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Volunteer Indie Game Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Indie studios, game genres (Action, RPG, Shooter, Mobile, Live Service), and common game development terminology such as Gameplay Programming, Game Design, Unreal Engine, Unity, Production, QA, and ...

... Indie studios, game genres (Action, RPG, Shooter, Mobile, Live Service), and common game development terminology such as Gameplay Programming, Game Design, Unreal Engine, Unity, Production, QA, and ...

... Indie studios, game genres (Action, RPG, Shooter, Mobile, Live Service), and common game development terminology such as Gameplay Programming, Game Design, Unreal Engine, Unity, Production, QA, and ...

Join the mastermind group and learn from top game developers * Volunteer recognition & awards Games for Love is an equal opportunity organization. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity ...

Engineering Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Job Summary : Elsewhere is hiring an Engineering Lead to write code, build infrastructure, and ... games, even as indie or side projects. • Eagerness to share rough prototypes and in-progress ...

Join the mastermind group and learn from top game developers * Volunteer recognition & awards Games for Love is an equal opportunity organization. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity ...

Join the mastermind group and learn from top game developers * Volunteer recognition & awards Games for Love is an equal opportunity organization. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity ...

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 ... Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, art, QA, marketing) to ensure designs are ...

Showing results 41-60

Volunteer Indie Game Developer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$108.5K

$180K

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

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for volunteer indie game developer in the United States is $108,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $124,000.00 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 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 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.
More about Volunteer Indie Game Developer jobs

What cities are hiring for Volunteer Indie Game Developer jobs?

Cities with the most Volunteer Indie Game Developer job openings:

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

The most popular types of Indie Game Developer jobs are:

What states have the most Volunteer Indie Game Developer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Volunteer Indie Game Developer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Volunteer Indie Game Developer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Volunteer Indie Game Developer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Indie Game Developer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,471 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Creative / Game Recruiter

Onward Search

Fairfield, CT • Remote

$50K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Creative / Game Recruiter 


Onward Search is a national staffing company with nearly 20 years of experience connecting top companies with exceptional talent across the Creative, Marketing, Digital, Technology, Gaming, and UX/UI industries. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a proactive and results-driven Recruiter to support sourcing, recruiting, and placing highly skilled professionals across our specialty markets.


This role is ideal for a recruiter who thrives in a fast-paced, production-oriented environment and enjoys building strong candidate relationships within the creative, marketing, and technology space.


Key Responsibilities:


Sourcing Candidates:
Utilize job boards, referrals, social media platforms, portfolio sites, networking events, LinkedIn, and internal databases to identify and attract qualified creative, marketing, digital, UX/UI, gaming, and technology professionals for open roles.

Pipeline Development:
Build and maintain a robust pipeline of talent through proactive outreach, networking, relationship-building, and ongoing engagement with candidates aligned to current and future client needs.

Qualifying Candidates:
Conduct comprehensive candidate screenings and interviews to assess qualifications, experience, technical capabilities, career objectives, and overall fit for client opportunities.

Candidate Submission & Interview Management:
Submit qualified candidates to open positions, complete formal submission documentation, coordinate interview scheduling, conduct interview preparation sessions, and facilitate post-interview debrief conversations.

Offer Management & Candidate Control:
Manage compensation discussions, conduct pre-closing conversations, negotiate offers when appropriate, and guide candidates through the offer and acceptance process.

Candidate & Contractor Management:
Provide ongoing support to contractors and candidates throughout the placement lifecycle, including onboarding, compliance, assignment extensions, timecard support, quality control touchpoints, and assignment completion.

Reference Checking:
Gather professional references to validate work history, performance, accomplishments, skills, and areas of improvement while identifying potential market intelligence and business development opportunities.

ATS & Job Management:
Manage job postings within Bullhorn and external recruiting platforms, review inbound applications, promote openings internally, and maintain accurate candidate records and recruiting activity.

Performance & KPI Achievement:
Consistently meet or exceed recruiting KPIs, placement goals, fill ratios, and activity expectations while demonstrating Onward's core values both internally and externally.


Requirements:

  • Previous experience in the staffing industry, ideally recruiting within the Creative, Marketing, Design, UX/UI, Motion, Technology, Gaming, or related industries.
  • Working knowledge of the gaming industry, including AAA, AA, and Indie studios, game genres (Action, RPG, Shooter, Mobile, Live Service), and common game development terminology such as Gameplay Programming, Game Design, Unreal Engine, Unity, Production, QA, and Live Operations.
  • Strong understanding of full-cycle recruiting, including sourcing, interviewing, candidate management, and placement.
  • Strong ability to utilize candidate control, pre-closing techniques, and offer management best practices.
  • Excellent communication skills, relationship-building abilities, and a consultative approach to recruiting.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, KPI-focused environment.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple openings simultaneously.
  • Experience utilizing applicant tracking systems, LinkedIn Recruiter, job boards, and other sourcing tools.
  • Bachelor's degree preferred.

Why Join Us?

  • Opportunity to recruit for some of the nation's leading organizations across the Creative, Marketing, Technology, Gaming, and Digital industries.
  • Competitive compensation package with uncapped commission potential.
  • Collaborative, supportive company culture focused on growth, performance, and professional development.
  • Remote-first work environment with access to industry-leading recruiting tools and resources.

Salary:

$50,000 - $65,000, based on experience.

  • Commission eligible
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • PTO program
  • 401(k) program

About Onward Group Holdings, LLC


Onward Group Holdings, LLC is a platform of specialized talent and workforce solutions brands that connect leading organizations with expert talent across high-demand industries. The company combines deep domain expertise, proven infrastructure, and an expansive talent network to deliver solutions that go beyond traditional staffing.


With nearly 20 years in business, Onward Group Holdings partners with companies, schools, and organizations to help them build high-performing teams and thrive in the future of work. Its divisions include Onward Search (Marketing, Creative & Technology), Onward Accessibility (Digital Accessibility), Onward Education (K-12 Education), and Talera (Behavioral Health).


Onward Search offers medical, dental, vision benefits, as well as a 401(k) program, for all eligible full-time employees.


We’re committed to making every part of our hiring process accessible and inclusive. If there’s any adjustments we can make to support you as you apply and interview, please reach out to
InclusiveHiring@OnwardSearch.com.


Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply.


Onward Search is an equal opportunity employer. We value a culture of inclusion and diversity within our workforce and are committed to maintaining a workplace free from prohibited employment conduct, including discrimination or harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partner status, civil partnership, status as a covered veteran, status in the Uniformed Services of the United States, citizenship, and any other characteristic protected by state and federal law.