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Independent Game Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Technical Producer II (MARVEL SNAP)

$129.50K - $170.90K/yr

... independent game development studio known for creating engaging gaming experiences, including their flagship game, MARVEL SNAP. The Senior Technical Producer II will collaborate with engineering ...

Triiodide Studios

Gameplay Programmer (Unreal)

Boston, MA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

... game developer or relevant software developer * Strong C++ and Unreal Engine skills * Strong ... Ability to work independently and a desire to problem solve * Willingness to learn, ask questions ...

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Indie Game Developer * 2D Animator or Game Asset Designer You should have solid experience with one ... The ability to work independently and follow written guidelines Work Model and Project Details

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$32.5K

$108.5K

$180K

How much do independent game developer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent 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 an Independent Game Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Game Developer, you need strong skills in game design, programming (commonly with engines like Unity or Unreal), and a solid understanding of graphics and audio integration, often backed by a portfolio of completed projects. Familiarity with technical tools such as version control systems (e.g., Git), 2D/3D asset creation software, and publishing platforms is essential. Creativity, self-motivation, and effective project management are critical soft skills for independently handling all aspects of game development. These abilities are vital for producing high-quality games, meeting deadlines, and successfully marketing your work in a competitive industry.

What are some common challenges independent game developers face when bringing a game from concept to launch?

Independent game developers often encounter challenges such as limited resources, managing multiple roles (like design, programming, and marketing), and balancing creative vision with market demands. Since indie developers typically work with small teams or solo, time management and prioritizing features become critical. Additionally, promoting the game and reaching the right audience without a large publisher can be demanding, requiring effective use of social media, community engagement, and networking with other developers.

What does an independent game developer do?

An independent game developer, often called an indie game developer, is someone who creates video games without the financial backing of a large publisher. They typically handle multiple aspects of game development, including designing, programming, and sometimes marketing and distribution. Indie developers often work alone or in small teams, allowing for greater creative freedom but also requiring them to manage more of the business side themselves. Their games can be released on various platforms, such as PC, consoles, or mobile devices.

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

AspectIndependent Game DeveloperGame Designer
CredentialsSelf-taught or formal education in game development, programming, or artDegree in game design, art, or related fields often preferred
Work EnvironmentTypically works independently or in small teams, often freelance or startupWorks within development teams or studios, focusing on game concept and mechanics
Industry UsageCreates and publishes own games, often across multiple platformsDesigns game concepts, levels, and mechanics, collaborating with developers

While Independent Game Developers focus on creating and publishing complete games, Game Designers primarily craft game concepts, mechanics, and user experience. Both roles require creativity and technical skills, but independent developers handle a broader scope including programming and marketing, whereas game designers concentrate on design aspects within a team environment.

More about Independent Game Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Independent Game Developer jobs? Cities with the most Independent Game Developer job openings:
What job categories do people searching Independent Game Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Game Developer jobs are:
Independent Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Game Developer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 41% Contract. Highlights an 55% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,471 per year, or $52.1 per hour.
Asst. Professor Game Scoring and Adaptive Music

Asst. Professor Game Scoring and Adaptive Music

Strategic Education

Chamblee, GA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Strategic Education rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 189 rated education and training

Job description

Media Design School at Strayer, a part of Strayer University and Strategic Education, Inc., is a globally recognized provider of creative and technology-focused education. Originally established in New Zealand and now integrated within Strayer's academic portfolio, Media Design School combines industry-driven curriculum with an emphasis on innovation, preparing students for careers in fields such as game development, animation, and digital design. As part of Strayer's broader mission to deliver flexible, career-relevant education and expand access to future-focused learning opportunities, Media Design School leverages global resources, industry partnerships, and a collaborative academic environment.
The Assistant Professor of Game Scoring and Adaptive Music will lead the development and delivery of curriculum focused on adaptive music for interactive media within both the Master of Fine Arts in Screen Scoring & Music Design and the corresponding Online Graduate Certificate program. This role serves as a key liaison to game arts programs at Media Design School, fostering collaboration among faculty and students across disciplines. The position reports directly to the Executive Dean.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Serve as the lead instructor for MFA521 (Screen Scoring III: Adaptive) and MFA524 (Music Design Technology Lab), as well as related courses within the Online Graduate Certificate program
  • Recruit, mentor, and supervise adjunct faculty within the areas of game scoring, adaptive music, and music design technology
  • Conduct ongoing research to ensure coursework and student projects remain aligned with current industry practices and emerging trends
  • Engage in active outreach and relationship-building with game studios and independent game developers
  • Foster and maintain collaborative partnerships with Media Design School and other game design programs
Technical Skills:
  • Advanced proficiency with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) for game music composition, including tools such as Logic Pro, Cubase, Reaper, and Pro Tools
  • Advanced experience utilizing game audio implementation middleware, such as Wwise and FMOD
  • Demonstrated expertise in game development platforms, including Unity and Unreal Engine
Professional Experience:
  • 2-3 years of experience in an on-staff or active freelance capacity with a game development studio (e.g., Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft) or comparable organizations; experience with independent (indie) game developers will also be considered
  • Demonstrated professional experience in the composition of adaptive music for games and interactive media

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree (e.g., B.A., B.F.A., B.Mus., or B.M.) in Music Composition or a related field with a focus on music for screen or interactive media; alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in a related game design discipline will be considered

  • A Master's degree (e.g., M.A. or M.F.A.) in a relevant field is preferred; equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree

Other:

  • Must be able to travel occasionally should a business need arise. For most roles travel would not be common. Travel may involve plane, car or metro. In accordance with ADA policies, reasonable accommodations regarding travel limitations can be provided. Travel will be more common for roles such as Account Executives (25 - 50%), senior leaders (10 - 20%) or Capella Core Faculty (5 - 10%).
  • Ability to work onsite in Corporate or Campus location (in a typical office environment) may be required based on role. If so, this would include being mobile within the office, including movement from floor-to-floor using elevators or stairs.
  • If offsite or hybrid role, must have access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
  • Faculty and Federal Work Study roles require access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including computer, privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
  • This role may require lifting, however reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with our ADA policies.
  • Must be able to meet critical thinking and problem solving aspects aligned to job duties, as well as effectively communicating with co-workers.
  • Must be able to work more than 40 hours per week when business needs warrant. Accommodations related to schedule may be considered.
  • Able to access information using a computer.
  • Other essential functions and marginal job functions are subject to modification.

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SEI offers a comprehensive package of benefits to employees scheduled 30 hours or more per week. In addition to medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans, SEI employees may take advantage of well-being incentives, parental leave, paid time off, certain paid holidays, tax saving accounts (FSA, HSA), 401(k) retirement benefit, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, tuition assistance as well as entertainment and retail discounts. Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay, if applicable.

Careers - Our Benefits, Strategic Education, Inc


SEI is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture where individuals can grow their careers and contribute fully. We strive to attract talent with broad experiences, skills and perspectives. We welcome applications from all. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the pay range at SEI, we offer a competitive salary. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate may vary depending on multiple factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal pay equity. Our Talent Acquisition Team is ready to discuss your interest in joining SEI. The expected salary range for this position is below.

$67,700.00 - $101,500.00 - Salary


If you require reasonable accommodations to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at Careers@strategiced.com.

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