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Global Brand Marketing Manager (278517)

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$69/hr

Previous experience working on or supporting video game marketing strongly preferred * Experience or strong familiarity with community-led, co-op, multiplayer, indie, AA, live service, PC-first, or ...

Xsolla

Senior Product Owner - Xsolla Money Account

$129K - $170K/yr

From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games. Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the ...

Xsolla

Senior Software Engineer

$100K - $170K/yr

From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games. Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the ...

Xsolla

Lead Software Engineer (Mobile Native)

Concord, NC · Remote

CA$120K - CA$170K/yr

From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games. Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the ...

Xsolla

Senior Software Engineer

Concord, NC · Remote

CA$100K - CA$170K/yr

From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games. Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the ...

Xsolla

LLM Solutions Architect

Concord, NC

$85K - $120K/yr

From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games. Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the ...

Xsolla

Lead Software Engineer (Mobile Native)

$120K - $170K/yr

From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games. Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the ...

Xsolla

Chief of Staff

Los Angeles, CA

$123K - $160K/yr

From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games. Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the ...

Xsolla

Performance Coaching Intern

Los Angeles, CA

$20/hr

From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games. Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the ...

Xsolla

Chief of Staff

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games. Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the ...

Xsolla

Chief of Staff

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games. Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the ...

Xsolla

Performance Coaching Intern

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20/hr

From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games. Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the ...

Xsolla

Senior AI & Automation Specialist

$106K - $139K/yr

From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games. Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the ...

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Indie Video Game information

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How much do indie video game jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for indie video game in the United States is $18.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the common challenges faced by team members in an indie video game development role?

Team members in indie video game development often face challenges such as limited resources, multitasking across different roles, and tight deadlines. Unlike larger studios, indie teams are usually smaller, so individuals may need to handle a variety of tasks beyond their primary expertise, such as coding, art, or marketing. This environment fosters creativity and collaboration, but it also requires strong problem-solving skills and adaptability. Despite these challenges, working on indie games provides valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the final product.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Indie Video Game Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Indie Video Game Developer, you need strong programming skills, a solid understanding of game design principles, and often a relevant degree or portfolio demonstrating your work. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as proficiency in languages such as C# or C++, is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and project management skills help you stand out, especially when working in small teams or solo. These skills are crucial for successfully developing, releasing, and marketing unique games in a competitive industry.

What are indie video games?

Indie video games are games created by individuals or small teams without the financial support of a major game publisher. These games often emphasize creativity, innovation, and unique gameplay experiences, as developers have more freedom to experiment. Indie games can be found on various platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices, and are often distributed through digital storefronts. Many successful indie games have gained popularity for their originality, artistic style, and compelling storytelling.

What is the difference between Indie Video Game Developer vs Indie Video Game Designer?

AspectIndie Video Game DeveloperIndie Video Game Designer
CredentialsProgramming skills, game development certificationsDesign portfolio, creativity skills, game design experience
Work EnvironmentIndependent or small team, coding and technical workCreative space, conceptual and visual design focus
Industry UsageInvolved in coding, building, and testing games
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared based on technical skills and roles

While both roles are essential in indie game development, the indie video game developer primarily focuses on coding, programming, and technical implementation. In contrast, the indie video game designer concentrates on game concept, mechanics, and visual design. Both roles often collaborate closely but require different skill sets and credentials.

More about Indie Video Game jobs
What cities are hiring for Indie Video Game jobs? Cities with the most Indie Video Game job openings:
What states have the most Indie Video Game jobs? States with the most job openings for Indie Video Game jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Indie Video Game jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Indie Video Game jobs are:
Indie Video Game jobs near you
Infographic showing various Indie Video Game job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,600 per year, or $18.6 per hour.
Senior Gameplay Programmer - Remote or On Site

Senior Gameplay Programmer - Remote or On Site

Studio Wildcard

Redmond, WA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

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

Apply