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Indie Game Dev First-Client Comparison Table

“James Swirsky e Lisanne Pajot diretores do documentário Indie Game - T” by modmtv · CC BY 2.0 via Openverse

This table is for indie game developers who are seeking their first paying client. It gathers platforms and communities where developers have reported finding initial paid work and outlines what each option typically offers, helping you identify where to focus your outreach.

How to use the table

  • Look at the “Typical client” column to see who usually hires on the platform.
  • Review the “Typical work” column to match the project size with your current skills.
  • Read the “Notes” column for any specific requirements or community nuances.
  • Choose one or two platforms that align with your strengths and start building a presence there.

Comparison table

PlatformWhat it offersTypical clientTypical workNotes
UpworkGeneral freelance marketplace with job postingsSmall studios, individual clientsPrototypes, small‑scope assets, short contractsRequires a profile and proposal system; competition can be high
FiverrService‑based gig marketplaceIndie creators, hobbyistsAsset packs, simple UI, short gameplay clipsGig format encourages clear, fixed‑scope offerings
itch.ioGame distribution platform with community pagesPlayers looking for mods, small toolsMods, tools, small experimental gamesCommunity interaction can lead to direct commissions
Game JoltGame hosting and community hubDevelopers seeking collaborators or testersDemo builds, feedback‑focused projectsActive forums help showcase work to potential clients
Reddit (r/gamedev, r/IndieDev, r/forhire)Community forums with periodic hiring threadsIndie teams, solo developersShort‑term contracts, asset creation, consultancyEngage regularly; follow subreddit rules for self‑promotion
Discord servers (Indie Game Devs, Game Dev League)Real‑time chat channels with #jobs or #collab sectionsSmall studios, hobbyist groupsQuick tasks, art commissions, programming helpPresence and participation increase visibility
TIGSource forumsLong‑standing indie dev community with classifiedsExperimental game creatorsPrototypes, niche tooling, art contributionsCommunity values detailed progress updates
LinkedInProfessional network with job postings and recruiter outreachEstablished indie studios, middleware firmsLarger contracts, longer‑term engagementsKeep profile updated with portfolio links and skill tags

The table is reviewed periodically to keep the information current. Use it as a starting point to explore where your first paid opportunity might arise.

Tips & notes

Your First Client, Simplified

Looking for your first publishing partner? A clear comparison table can save you hours of digging through websites and contracts.

This resource maps out the key variables to evaluate:

  • Revenue split
  • Platform reach
  • Contract terms
  • Marketing support
  • Payment timeline

Practical tip: Before comparing, define your non-negotiables (e.g., which platforms you’re willing to exclusivity on, minimum revenue share, rights retention). Then score each option against those criteria. Having everything in one view makes trade-offs obvious.

The table is a fixed digital download — PDF and editable spreadsheet. Download, fill in, and use it immediately.

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