Tech & data
Indie game developer
Design, build and sell your own video games.
- Start-up cost
- $500–$5k
- First revenue
- ~18 months
- Time needed
- 15+ hrs/week
- Where
- Online
Rough estimates. Costs and timelines vary a lot by location and niche.
Who thrives at this
- People who have a strong creative streak
- People who can grind for a long payoff
- People who enjoy digging into data and puzzles
- People who are comfortable taking big swings
- People who recharge with focused solo time
Skills that help
Don't have them yet? Tap one to find beginner courses.
Your starter kit
The tools and steps most people need to get a indie game developer business off the ground.
1. Test the idea
2. Launch
- Register your business FreeChoose a structure (sole prop, LLC…) and register with your state. The SBA explains every option.
- Get an EIN from the IRS FreeYour business tax ID. Free and takes about 10 minutes online. Never pay a third party for this.
- Licenses & permits FreeFind out which local, state and federal licenses your business needs.
- Business insurance basics FreeWhat coverage small businesses typically need, and how to shop for it.
- Open a business bank account FreeKeep business money separate from day one. The SBA covers what to look for.
- Wave FreeFree accounting and invoicing for small businesses.
- Canva FreeMake a logo, flyers, social posts and business cards without hiring a designer.
- Squarespace Polished website builder for portfolios and service businesses.
- Stripe Take card payments online and send invoices.
- Calendly FreeLet clients book calls and appointments without the back-and-forth.
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