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Indie Game Developer Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Xsolla

Club Host

New York, NY · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

ABOUT US Xsolla is a global commerce company with robust tools and services to help developers solve the inherent challenges of the video game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with ...

Xsolla

Club Host

New York, NY · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

ABOUT US Xsolla is a global commerce company with robust tools and services to help developers solve the inherent challenges of the video game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with ...

Unitytech

Senior Manager, UX

New York, NY · On-site

$127K/yr

Partner closely with Marketing, Commercial, Product, and Engineering leaders to align design goals ... The top mobile games in the world, the most played PC indie titles, the most innovative console ...

Method Financial

Design Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

... studios, developer tooling companies, creative agencies, or strong indie dev work. * You're ... Background in creative coding, gaming, or CGI; you understand shaders from multiple angles. * Open ...

Method Financial

Design Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

... studios, developer tooling companies, creative agencies, or strong indie dev work. * You're ... Background in creative coding, gaming, or CGI; you understand shaders from multiple angles. * Open ...

All JobsIndie Game Developer JobsIndie Game Developer Jobs in New York

Indie Game Developer information

See New York salary details

$35.6K

$118.7K

$196.9K

How much do indie game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for indie game developer in New York is $118,671.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,200.00 and $135,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an indie game developer?

An Indie Game Developer is someone who creates video games independently or as part of a small team, without the financial backing of a large publisher. They handle multiple aspects of game development, including programming, design, art, and marketing. Indie developers have creative freedom but also face challenges like funding and distribution. Many release their games on platforms like Steam, itch.io, or consoles through self-publishing.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an indie game developer?

To thrive as an Indie Game Developer, you need proficiency in game design, coding (typically in languages like C# or C++), and digital art or asset creation, often supported by a background in computer science, game development, or related fields. Fluency with engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems like Git, and experience with publishing platforms are highly valuable. Strong project management, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and self-motivation are crucial soft skills, as many indie developers work in small teams or independently. These skills are essential for managing the full game development lifecycle, overcoming technical and creative challenges, and successfully bringing original games to market.

What challenges do indie game developers face and how can they be managed?

Indie Game Developers often face challenges such as limited budgets, small teams, and the need to multitask across a variety of roles including programming, design, and marketing. Balancing creative vision with practical constraints like deadlines and resource availability requires strong time management and adaptability. Many indie developers address these challenges by leveraging game development communities for feedback, using open-source tools or affordable assets, and continually learning new skills. Collaboration and networking with other developers can also provide valuable support and opportunities for partnership. Ultimately, being proactive and resourceful helps indie developers overcome obstacles and achieve their project goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Indie Game Developer jobs in New York?

The most popular types of Indie Game Developer jobs in New York are:

What are popular job titles related to Indie Game Developer jobs in New York?

For Indie Game Developer jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Indie Game Developer jobs in New York look for?

The top searched job categories for Indie Game Developer jobs in New York are:

What cities in New York are hiring for Indie Game Developer jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Indie Game Developer job openings:

Indie Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Indie Game Developer job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,671 per year, or $57.1 per hour.

Junior Gameplay Programmer (Unreal Engine)

etc. interactive

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a driven and collaborative Junior Gameplay Programmer to help build the core mechanics of our upcoming extraction shooter. Working closely with our senior engineers, you will prototype, implement, and refine gameplay features ranging from character movement and weapon handling to inventory management and UI integration. This is an incredible opportunity to grow your skills in Unreal Engine while having a direct impact heading into alpha testing.

Responsibilities
  • Implement and iterate on core gameplay mechanics using Unreal Engine C++ and Blueprints
  • Assist in the development of weapon systems, player controllers, and interactive environment elements
  • Collaborate with designers to rapidly prototype new features and tune existing gameplay loops
  • Help integrate backend services and player engagement analytics into the game client
  • Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code, participating in regular code reviews
  • Identify and resolve bugs, optimizing game performance for a smooth multiplayer experience
Qualifications
  • 0–3 years of experience in game programming (can include academic projects, modding, or indie development)
  • Solid understanding of object-oriented programming principles
  • Hands-on experience with Unreal Engine (UE4 or UE5), including both C++ and Blueprints (Preferred)
  • A strong passion for the extraction shooter genre and competitive multiplayer games
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to learn new systems quicklyStrong communication skills and the ability to thrive in a highly collaborative, fast-paced startup studio
Location

This is a hybrid role based out of our New York City studio. Candidates must be located in, or willing to relocate to, the NYC metro area.

The expected base salary range for this position is $85,000 to $115,000 per year (+ Equity). The actual compensation offered will be determined in good faith based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skills.

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