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Volunteer Indie Game Developer Jobs in Addison, IL

DePaul

Adjunct Faculty in Game Design

Chicago, IL · On-site

Throughout the program, students collaborate on interdisciplinary teams with programmers, artists ... indie games, to art games, and games for change on established and experimental platforms. In ...

HDI Global Insurance Company

DevOps Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$100K - $125K/yr

This direction helps HDI Global lead the profitable growth game as a globally connected business ... Voluntary Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Pet Insurance, Transit and Parking ...

Actalent

Software Simulation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Azure DevOps * Python * C# * Mission Training Systems * Serious Games Development * Defense ... Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) * Short and long-term ...

Actalent

Software Simulation Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Azure DevOps * Python * C# * Mission Training Systems * Serious Games Development * Defense ... Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) * Short and long-term ...

KDM ENGINEERING LLC

Senior Electrical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Volunteer leave * Performance bonuses * HSA & HRA * Transit program * Parental and maternity leave ... Laidback office culture, including pool table, arcade games, and happy hour * Meditation space, nap ...

KDM ENGINEERING LLC

Senior Electrical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Volunteer leave * Performance bonuses * HSA & HRA * Transit program * Parental and maternity leave ... Laidback office culture, including pool table, arcade games, and happy hour * Meditation space, nap ...

KDM ENGINEERING LLC

Senior Electrical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Volunteer leave * Performance bonuses * HSA & HRA * Transit program * Parental and maternity leave ... Laidback office culture, including pool table, arcade games, and happy hour * Meditation space, nap ...

KDM Engineering

Senior Electrical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Volunteer leave * Performance bonuses * HSA & HRA * Transit program * Parental and maternity leave ... Laidback office culture, including pool table, arcade games, and happy hour * Meditation space, nap ...

CustomerHD

Email Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Foosball tables and games in office * Casual dress code * Recognition program offering dotbox ... Volunteer opportunities Hear From Our Team: "I like the positive energy of my team and the help our ...

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All JobsVolunteer Indie Game Developer JobsVolunteer Indie Game Developer Jobs in Addison, IL

Volunteer Indie Game Developer information

See Addison, IL salary details

$32.6K

$108.7K

$180.3K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for volunteer indie game developer in Addison, IL is $108,673.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,700.00 and $124,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer indie game developer?

Volunteer Indie Game Developers are individuals who contribute their skills—such as programming, art, music, or writing—to independent video game projects without financial compensation. They often collaborate remotely with small teams or solo developers to create unique and innovative games outside the mainstream industry. These roles provide valuable experience, portfolio pieces, and networking opportunities, making them popular among hobbyists, students, and aspiring professionals. While unpaid, the work environment is usually flexible and passion-driven, with a focus on creativity and learning.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Indie Game Developer, you need strong programming skills (such as C# or C++), basic game design knowledge, and a passion for gaming, though formal qualifications are often less critical than a solid portfolio. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine and version control systems like Git is typically required. Creativity, self-motivation, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with small teams and contributing to shared projects. These skills and qualities are important for efficiently building engaging games and ensuring smooth teamwork in a volunteer-driven, often remote, environment.

What are common challenges faced by volunteer indie game developers, and how can they be addressed?

Volunteer indie game developers often encounter challenges such as coordinating work across different schedules, maintaining motivation without monetary incentives, and managing limited resources. Effective communication through regular online meetings and project management tools can help teams stay organized and aligned. Setting clear milestones, celebrating small achievements, and fostering a collaborative environment are key strategies for overcoming these obstacles and sustaining progress on the project.

What is the difference between Volunteer Indie Game Developer vs Indie Game Developer?

AspectVolunteer Indie Game DeveloperIndie Game Developer
CredentialsTypically no formal credentials required; passion and self-taught skills commonOften self-taught or with relevant education in game design or programming
Work EnvironmentVolunteer basis, often remote or part-timeFull or part-time, may be remote or studio-based
Employer/Industry UsageNon-profit projects, personal portfolios, or community initiativesCommercial projects, independent studios, or self-employed
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles vs paid positions in indie game development

In summary, a Volunteer Indie Game Developer contributes to projects on a voluntary basis without formal employment, often driven by passion or community involvement. An Indie Game Developer may work professionally or independently, typically earning income from their projects. The main difference lies in the commitment level, compensation, and work environment.

What cities near Addison, IL are hiring for Volunteer Indie Game Developer jobs?

Cities near Addison, IL with the most Volunteer Indie Game Developer job openings:

Volunteer Indie Game Developer jobs near you

Adjunct Faculty in Game Design

DePaul University

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

DePaul University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

390th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
DePaul's Jarvis College of Computing & Digital Media (CDM) is located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, the central business district of Chicago. Our students represent many different experiences, perspectives, and cultures, and the university strives to recruit and sustain a faculty community where all backgrounds are valued and supported. Part-time teaching positions are available throughout the academic year, including summer sessions. Academic course schedules fluctuate from quarter to quarter, and the college will work with selected individuals to determine a quarterly schedule. Courses are not guaranteed, however the college does its best to give ample notice about available courses. Applicants with expertise that matches course scheduling needs will be contacted for an interview.
The School of Design (SoD) offers a learning environment that nurtures the development of innovative designers, who embrace interdisciplinary methods to solve challenging problems. SoD offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs including Digital Communication and Media Arts, Game Design, Graphic Design, Human Centered Design, Industrial Design, and User Experience Design.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a master's degree in the discipline, or 18 semester/27 quarter hours of graduate work in the discipline, or an undergraduate degree with a minimum of five years demonstrated relevant professional experience. Exceptions may be considered with approval of the dean.
Application Instructions
The BS in Game Design degree prepares students to become leaders in the diversifying field of games. Throughout the program, students collaborate on interdisciplinary teams with programmers, artists, writers, and audio designers. The curriculum focuses on the entire development cycle from ideation to documentation, prototyping, implementation, iteration, and testing towards creating polished experiences. Students learn to evaluate and critique each other's work, communicate, problem-solve and design for clients. Throughout the process students will build a portfolio showcasing the diversity of their skill-sets ranging from indie games, to art games, and games for change on established and experimental platforms.
In addition to the required documents listed below, you may also submit a portfolio, teaching evaluations and a course syllabus as optional documents.
Considerations:
Exceptions to standard rates may apply to courses with unique credit hours, supervision, labs, clinical/practicum courses, coaching, administrative tasks, and courses that are either over-enrolled or under-enrolled.
General Compensation/Benefits Statement:
DePaul University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the qualifications, education, experience, and training of the selected candidate, the scope and responsibilities of the position, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
DePaul University offers a variety of benefit options for qualified part-time employees. Further information regarding benefits can be found here: https://offices.depaul.edu/human-resources/benefits/part-time/Pages/default.aspx
About DePaul University's Academic Calendar:
Except for the College of Law, DePaul University operates on a quarter system. Classes in Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters are 11 weeks in length (including finals week) and Summer courses, in two sessions, are typically 5 weeks in length. The College of Law operates on the semester system. Classes in the Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks in length (including finals week) and it offers a Summer Session of 7 weeks (including final exams).

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