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Indie Game Developer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Studio Wildcard

Sr. Engine Programmer

Bellevue, WA · Remote

Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved, was founded in 2014. ARK ... Debug and patch complex gameplay and engine-level vulnerabilities to shut down client-side exploits ...

Studio Wildcard

Senior Graphics Programmer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$200K/yr

Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved, was founded in 2014. ARK ... What other games are you currently playing About The Studio Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by ...

Studio Wildcard

Senior Graphics Programmer

Bellevue, WA · Remote

Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved, was founded in 2014. ARK ... What other games are you currently playing About The Studio Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by ...

studiowildcard.com

Senior Graphics Programmer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved, was founded in 2014. ARK ... edge of game development, wrestling with core rendering systems, massive hardware budgets, and ...

studiowildcard.com

Senior Technical Producer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

About the Studio Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved, was ... Your primary goal is to ensure the engineering team is operating at maximum efficiency, freeing up ...

Studio Wildcard

Senior Technical Producer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved, was founded in 2014. ARK ... Your primary goal is to ensure the engineering team is operating at maximum efficiency, freeing up ...

Studio Wildcard

Senior Technical Producer

Bellevue, WA

$128K - $176K/yr

Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved, was founded in 2014. ARK ... Your primary goal is to ensure the engineering team is operating at maximum efficiency, freeing up ...

Studio Wildcard

Senior Technical Producer

Bellevue, WA · Remote

$116K - $160K/yr

Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved , was founded in 2014. ARK ... Your primary goal is to ensure the engineering team is operating at maximum efficiency, freeing up ...

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All JobsIndie Game Developer JobsIndie Game Developer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Indie Game Developer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$37K

$123.4K

$204.8K

How much do indie game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for indie game developer in Seattle, WA is $123,443.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,700.00 and $141,100.00 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Indie Game Developer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Indie Game Developer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Indie Game Developer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Indie Game Developer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Indie Game Developer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Indie Game Developer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Indie Game Developer job openings:

Indie Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Indie Game Developer job openings in Seattle, WA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 80% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 66% In-person, and 34% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,443 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Programmer - Remote or On Site

Studio Wildcard

Redmond, WA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Studio Wildcard - Redmond, WA or Remote

Open role:

Senior Gameplay Programmer


We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us with ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies.

And now we're searching for an exceptionally talented and passionate Senior Gameplay Programmer who can create high-impact work for the expanding ARK franchise.


Responsibilities:

  • Design, write, and implement gameplay systems and development tools for artists and designers
  • Work with cross-discipline team members to improve existing tools and determine new solutions


Requirements:

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in game development as a gameplay programmer with at least 1 shipped title.
  • Advanced understanding of gameplay systems, pipelines, and tools.
  • Strong self-motivation and willingness to participate in many areas of game development
  • Experience using the Unreal 5 Engine


Pluses:

  • Degree in computer science or a related field
  • Experience with implementing UI features from concept to finish
  • Shipped title using the Unreal 4 Engine


Required Application Materials:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter which should include
    • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What games you are currently playing


About Studio Wildcard

Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.


Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.


Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.


Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options

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