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Independent Game Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AGBO Films LLC

NPC Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Founded in 2017 by Anthony and Joe Russo, AGBO is an artist-led independent studio shaping the ... In 2023, AGBO welcomed Donald Mustard-former Chief Creative Officer at Epic Games and co-creator of ...

AGBO

NPC Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Founded in 2017 by Anthony and Joe Russo, AGBO is an artist-led independent studio shaping the ... In 2023, AGBO welcomed Donald Mustard-former Chief Creative Officer at Epic Games and co-creator of ...

AGBO

Combat Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... independent studio founded by Anthony and Joe Russo, known for shaping the future of film and television. They are seeking a Combat Designer to design and implement engaging gameplay mechanics ...

Konami Gaming, Inc

Sound Designer II - III

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Sound Designer II - $60,000.00 - $85,000.00 Sound Designer III - $80,000.00 - $112,000.00 ... gameplay elements. * Independently manage assigned sound design tasks and small- to mid-scale ...

Ten4

UI Designer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

Self-directed independent worker that's able to collaborate cross-functionally Plusses: * A gamer at heart! * Experience designing for both web and for game assets * Experience with the Unreal 4 ...

Ten4

UI Designer

Redwood City, CA

Self-directed independent worker that's able to collaborate cross-functionally Plusses: * A gamer at heart! * Experience designing for both web and for game assets * Experience with the Unreal 4 ...

KontrolFreek

Interactive Designer

Atlanta, GA

Company Description KontrolFreek is an innovative, high-growth video gaming accessories company ... Independent problem-solving skills, initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision in a ...

KontrolFreek

Interactive Designer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Company Description KontrolFreek is an innovative, high-growth video gaming accessories company ... Independent problem-solving skills, initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision in a ...

Mondo

Senior 3D Designer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$70 - $77/hr

The client is seeking a Senior 3D Designer to independently concept, design, and deliver custom ... Background spanning multiple industries, such as consumer electronics, gaming, fashion, or Client ...

New

Daybreak Games

Principal Animator

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$160K - $180K/yr

You'll collaborate directly with game designers, technical artists, programmers, and directors to ... You'll own full animation development cycles, make independent creative decisions aligned with ...

2K

Senior Level Designer

Novato, CA · On-site

$100K - $148K/yr

Use Blueprint scripting to create gameplay content. * Design and block out world geometry ... Able to work well independently, in small pods, and in larger collaborative teams. * Able to ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Level Designer

Novato, CA · On-site

$100K - $148K/yr

Use Blueprint scripting to create gameplay content. * Design and block out world geometry ... Able to work well independently, in small pods, and in larger collaborative teams. * Able to ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Level Designer

Novato, CA · On-site

$100K - $148K/yr

Use Blueprint scripting to create gameplay content. * Design and block out world geometry ... Able to work well independently, in small pods, and in larger collaborative teams. * Able to ...

THE BLAKE SCHOOL

Game Worker

Hopkins, MN · On-site

... independent day school enrolling 1,277 bright, talented students from nearly 56 Twin Cities-area ... Founded in 1900, The Blake School has the advantage of facilities and campuses designed for ...

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Independent Game Designer information

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How much do independent game designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Independent Game Designer, and why are they important?

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 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.
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What cities are hiring for Independent Game Designer jobs? Cities with the most Independent Game Designer job openings:
What job categories do people searching Independent Game Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Game Designer jobs are:
Independent Game Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Game Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,118 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

NPC Designer

AGBO Films LLC

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About the Company:
Founded in 2017 by Anthony and Joe Russo, AGBO is an artist-led independent studio shaping the future of film and television. The Russo Brothers and AGBO have generated more than $7 billion at the global box office, including Avengers: Endgame. The studio's projects include Academy Award-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once, Netflix hits The Gray Man and Extraction, and Prime Video's visceral thriller The Bluff and the global Citadel franchise. Citadel Season 2 premieres in May 2026.
AGBO is currently in production with Netflix on Tygo and Mercenary, both part of the Extraction universe, as well as with Lionsgate on John Rambo, a prequel to the iconic franchise. The studio is in post-production on The Whisper Man, starring Robert De Niro, and Avengers: Doomsday, which will be released December 18, 2026. AGBO will begin shooting Avengers: Secret Wars later this year. Both upcoming Avengers films are directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and co-produced by AGBO and Marvel Studios.
In 2023, AGBO welcomed Donald Mustard-former Chief Creative Officer at Epic Games and co-creator of Fortnite-as a partner. Mustard brings a bold creative vision to AGBO: to expand what storytelling can be through immersive, interconnected worlds that span across media. We're building the future of storytelling-and we're looking for bold, creative minds to help shape it. If you're ready to help define what comes next, we'd love to meet you.
Position Summary:
As a NPC Designer, you'll be hands-on in designing and implementing the moment-to-moment gameplay that NPCs exhibit in-game. You're a system-savvy, technical designer who understands how skilled players are defined by their opponents' challenge - and you know how to make sure the challenge always feels rewarding to play. Working closely with programmers, animators, and other designers, you'll implement and refine combat with our NPCs - from prototyping new ideas to tuning the final experience. This is a hands-on, high-impact role on an ambitious team creating something special and exciting.
This role is based in Raleigh, NC, and we're primarily seeking candidates who are currently located in the area or are open to relocating. In-person collaboration with our technical and creative teams is essential to the success of this position.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design, prototype, and iterate on NPC Design and implementation - including abilities, enemy behaviors, weapons, and feedback loops.
  • Contribute to the development and optimization of gameplay to support performant, intelligent, strong NPC Combat.
  • Contribute to a collaborative and highly iterative design culture.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills:
  • 3+ years of experience in gameplay or combat design with at least one shipped action or combat-focused title, bonus if you helped grow and maintain a live service game.
  • 3+ years experience in UE4 and/or UE5.
  • Demonstrated expertise in designing and tuning player-centric combat systems.
  • Leverage UE5 Blueprints and the Gameplay Ability System to prototype and build NPC abilities, weapons, and combat mechanics.
  • Strong grasp of Behavior Trees and Blackboards in UE5.
  • Collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills.
  • Experience working closely with animation systems and/or designing melee or ranged combat systems.
  • A passion for tuning, iteration, gameplay, design, and crafting joyful player experiences.
  • Bonus: Previous experience at a startup or on early-phase projects.
  • Bonus: An interest in film, cross-medium storytelling, or experimental gameplay.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Information:
  • This role is based in Raleigh, NC, and we're primarily seeking candidates who are currently located in the area or are open to relocating.
  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

AGBO Labs LLC is committed to operating 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. We aim to recruit the right people for the jobs we have to offer, and to assess applications on the basis of relevant skills, education and experience.
AGBO participates in E-Verify - English | Spanish
The job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent to this position.

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