated code, review programming solutions, and contribute to the development of high-quality training data used to advance generative AI technologies.

    Job Description

    This opportunity is ideal for experienced Lua programmers who enjoy solving technical challenges, reviewing code, and improving software quality.

    What You'll Do:

    • Review, analyze, and evaluate Lua code for accuracy, quality, and best practices.
    • Complete technical evaluations and scripting-related tasks involving Lua programming.
    • Identify bugs, performance issues, and opportunities to improve existing code.
    • Develop and modify Lua scripts based on project requirements.
    • Apply strong programming fundamentals, including modular design, data structures, and debugging techniques.
    • Work with Roblox Studio and Roblox development environments where applicable.
    • Contribute to AI model training by providing high-quality technical feedback and code evaluations.
    • Collaborate with the client's AI evaluation platform while following detailed project guidelines.
    Qualifications

    Requirements:

    • Advanced proficiency in Lua programming, including scripting, debugging, and code optimization.
    • Hands-on experience using Roblox Studio and/or developing applications or games on the Roblox platform.
    • Strong understanding of programming fundamentals, including data structures, functions, modular programming, and performance optimization.
    • Ability to independently review, analyze, and improve existing Lua code.
    • Professional working proficiency in English with strong written communication skills.
    • Ability to work independently and follow detailed technical instructions.

    Nice to Haves:

    • Experience developing Roblox games or interactive experiences.
    • Experience reviewing code or conducting technical quality assurance.
    • Familiarity with software testing, debugging, and code optimization techniques.
    • Experience contributing to AI, machine learning, or code evaluation projects.

    Additional Information
    • Fully remote, project-based opportunity.
    • Up to $60/hour, depending on project availability.
    • Expected workload ranges from 10–39 hours per week, although work volume may fluctuate.
    • Weekly lump-sum payments for work completed during the previous week.
    • Qualified candidates will receive an Upwork contract offer along with onboarding instructions.
    • Candidates who successfully complete the initial survey will be invited to a paid technical evaluation (approximately 2–3 hours). Approved evaluations will receive a $150 payment.
    • To begin onboarding and access project tasks, candidates must have an active Upwork contract with the client.
    • Due to the high volume of applicants, the client may not be able to respond to individual inquiries.