.png)
If you’ve ever tried finding game dev work online, you know how messy it can get, with dozens of platforms, vague listings, and “exposure-only” offers that waste your time.
However, r/GameDevClassifieds has quietly become one of the most useful places for outsourcing developers, third-party art studios, freelance consultants and service providers to find paid work and collaborators. Whether you’re looking for freelance gigs, short-term projects or long-term partnerships, it’s a space built specifically for people in the game industry.
But, like anything in life, it only works if you know how to use it. In this guide, we’ll walk through how game dev classifieds actually works, what kinds of posts succeed, and how to make your listing or pitch stand out.
What is r/GameDevClassifieds?
At its core, r/GameDevClassifieds is a subreddit where developers, artists, composers, writers, and studios post listings to find work, hire help, or form teams. However, unlike traditional job sites, where listings can feel cold and generic, posts here come directly from the people making the games. You’ll find indie studios looking for Unity programmers, solo devs hunting for art studios or composers offering to score short projects. Because it’s open and conversational, you can actually talk to the people behind the projects - rather than filling out another application form.
Finding Work
Start by sorting posts by “new” or “hot”, depending on what you’re looking for. “Hot” shows listings that are already getting engagement (usually paid work or active collaborations), while “new” lets you catch fresh posts before they’re flooded with applicants. You can also use Reddit’s search bar with keywords like “Unity,” “pixel art,” “sound design,” or “development” to find roles that fit the work that you’re looking to find.
Always look for posts tagged ‘Paid’ first. These are the professional listings - studios or devs with a set budget. The ‘Unpaid’ or ‘Revshare’ tags can sometimes lead to passion projects, which can be great for portfolio-building opportunities rather than income sources.
When you find a promising post, read it carefully before replying. Good listings will outline the scope, budget, time frame, and required skills. If any of those are missing, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. It shows you’re professional and saves you from wasting time on unclear projects.
Lastly, keep your Reddit profile clean and consistent. Link your portfolio and studio site in your comment or DMs. Avoid keeping irrelevant posts in your profile history.
How to Write a Strong Post
Whether you’re posting to find work or to hire talent, If your post doesn’t instantly tell people who you are, what you need, and what’s in it for them, it’ll vanish within hours.
If you’re a freelancer, your post should read like an elevator pitch. Start with your specialty (Award-Winning 2D Animator for Hire or Senior Unity Programmer w/ 15 Years Experience), then follow with a sentence or two about the kinds of projects you’ve worked on. Include a few key links: portfolio, website, or even an itch.io page. Finish with your preferred contact method and, if possible, a general idea of your rates or availability. The best posts sound confident but approachable: Here’s what I do, here’s proof I can do it, here’s how to reach me.
However, if you’re a studio or solo dev hiring, respect people's time by being upfront. List the role, scope, payment terms and project stage clearly. Phrases like “payment upon completion” or “revenue share” should be spelled out honestly rather than hidden. If the role is paid, say so loudly. Posts tagged [Paid] get far more traction and better talent.
Formatting also matters more than you’d think. Use bullet points for requirements, bold for the project name or main role, and keep paragraphs short. Reddit readers skim first so if they can’t parse your post in five seconds, they’ll probably just move on.
Building Relationships
After a successful project, follow up. Thank your client or collaborator, ask if they’re open to future work, and keep them updated when you add new projects to your portfolio. Many regulars on the subreddit keep working with the same handful of developers because they know what to expect.
It also helps to stay visible even when you’re not looking for work. Comment on other listings, offer advice or recommend colleagues when you can’t take a gig yourself. People remember those who contribute.
Conclusion
Used right, r/GameDevClassifieds is one of the most practical tools for finding real game development work online. Whether you’re a freelancer looking for steady gigs or a studio building a team, the rules are the same: be upfront, be reliable, and be human. The posts that succeed here are the ones that respect time, communicate clearly and follow through.
Start small. Comment on a few listings, post your own [For Hire] thread, and learn how people interact. Over time, you’ll start to recognise names, build relationships and find a rhythm that brings work to you.
