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Freelance Indie Game Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

Lead Game UX/UI Designer

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Collaborate with game designers, artists, and engineers to ensure UI/UX meets project requirements ... Previous work on AAA titles or high-profile indie games. Description * Full-time job with benefits.

Creative / Game Recruiter

Fairfield, CT ยท 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 ยท 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 ยท 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 ...

The Role Game Seven is seeking a Freelance Technical Producer to lead the planning and execution of ... Source and manage AV vendors, engineers, and technical partner * Lead technical load-in, show ...

Game Seven Agency, an Excel Sports Management Company, is a full service creative and experiential ... Source and manage AV vendors, engineers, and technical partner * Lead technical load-in, show ...

Freelance Technical Producer

New York, NY ยท On-site

$105K - $123K/yr

Game Seven Agency, an Excel Sports Management Company, is a full service creative and experiential ... Source and manage AV vendors, engineers, and technical partner * Lead technical load-in, show ...

Game Designer, Casual F2P

Los Angeles, CA ยท 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 ยท 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 ...

Lead Software Engineer (Mobile Native)

Concord, NC ยท Remote

CA$120K - CA$170K/yr

ABOUT YOU You're a senior mobile engineer with 6+ years of experience building native iOS and ... game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute ...

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 ...

ABOUT YOU You're a senior mobile engineer with 6+ years of experience building native iOS and ... game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute ...

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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 Jul 16, 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.

Will AI replace game devs?

As a freelance indie game developer, AI tools can assist with tasks like asset creation and coding, but they are unlikely to fully replace human creativity, design, and problem-solving skills essential to game development. AI can enhance productivity but still requires skilled developers to guide projects and make creative decisions.

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.

How much do indie game devs get paid?

Indie game developers' earnings vary widely based on game success, experience, and funding, with many earning from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per project. Some successful indie developers can make a full-time income, but many earn little or rely on multiple projects or supplementary income sources.

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.

Can you be a freelance game developer?

Yes, a freelance indie game developer can work independently to create and publish games, often using tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. Freelancers typically manage their own schedules, client relationships, and project deadlines, and may need skills in programming, design, and marketing to succeed.

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.

What is the 80 20 rule in game development?

The 80/20 rule in game development suggests that roughly 80% of a game's value comes from 20% of its features or content. Indie game developers often focus on the most impactful features to maximize quality within limited time and resources, using project management tools to prioritize tasks effectively.
More about Freelance Indie Game Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Indie Game Developer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance 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 Freelance Indie Game Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Indie Game Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Indie Game Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Indie Game Developer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Freelance Indie Game Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,471 per year, or $52.1 per hour.
Creative / Game Recruiter

Creative / Game Recruiter

Onward Search

Fairfield, CT โ€ข Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Salary: 50,000 - 65,000

Creative / Game Recruiter


Onward Search is a national staffing company with nearly 20 years of experience connecting top companies with exceptional talent across the Creative, Marketing, Digital, Technology, Gaming, and UX/UI industries. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a proactive and results-driven Recruiter to support sourcing, recruiting, and placing highly skilled professionals across our specialty markets.


This role is ideal for a recruiter who thrives in a fast-paced, production-oriented environment and enjoys building strong candidate relationships within the creative, marketing, and technology space.


Key Responsibilities:


Sourcing Candidates:
Utilize job boards, referrals, social media platforms, portfolio sites, networking events, LinkedIn, and internal databases to identify and attract qualified creative, marketing, digital, UX/UI, gaming, and technology professionals for open roles.

Pipeline Development:
Build and maintain a robust pipeline of talent through proactive outreach, networking, relationship-building, and ongoing engagement with candidates aligned to current and future client needs.

Qualifying Candidates:
Conduct comprehensive candidate screenings and interviews to assess qualifications, experience, technical capabilities, career objectives, and overall fit for client opportunities.

Candidate Submission & Interview Management:
Submit qualified candidates to open positions, complete formal submission documentation, coordinate interview scheduling, conduct interview preparation sessions, and facilitate post-interview debrief conversations.

Offer Management & Candidate Control:
Manage compensation discussions, conduct pre-closing conversations, negotiate offers when appropriate, and guide candidates through the offer and acceptance process.

Candidate & Contractor Management:
Provide ongoing support to contractors and candidates throughout the placement lifecycle, including onboarding, compliance, assignment extensions, timecard support, quality control touchpoints, and assignment completion.

Reference Checking:
Gather professional references to validate work history, performance, accomplishments, skills, and areas of improvement while identifying potential market intelligence and business development opportunities.

ATS & Job Management:
Manage job postings within Bullhorn and external recruiting platforms, review inbound applications, promote openings internally, and maintain accurate candidate records and recruiting activity.

Performance & KPI Achievement:
Consistently meet or exceed recruiting KPIs, placement goals, fill ratios, and activity expectations while demonstrating Onward's core values both internally and externally.


Requirements:

  • Previous experience in the staffing industry, ideally recruiting within the Creative, Marketing, Design, UX/UI, Motion, Technology, Gaming, or related industries.
  • Working knowledge of the gaming industry, including AAA, AA, 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 Live Operations.
  • Strong understanding of full-cycle recruiting, including sourcing, interviewing, candidate management, and placement.
  • Strong ability to utilize candidate control, pre-closing techniques, and offer management best practices.
  • Excellent communication skills, relationship-building abilities, and a consultative approach to recruiting.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, KPI-focused environment.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple openings simultaneously.
  • Experience utilizing applicant tracking systems, LinkedIn Recruiter, job boards, and other sourcing tools.
  • Bachelor's degree preferred.

Why Join Us?

  • Opportunity to recruit for some of the nation's leading organizations across the Creative, Marketing, Technology, Gaming, and Digital industries.
  • Competitive compensation package with uncapped commission potential.
  • Collaborative, supportive company culture focused on growth, performance, and professional development.
  • Remote-first work environment with access to industry-leading recruiting tools and resources.

Salary:

$50,000 - $65,000, based on experience.

  • Commission eligible
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • PTO program
  • 401(k) program

About Onward Group Holdings, LLC


Onward Group Holdings, LLC is a platform of specialized talent and workforce solutions brands that connect leading organizations with expert talent across high-demand industries. The company combines deep domain expertise, proven infrastructure, and an expansive talent network to deliver solutions that go beyond traditional staffing.


With nearly 20 years in business, Onward Group Holdings partners with companies, schools, and organizations to help them build high-performing teams and thrive in the future of work. Its divisions include Onward Search (Marketing, Creative & Technology), Onward Accessibility (Digital Accessibility), Onward Education (K-12 Education), and Talera (Behavioral Health).


Onward Search offers medical, dental, vision benefits, as well as a 401(k) program, for all eligible full-time employees.


Were committed to making every part of our hiring process accessible and inclusive. If theres any adjustments we can make to support you as you apply and interview, please reach out to
InclusiveHiring@OnwardSearch.com.


Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply.


Onward Search is an equal opportunity employer. We value a culture of inclusion and diversity within our workforce and are committed to maintaining a workplace free from prohibited employment conduct, including discrimination or harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partner status, civil partnership, status as a covered veteran, status in the Uniformed Services of the United States, citizenship, and any other characteristic protected by state and federal law.