Where to hire game developers (2026)
The short answer: hire game developers on IndieGuild (post a paid or rev share role free and programmers who fit get it in their inbox, no cut), r/gameDevClassifieds for paid gigs and r/INAT for rev share teammates, Work With Indies and Hitmarker for studio roles, Upwork for general freelance programmers with payment handled, Toptal for pre-screened senior developers at senior prices, and engine communities like the Godot, Unity and Unreal forums and Discords. For a small indie game, start with a clear role post and a short paid test.
Hiring a programmer is different from hiring an artist: you can't judge code from a thumbnail. Here's where to look, the catch with each, and how to pick.
Full disclosure: I founded IndieGuild, so it's on this list. I've put its downside next to everyone else's.
The list
IndieGuild
Good for: posting a paid, rev share or hobby role for a programmer or game designer on a free studio page. Programmers whose skills fit get it in their inbox and can pitch you, and you can browse creators for hire too. It's free and takes no cut.
Downside: it's newer (since October 2026) and started with audio and art, so there are fewer programmers than on the big freelance sites.
r/gameDevClassifieds and r/INAT
Good for: free and busy. Post a [PAID] role on r/gameDevClassifieds, or find rev share teammates on r/INAT.
Downside: lots of replies of mixed quality, so plan a short paid test task to sort them.
Work With Indies and Hitmarker
Good for: studio roles, especially longer contracts or salaried jobs, where you want applicants who already want to work in games.
Downside: you wait for applications, and Work With Indies charges to post.
Upwork
Good for: a huge pool of freelance programmers, with contracts, time tracking and payment handled for you.
Downside: most freelancers aren't game specialists, and both you and the freelancer pay platform fees. Ask for shipped games or playable builds.
Toptal
Good for: pre-screened senior developers. Toptal says it accepts the top 3% of applicants.
Downside: it's built for companies with real budgets, so it's usually out of reach for a small indie game.
Engine communities
Good for: Godot, Unity and Unreal forums and Discords are full of people who know your engine well, and you can see how they help others.
Downside: hiring rules differ by community, and some don't allow job posts at all, so read the rules first.
Which one should I use?
- Small paid job or contract: IndieGuild and r/gameDevClassifieds, with a short paid test.
- Rev share teammate: r/INAT or an IndieGuild role labeled rev share. Put the split in writing first (see the rev share checklist).
- Longer studio role: IndieGuild plus Work With Indies or Hitmarker.
- You want payment and contracts handled for you: Upwork.
- Senior hire with a real budget: Toptal.
Whatever you pick, my guide on how to find a programmer for your indie game covers the brief and the test task, and how much it costs to hire a game programmer has sourced rates.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I hire a game developer?
Hire game developers on IndieGuild (post a paid or rev share role free and programmers who fit get it in their inbox, no cut), r/gameDevClassifieds for paid gigs and r/INAT for rev share teammates, Work With Indies and Hitmarker for studio roles, Upwork for general freelance programmers with payment handled, Toptal for pre-screened senior developers at senior prices, and engine communities like the Godot, Unity and Unreal forums and Discords. For a small indie game, start with a clear role post and a short paid test.
Where can I find a programmer for my indie game?
Post the role on IndieGuild and r/gameDevClassifieds (paid) or r/INAT (rev share), and ask in your engine's community. Use a short paid test task to pick between applicants.
How much does it cost to hire a game programmer?
It depends on experience, engine and scope. IndieGuild's guide has sourced hourly rates: https://indieguild.dev/guides/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-game-programmer/
Can I find a programmer for rev share?
Yes. r/INAT is the subreddit for rev share teams, and IndieGuild roles can be labeled rev share. Agree the split, vesting and ownership in writing before any work starts.
Is IndieGuild free for hiring?
Yes. Posting a role is free and IndieGuild takes no cut of what you pay people.
Post your programmer role free
It takes about a minute, and programmers who fit get it in their inbox. No cut taken.
Post a roleMore guides
- How to find a programmer or teammate for your indie game
- How much does it cost to hire a game programmer?
- Where to post a game dev job
- How to write a game dev job post
- All guides