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Indie Game Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

INVIZ

Community Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

You've worked at an indie game studio, animation collective, or startup where creators, fans, and channels were part of a single living ecosystem. You're comfortable being a visible voice for the ...

INVIZ

Community Manager

Santa Monica, CA

$70K - $80K/yr

You've worked at an indie game studio, animation collective, or startup where creators, fans, and channels were part of a single living ecosystem. You're comfortable being a visible voice for the ...

Absurd Ventures

Lead Game UX/UI Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Previous work on AAA titles or high-profile indie games. Description * Full-time job with benefits. * Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA. * Office is located near downtown Santa Monica - near metro ...

Absurd Ventures

Lead Game UX/UI Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Previous work on AAA titles or high-profile indie games. Description Full-time job with benefits. Role is on‐site in Santa Monica, CA. Office located near downtown Santa Monica - near metro and ...

TapBlaze

Game Designer, Casual F2P

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$167K/yr

Play and deeply analyze casual games across genres, Match-3, Time Management, Simulation, Indie, Cozy, Narrative on an ongoing basis. * Develop a strong mental model of TapBlaze's player base: who ...

TapBlaze

Game Designer, Casual F2P

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$167K/yr

Play and deeply analyze casual games across genres, Match-3, Time Management, Simulation, Indie, Cozy, Narrative on an ongoing basis. * Develop a strong mental model of TapBlaze's player base: who ...

Mxdwn

Games Writer Intern (Unpaid)

Los Angeles, CA

... fueled Indie scene. If you're looking to jumpstart a career in game journalism, mxdwn Games is a great place to begin. If interested, email your resume and a writing sample as well as a short ...

mxdwn

Games Writer Intern (Unpaid)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... fueled Indie scene. If you're looking to jumpstart a career in game journalism, mxdwn Games is a great place to begin. If interested, email your resume and a writing sample as well as a short ...

Elsewhere

Engineering Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

... games, even as indie or side projects. • Eagerness to share rough prototypes and in-progress builds. • A love for games in general. You're well-versed in everything from modern indie and AAA hits ...

Elsewhere

Art Lead (San Francisco)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $147K/yr

We're a venture-backed indie studio working on a surreal card game set inside your own dreaming mind. We aim for the project to combine the soul of a stellar indie title with the strategic depth and ...

SupportFinity™

Creative Director, Gaming

Culver City, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

The ideal candidate brings a proven track record in leading integrated marketing campaigns, including AAA, mobile, indie, and GaaS titles. You are comfortable translating audience insights and game ...

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Indie Game information

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How much do indie game jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for indie game in California is $20.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an indie game?

An Indie Game job refers to working in the development, design, marketing, or publishing of independently created video games. Unlike large studios, indie game teams are usually smaller, with individuals taking on multiple roles. These jobs can include game design, programming, art, sound design, and business management. Indie game developers often have more creative freedom but may face challenges in funding and marketing. Many indie developers work as freelancers or start their own game studios.

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

To thrive as an Indie Game Developer, you need strong skills in game design, programming languages (such as C# or Unity), as well as a solid understanding of digital art and audio integration. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, and version control systems such as Git, is typically essential, though formal education is often less critical than portfolio quality. Creativity, self-motivation, and the ability to manage time effectively are key soft skills in this often self-driven field. These skills are crucial because indie developers often handle multiple aspects of game production and must independently push projects from concept to completion.

What are the biggest challenges faced by indie game developers and how can they be overcome?

One of the biggest challenges for Indie Game Developers is managing limited resources while handling various aspects of game creation, from programming and design to marketing and distribution. Time management and prioritization skills are essential to ensure that the project stays on track without sacrificing quality. Networking with other developers, seeking feedback early, and utilizing available online resources or communities can help overcome hurdles and refine your game. Many developers also find success by clearly defining the game's scope and focusing on building a strong, unique core experience rather than trying to match larger studio productions. Understanding these challenges and developing strategies to address them can significantly improve your chances for both creative fulfillment and commercial success.

What are the most commonly searched types of Indie Game jobs in California?

The most popular types of Indie Game jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Indie Game jobs in California?

For Indie Game jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Indie Game jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Indie Game jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Indie Game jobs?

Cities in California with the most Indie Game job openings:

Indie Game jobs near you
Infographic showing various Indie Game job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, and 95% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,990 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Co-Founder (Bakersfield)

Aliasing.Pro

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Co-Founder (Marketing & Operations)

Location: Bakersfield, CA (Hybrid)

Compensation: Equity-based only — starting at 20% equity, subject to vesting and performance milestones.

Aliasing.Pro is seeking a co-founder to lead the business and marketing side of the project. This is a part-time hybrid role with flexible hours and the potential to grow into a full-time leadership position following the Kickstarter launch. The Co-Founder will take charge of marketing strategy, SEO, partnerships, and overall business development, helping transform Aliasing.Pro from a working MVP into a thriving platform and community.

Key Responsibilities
  • Plan and execute the Kickstarter marketing campaign (strategy, outreach, social, press, community engagement).
  • Lead SEO and digital marketing to build audience awareness and drive traffic.
  • Manage partnership relations, influencer outreach, and potential collaborations.
  • Oversee business operations, funding strategy, and growth initiatives.
  • Contribute to long-term strategic planning and company direction.
Qualifications
  • Strong analytical and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a startup environment.
  • Leadership, organization, and project management skills.
  • Familiarity with Kickstarter campaigns, creative tools, or indie game development communities is a plus.
Prefered Backgrounds
  • Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field.
  • Passion for pixel art, indie games, and creative tech tools strongly preferred.
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