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Home Based Indie Game Developer Jobs in Chicago Ridge, IL

We focus on shared client & server tech that drives the core gameplay experience under the hood. We ... However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on ...

Senior React Native Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56.25 - $74.25/hr

Come be a part of a software development company that is truly changing the game! Innovation and ... Develop and test mobile app code based on user specifications, with varying degree of independence ...

DevOps Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$100K - $125K/yr

S.-based multinational companies. With Xcelerate29, HDI is shaping its future by becoming a Trusted ... This direction helps HDI Global lead the profitable growth game as a globally connected business ...

Senior React Native Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56.25 - $74.25/hr

Come be a part of a software development company that is truly changing the game! Innovation and ... Develop and test mobile app code based on user specifications, with varying degree of independence ...

This role will be based remotely in the Americas region. What you'll do * Collaborate proactively ... Most colleagues at Canonical have worked from home since our inception in 2004.​ Working here is ...

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Home Based Indie Game Developer information

See Chicago Ridge, IL salary details

$33.2K

$110.6K

$183.6K

How much do home based indie game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for home based indie game developer in Chicago Ridge, IL is $110,645.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,100.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Home-based indie game developers can potentially earn $3,000 or more per month by creating and selling their own games, especially if they develop popular titles or monetize through ads and in-app purchases. Success depends on skills in programming, design, marketing, and persistence, with many earning income independently without formal degrees.

How much money do indie game devs make?

Indie game developers' earnings vary widely based on game success, with some earning a few hundred dollars and others making six figures or more. Revenue depends on factors like game quality, marketing, platform distribution, and audience size, and many indie devs supplement income through freelance work or other projects.

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. Home based indie game developers often focus on core mechanics and essential features first to maximize impact while managing limited resources and time.

Can I work from home as a game developer?

Home-based indie game developers can work from home, as the role primarily involves using a computer with game development tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. Successful remote work requires self-discipline, good time management, and a suitable workspace, but many developers operate independently from their homes.

What is the difference between Home Based Indie Game Developer vs Freelance Game Designer?

AspectHome Based Indie Game DeveloperFreelance Game Designer
CredentialsOften self-taught or with game development coursesTypically has design certifications or portfolio
Work EnvironmentHome-based, independent setupHome or client sites, flexible locations
Industry UsageDevelops complete indie games for distributionCreates game concepts, levels, or assets for clients
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on game development skills, solo projectsFocus on design expertise, client work

While both roles work independently and often from home, a Home Based Indie Game Developer primarily creates and publishes their own games, handling all development aspects. In contrast, a Freelance Game Designer typically collaborates on specific design tasks for clients or projects, focusing on design elements rather than full game development.

Principal Software Developer - Payments

Principal Software Developer - Payments

Zynga

Chicago, IL • On-site

$133K - $180K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Position Overview:

Come join the team at Zynga making an impact across all of the company's games - Central Technology! We focus on shared client & server tech that drives the core gameplay experience under the hood. We're looking for outstanding engineers with a passion for technology and the desire to work in a team with dynamic strengths. The Principal Software Developer will be working with a complementary team of software engineers to craft and maintain Zynga's core Payments platform, which enables flawless integration with app stores, consoles, and payments processing providers. They will play a key role in helping architect, build and improve the next-gen framework for our games.

What You'll Do:
  • Design and architect new backend applications/services running in AWS
  • Optimize and refactor existing services to improve reliability, scalability and to lower cost
  • Document and build plans for architecture and system designs
  • Take a hands-on approach in architecting, writing and reviewing code
  • Review detailed tech plans from others, aligning with the team and Zynga-wide technical vision
  • Proactively identify and recommend improvements to address systemic problems and tech debt
  • Follow engineering standard methodologies to ensure code quality, performance and reliability
  • Work collaboratively across teams to understand product/customer requirements and propose technical solutions
  • Provide production and integration support for shared technology across Zynga games
What You Bring:
  • Degree in a technical field (e.g., Computer Science, Computer Engineering) or equivalent experience
  • 6+ years of hands-on software development experience
  • Experience in programming RESTful services using Java
  • Solid understanding of backend server applications and web services
  • Strong familiarity and experience using AWS and/or other cloud computing platforms (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
  • Strong familiarity and experience with database systems (SQL, NoSQL)
  • Experience with C#/C++ and mobile client development is a strong plus
  • Familiarity with containers and Kubernetes
  • Familiarity with web development using JavaScript, Angular, and/or React
  • Deep understanding of algorithms, design patterns, debugging and performance optimization
  • Experience in object-oriented design of applications/systems
  • Experience with agile development methodologies and tools
  • Excellent interpersonal skills - particularly the ability to discuss timelines, design concerns, work with distributed teams, and provide effective feedback to team members
  • Experience working with AI tools
What We Offer You:

Zynga offers a world-class benefits package that helps support and balance the needs of our teams. To find out more about our benefits, visit the Zynga Benefits site

The pay range for this position in Toronto at the start of employment is expected to be between $114,300 and $164,300 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $133,900 and $180,000 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.

The pay range for this position in Illinois at the start of employment is expected to be between $120,600 and $170,000 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.

Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.