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Freelance Indie Game Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Senior Gaming Platform Engineer

Seattle, WA

$139K - $258K/yr

Join the Game Services Framework team to help us build the developer-facing technologies that drive ... We have an exciting roadmap of features supporting games ranging from mobile, to indie, to AAA, and ...

Spellbrush

Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We are looking for an experienced game engineer with strong C# and Unity skills. You will be ... small indie studio: close-knit, with high ownership and flexibility. You're excited about the ...

Netflix

OR

$210K - $340K/yr

... and developers of all sizes. Demonstrate fluency in complex legal and business issues within ... Bring a strong understanding of the indie game development landscape, including emerging studios ...

Spellbrush

Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We are looking for an experienced game engineer with strong C# and Unity skills. You will be ... small indie studio: close-knit, with high ownership and flexibility. You're excited about the ...

Netflix

OR · On-site

$210K - $340K/yr

... developers of all sizes. * Demonstrate fluency in complex legal and business issues within ... Bring a strong understanding of the indie game development landscape, including emerging studios ...

INVIZ

Community Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

You've worked at an indie game studio, animation collective, or startup where creators, fans, and ... Manage relationships with our alliance network of creators - from indie animators to UGC developers

INVIZ

Community Manager

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

You've worked at an indie game studio, animation collective, or startup where creators, fans, and ... UGC developers * Collaborate with the marketing and content teams on YouTube rollouts and go-to ...

Apple

Senior iOS Engineer, Apple Games

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$172K/yr

Join the Game Services UI team to help build the Apple Games app and the user-facing gaming ... We have an exciting roadmap supporting games ranging from mobile to indie to AAA, reaching deep ...

Apple

Senior iOS Engineer, Apple Games

Cupertino, CA

$181K - $272K/yr

Join the Game Services UI team to help build the Apple Games app and the user-facing gaming ... We have an exciting roadmap supporting games ranging from mobile to indie to AAA, reaching deep ...

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All JobsIndie Game Developer JobsFreelance Indie Game Developer Jobs

Freelance Indie Game Developer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$108.5K

$180K

How much do freelance indie game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance 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 is the difference between Freelance Indie Game Developer vs Indie Game Designer?

AspectFreelance Indie Game DeveloperIndie Game Designer
CredentialsSelf-taught or formal education in programming, game design, or related fieldsBackground in game design, art, or storytelling, often with portfolio work
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote, project-basedIndependent or small team, often remote or co-located
Industry UsageDevelops and codes entire games or game componentsFocuses on game concept, mechanics, and visual/story elements
Search & Comparison IntentDevelopers creating or coding games independentlyDesigners focusing on game concept and aesthetics

While both roles operate independently in the indie game industry, Freelance Indie Game Developers primarily handle coding and technical development, whereas Indie Game Designers focus on game concept, mechanics, and visual storytelling. Both often collaborate but have distinct skill sets and responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Indie Game Developer, you need strong programming skills (often in C#, C++, or Unity/Unreal), game design knowledge, and a solid portfolio showcasing your work. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems such as Git, and sometimes published games or relevant certifications are highly valuable. Creativity, self-motivation, time management, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly help you stand out in a freelance setting. These skills and qualities are important because they enable you to independently create, iterate, and market engaging games while managing client expectations and project deadlines.

What does a Freelance Indie Game Developer do?

A Freelance Indie Game Developer is an independent professional who designs, develops, and releases video games without the backing of a large publisher. They handle all aspects of game creation, including programming, art, design, and sometimes even marketing and distribution. Freelance indie developers often work alone or in small teams and have the creative freedom to explore unique ideas. Their work can range from small mobile games to larger PC or console projects, and they typically earn income through game sales, crowdfunding, or contract work.

What are some common challenges freelance indie game developers face when working independently?

