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Independent Game Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Upliftgames

Gameplay Engineer (Full-Time)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Collaborate with your cross-disciplinary peers (artists, QA testers, producers, game designers ... independent game development experience. * Roblox/Luau experience, or traditional game development ...

Warnerbros

Senior Designer, Gameplay

$69K - $128K/yr

We've been in the video game business since 1995, creating interactive experiences for fans of the ... At least one shipped title in a professional design role; self-published independent projects for ...

Epic Games

Lead Gameplay Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development. DESIGN What We Do Put ... Ability to work independently, take initiative, and react quickly to changing project needs, drive ...

Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.

Sound Designer

Reno, NV · On-site

As a global leader in gaming content and technology, we strive to build an inclusive and dynamic ... Must be able to work in a team environment as well as independently. Compensation Philosophy We ...

Asmodee

Game Development Producer (Temporary)

Roseville, MN · On-site

$125K - $127K/yr

Work closely with game designers, graphic designers, art directors, and others to ensure each ... Self-motivated and able to work independently. * Ability to collaborate effectively and adapt to a ...

Aristocrat

Sound Designer

Reno, NV · On-site

$93K - $174K/yr

The Sound Designer is responsible for composing music, crafting sound effects, designing audio, and ... well as independently. Why Aristocrat? Aristocrat is a world leader in gaming content and ...

LA28

Services Lead, Beach Volleyball

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

LA28 is the independent, non-profit, privately funded organizing committee for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are on a singular mission to create an Olympic and Paralympic ...

Intrepid Studios

Gameplay Programmer

San Diego, CA

$136K - $151K/yr

Company Description Founded in 2015, Intrepid Studios is the independent developer and publisher of ... Work with game designers, artists, and other engineers to create compelling experiences * Break ...

Intrepid Studios

Gameplay Programmer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$136K - $151K/yr

Company Description Founded in 2015, Intrepid Studios is the independent developer and publisher of ... Work with game designers, artists, and other engineers to create compelling experiences * Break ...

CD Project

Senior Gameplay Designer

Warsaw, IN · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Explore our social media and check out our YouTube channel and Beyond the Game Blog where we share ... independently. * Passion for professional growth and staying updated on industry trends to ...

Bridgestone Arena

$60 - $80/hr

Game Day Operations - Motion Graphics Designer 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, USA Posted ... Ability to work independently without supervision, be self-directed and demonstrate initiative.

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Independent Game Designer information

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How much do independent game designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent game designer in the United States is $149,118.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $155,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent game designer?

An Independent Game Designer, often called an indie game designer, is a professional who creates video games independently or with a small team, without the backing of a large game publisher. They are responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and often programming and marketing their games. Indie game designers have creative control over their projects, allowing for unique and innovative gameplay experiences. This role typically involves a broad range of tasks, including art, coding, and business management, to bring their game ideas to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent game designer?

To thrive as an Independent Game Designer, you need a strong grasp of game design principles, creativity, and proficiency in programming or digital art, often supported by a portfolio of completed projects. Familiarity with popular game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as knowledge of scripting languages and asset creation tools, is highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you collaborate with others and manage all aspects of development. These capabilities are crucial for delivering engaging, polished games and successfully navigating the challenges of independent production.

What are some common challenges independent game designers face when working on their own projects?

Independent game designers often encounter challenges such as limited resources, balancing creative vision with technical constraints, and managing multiple roles—from programming to marketing. Since most indie designers work in small teams or solo, time management and prioritizing development tasks become crucial. Additionally, gaining visibility in a competitive market requires effective networking and self-promotion. Despite these hurdles, indie designers enjoy creative freedom and opportunities to build a diverse portfolio.

What is the difference between Independent Game Designer vs Game Developer?

AspectIndependent Game DesignerGame Developer
CredentialsOften self-taught or with design-focused coursesTypically holds degrees in computer science, software engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentIndependently or in small teams, often freelance or indie studiosEmployed by game studios or companies, working on larger projects
Industry UsageDesigning game concepts, mechanics, and storylinesImplementing, coding, and building the game software

While both roles are integral to game creation, an Independent Game Designer primarily focuses on conceptualizing and designing game elements, often working solo or in small teams. In contrast, a Game Developer handles the technical implementation, coding, and development of the game. Understanding these differences helps aspiring professionals choose their career path in the gaming industry.

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What are popular job titles related to Independent Game Designer jobs?

