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Internship Indie Game Developer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Unitytech

Staff Software Engineer, Gaming AI

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$200K - $260K/yr

Join us and help create a product that will enable game developers to bring their ideas to life in ... The top mobile games in the world, the most played PC indie titles, the most innovative console ...

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

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 · 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 ...

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

Internship Indie Game Developer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$37K

$123.4K

$204.8K

How much do internship indie game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for internship 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 internship indie game developer?

Internship Indie Game Developers are students or entry-level professionals who work with small, independent game studios to gain hands-on experience in creating video games. They typically assist with tasks such as programming, game design, art creation, or testing under the guidance of experienced developers. These internships provide valuable learning opportunities about the entire game development process and the unique challenges faced by indie studios. Often, intern roles are unpaid or offer modest compensation, but they can be a crucial stepping stone for aspiring game developers looking to build their portfolios and industry connections.

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

To thrive as an Internship Indie Game Developer, you need a solid grasp of programming fundamentals (often C# or C++), basic game design principles, and a portfolio of small projects or coursework. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems (e.g., Git), and relevant coursework or certifications are highly beneficial. Creativity, willingness to learn, problem-solving, and strong teamwork skills help you stand out in collaborative, fast-changing environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively contributing to small teams and adapting to the dynamic nature of indie game development.

How does an internship indie game developer typically collaborate with other team members during a game project?

As an Internship Indie Game Developer, you'll often work closely with a small, multidisciplinary team, including artists, designers, and programmers. Collaboration is highly interactive, with frequent brainstorming sessions, daily stand-ups, and shared feedback cycles. You may be asked to take on a variety of tasks, such as prototyping gameplay features, fixing bugs, or contributing to design discussions, which helps you gain a broad understanding of the game development process. The open and flexible structure of indie teams provides hands-on learning opportunities and encourages proactive communication.

What is the difference between Internship Indie Game Developer vs Junior Game Programmer?

AspectInternship Indie Game DeveloperJunior Game Programmer
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recent graduate of game design, computer science, or related programsSimilar educational background, often with some programming coursework or experience
Work EnvironmentStartups, indie studios, or self-directed projects, often remote or flexibleGame development studios, often in team settings, sometimes remote
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in indie and small studio contexts, focusing on learning and contributionCommon in larger studios, focusing on coding and technical implementation

Both roles require foundational knowledge in game development and programming. An Internship Indie Game Developer typically focuses on gaining experience in game design, development, and project management within indie or startup environments. A Junior Game Programmer emphasizes coding, debugging, and technical tasks within a team. While their responsibilities differ, both roles serve as entry points into the game industry, with overlapping educational backgrounds and work environments.

Are there game dev internships?

Yes, game development internships are available at many companies and studios, offering opportunities for students and entry-level developers to gain experience in areas such as programming, design, and art. These internships often require knowledge of game engines like Unity or Unreal and may be offered during summer or semester periods.

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 Internship Indie Game Developer jobs in Seattle, WA?

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

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

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

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

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

Internship Indie Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Indie Game Developer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% 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 today. 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

Apply