Freelance indie game developers often juggle multiple responsibilities, from coding and designing to marketing and community management. One of the main challenges is balancing creative freedom with the practical aspects of project management, such as setting realistic deadlines and managing budgets. Additionally, working independently can sometimes lead to isolation, making it important to actively seek feedback and collaborate with other developers or artists. Staying motivated and disciplined without a traditional team structure is also crucial for successfully completing and launching a game.
More about Freelance Indie Game Developer jobs
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What are the most commonly searched types of Indie Game Developer jobs? The most popular types of Indie Game Developer jobs are:
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Freelance Indie Game Developer jobs near you
Asst. Professor Game Scoring and Adaptive Music, Media Design School

Asst. Professor Game Scoring and Adaptive Music, Media Design School

Strayer University

Chamblee, GA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Media Design School at Strayer, a part of Strayer University and Strategic Education, Inc., is a globally recognized provider of creative and technology-focused education. Originally established in New Zealand and now integrated within Strayer's academic portfolio, Media Design School combines industry-driven curriculum with an emphasis on innovation, preparing students for careers in fields such as game development, animation, and digital design. As part of Strayer's broader mission to deliver flexible, career-relevant education and expand access to future-focused learning opportunities, Media Design School leverages global resources, industry partnerships, and a collaborative academic environment.
The Assistant Professor of Game Scoring and Adaptive Music will lead the development and delivery of curriculum focused on adaptive music for interactive media within both the Master of Fine Arts in Screen Scoring & Music Design and the corresponding Online Graduate Certificate program. This role serves as a key liaison to game arts programs at Media Design School, fostering collaboration among faculty and students across disciplines. The position reports directly to the Executive Dean.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Lead instruction for MFA521 (Screen Scoring III: Adaptive) and MFA524 (Music Design Technology Lab), as well as related courses within the Online Graduate Certificate program
  • Recruit, mentor, and supervise adjunct faculty specializing in game scoring, adaptive music, and music design technology
  • Conduct ongoing research to ensure curriculum and student projects remain aligned with current industry standards, practices, and emerging trends
  • Build and maintain relationships with game studios and independent developers to support program relevance and student opportunities
  • Foster collaborative partnerships with Media Design School and other game design programs
Technical Skills
  • Advanced proficiency in Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) for game music composition (e.g., Logic Pro, Cubase, Reaper, Pro Tools)
  • Advanced experience with game audio implementation middleware, including Wwise and FMOD
  • Demonstrated expertise with game development platforms such as Unity and Unreal Engine
Professional Experience
  • 2-3 years of professional experience in a full-time or active freelance capacity with a game development studio (e.g., Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft) or comparable organization; experience with independent (indie) developers will also be considered
  • Proven experience composing adaptive music for games and interactive media
Education
  • Bachelor's degree (e.g., B.A., B.F.A., B.M., or B.Mus.) in Music Composition or a related field with a focus on screen or interactive media, or a Bachelor's degree in a related game design discipline
  • Master's degree (e.g., M.A. or M.F.A.) in a relevant field preferred; equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree

Other:

  • Must be able to travel occasionally should a business need arise. For most roles travel would not be common. Travel may involve plane, car or metro. In accordance with ADA policies, reasonable accommodations regarding travel limitations can be provided. Travel will be more common for roles such as Account Executives (25 - 50%), senior leaders (10 - 20%) or Capella Core Faculty (5 - 10%).
  • Ability to work onsite in Corporate or Campus location (in a typical office environment) may be required based on role. If so, this would include being mobile within the office, including movement from floor-to-floor using elevators or stairs.
  • If offsite or hybrid role, must have access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
  • Faculty and Federal Work Study roles require access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including computer, privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
  • This role may require lifting, however reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with our ADA policies.
  • Must be able to meet critical thinking and problem solving aspects aligned to job duties, as well as effectively communicating with co-workers.
  • Must be able to work more than 40 hours per week when business needs warrant. Accommodations related to schedule may be considered.
  • Able to access information using a computer.
  • Other essential functions and marginal job functions are subject to modification.

#LI-JD1


SEI offers a comprehensive package of benefits to employees scheduled 30 hours or more per week. In addition to medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans, SEI employees may take advantage of well-being incentives, parental leave, paid time off, certain paid holidays, tax saving accounts (FSA, HSA), 401(k) retirement benefit, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, tuition assistance as well as entertainment and retail discounts. Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay, if applicable.

Careers - Our Benefits, Strategic Education, Inc


SEI is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture where individuals can grow their careers and contribute fully. We strive to attract talent with broad experiences, skills and perspectives. We welcome applications from all. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the pay range at SEI, we offer a competitive salary. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate may vary depending on multiple factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal pay equity. Our Talent Acquisition Team is ready to discuss your interest in joining SEI. The expected salary range for this position is below.

$67,700.00 - $101,500.00 - Salary


If you require reasonable accommodations to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at Careers@strategiced.com.

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