For Independent Game Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Independent Game Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Game Designer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,118 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

Sr. Designer-LNS/Venue Look of The Games

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

LA28
Spectator Sports • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about LA28external

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.
LA28 is the independent, non-profit, privately funded organizing committee for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are on a singular mission to create an Olympic and Paralympic Games that celebrate all that this city and country have to offer, delivering an unparalleled experience for athletes, fans, partners and our community.
The 2028 Games mark the return of the Summer Games to the U.S. for the first time in 32 years and Los Angeles' third time hosting an Olympic Games and first time welcoming the Paralympic Games. This presents the unique and exciting opportunity to celebrate our legacy with the Games and push the Olympic and Paralympic Movements forward, writing a new chapter of Games history in Los Angeles.
Putting on an Olympic and Paralympic Games is a team sport. To build a Games unlike any the world has seen before, we need the best team in place-a team full of diverse perspectives, experiences and expertise. We are guided by the following set of values and behaviors-optimism, integrity, excellence, inclusion, co-creation and boldness-and look forward to hearing about how your past experiences align with them.
Sr. Designer, LNS/Venue Look of the Games:
The Sr Designer, Look and Signage- Venue Look of the Games will play a pivotal role in translating the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games' brand identity into Diverse-scale environmental applications across competition and non-competition venues. Embedded within the Look & Signage (LNS) Design Studio, this role is responsible for designing, documenting, and delivering scalable systems that merge functional signage with brand ethos, ensuring every execution achieves the highest fidelity possible.
This designer will develop environmental graphics for a variety of building types and large-scale applications including field of play, Athlete surrounding elements, spectator environments, and supporting infrastructure, across diverse materials and formats. They will transform brand identity into executable kits of parts and documentation for multiple stakeholders, enabling seamless delivery of consistent, operationally viable Look & Signage systems.
Reporting to the Senior Manager, LNS Design Studio, the Senior Designer will collaborate with multiple Functional Areas (FAs) including Venue & Infrastructure, Sport Equipment, Brand, IFA, and other FAs to ensure design solutions are functional, executable, and integrated into venue operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Environmental Graphic Design & Delivery
  • Create design options and mockups for reviews and presentations and be able to further said mockups into production art or executable elements
  • Translate the Games-wide brand identity into environmental and signage systems that scale across a variety of venues and architectural conditions.
  • Develop kits of parts, guidelines, and drawing sets to convey brand and functional messaging in physical space.
  • Ensure Look & Signage executions meet operational needs, material constraints, and architectural scale while maintaining visual consistency.
  • Provide design feasibility feedback for placement, materials, and fabrication methods.
  • Oversee, manage and develop Venue Design Books and art files for production.

Venue Integration & Planning
  • Partner with Brand, Venue & Infrastructure and other FAs to integrate Look & Signage solutions into architectural plans and operational timelines.
  • Maintain and update venue-specific scope documents, reflecting design evolution and operational changes.
  • Manage and outline in venue walkthroughs and readiness exercises, ensuring environmental graphics are accurately planned and represented.

Games-Time Operations
  • Transition into an on-site role during Games- Load In time to oversee installation, quality control, and decommissioning of Look & Signage assets.
  • Coordinate with contractors and suppliers, ensuring execution aligns with brand standards, approved design intent, and delivery timelines.
  • Act as the venue-level design liaison, resolving issues in real time in collaboration with Venue Management and central LNS leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with Brand, Venue Infrastructure, Scoping Managers, and other relevant FAs to align Look & Signage with operational and experiential goals.
  • Clearly communicate design plans to stakeholders through presentations, documentation, and reviews.
  • Support integration of functional signage and wayfinding into brand-led environmental graphics, ensuring both clarity and visual impact.

Reporting & Documentation
  • Provide consistent updates to the Senior Manager, LNS Design Studio, including progress reports, risks, and design adjustments.
  • Contribute to the central knowledge base by documenting best practices and lessons learned for future Games planning.
  • Champion cohesive and brand-driven visual experiences across all venues.
Background & Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in a design related field a bonus
  • 4+ years of professional experience in environmental graphic design, architecture, or experiential design, with a strong focus on large-scale building applications.
  • Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and working knowledge of SketchUp or CAD for scaled venue drawings.
  • Proven experience translating brand identity into physical applications across multiple materials and architectural conditions.
  • Strong ability to balance creative intent with operational feasibility.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience coordinating across multiple teams and stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing design delivery at scale, ideally in sports, entertainment, or other large-scale public events.
  • Film or television experience a plus
Expectations:
  • Innovative Approach - Ability to identify opportunities, develop new ideas and execute on concepts while managing to a budget and fixed timelines
  • Influencing Skills - Ability to drive organizational alignment through collaboration. Positive attitude - ability to prioritize and process stress to keep the team positive through difficult times.
  • Demonstrated commitment to co-creation and collaborative decision-makingFlexible Approach - Ability to roll with the transitional nature of the organization as it grows and establishes itself over the next couple of years
  • Challenger Mindset - Inclination to drive ongoing improvement in people and process
  • Digital Acumen - Fluency in established digital design tools and practices coupled with an understanding of emerging technologies and how and when to engage them

The annual base salary range for this position is $73,000-98,000. The pay scale provided is the range that LA28 reasonably expects to pay as starting base compensation for this role. All LA28 compensation remains subject to final determination based on individual candidate qualifications, experience, or other reasonable criteria consistent with LA28's operational business needs and applicable law.
LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.
LA28 is committed to fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin, or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. LA28 will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and all applicable laws. We strive to build a team that is inclusive and encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply. We assess applications based on relevant skills, education, and experience a candidate can add to our team.

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