ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Full Time Indie Game Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

$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 ...

Humble Bundle

This role is full-time, with an expectation to work beyond our standard working hours from time to ... indie and AAA sectors. * Strategic Insight: Find new tactics to build the most appealing products ...

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 ...

Templar Media

Game Producer

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$121K - $123K/yr

About Us As an independent developer and publisher, Templar develops the games that we want, on our ... Proven track record of shipping at least one commercial game (indie, AA, or AAA) as a producer or ...

Netflix

Software Engineer 5 - Games Systems

$388K - $619K/yr

Architect and evolve core services that form the table stakes of the Netflix Game Developer ... Full-time hourly employees accrue 35 days annually for paid time off to be used for vacation ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFull Time Indie Game Developer Jobs

Full Time Indie Game Developer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$108.5K

$180K

How much do full time indie game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time 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 a Full Time Indie Game Developer, and why are they important?

A Full Time Indie Game Developer needs solid programming abilities, game design knowledge, and a portfolio demonstrating completed projects, often complemented by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, proficiency in languages such as C# or C++, and experience with digital art or audio tools are critical. Creativity, resilience, project management, and strong self-motivation are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for independently building, releasing, and marketing games in a competitive industry.

What does a full time indie game developer do?

A full time indie game developer is someone who designs, develops, and releases video games independently, often without the backing of a large publisher. They are typically responsible for all aspects of game creation, including programming, art, sound, marketing, and sometimes even business management. Indie game developers often work alone or in small teams and have the creative freedom to pursue unique or experimental ideas. Their goal is to bring their vision to life and share it with players, usually by selling their games on platforms like Steam, itch.io, or consoles.

What are some common challenges faced by full-time indie game developers, and how can they be managed?

Full-time indie game developers often face challenges such as limited budgets, handling multiple roles (like programming, art, and marketing), and managing project timelines without external oversight. To manage these obstacles, it's important to set realistic goals, prioritize tasks, and leverage free or affordable development tools. Additionally, building a supportive network with other developers and engaging with the player community can provide valuable feedback and motivation throughout the development process.
What cities are hiring for Full Time Indie Game Developer jobs? Cities with the most Full Time 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 Full Time Indie Game Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Indie Game Developer jobs include:
Full Time Indie Game Developer jobs near you
Senior Gameplay Programmer - Remote or On Site

Senior Gameplay Programmer - Remote or On Site

Studio Wildcard

Redmond, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Salary: $115,000 - $160,000

Studio Wildcard - Redmond, WA or Remote

Open role:

Senior Gameplay Programmer


We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us with ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies.

And now we're searching for an exceptionally talented and passionate Senior Gameplay Programmer who can create high-impact work for the expanding ARK franchise.


Responsibilities:

  • Design, write, and implement gameplay systems and development tools for artists and designers
  • Work with cross-discipline team members to improve existing tools and determine new solutions


Requirements:

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in game development as a gameplay programmer with at least 1 shipped title.
  • Advanced understanding of gameplay systems, pipelines, and tools.
  • Strong self-motivation and willingness to participate in many areas of game development
  • Experience using the Unreal 5 Engine


Pluses:

  • Degree in computer science or a related field
  • Experience with implementing UI features from concept to finish
  • Shipped title using the Unreal 4 Engine


Required Application Materials:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter which should include
    • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What games you are currently playing


About Studio Wildcard

Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.


Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.


Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.


Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options