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Seeking 3-Person Indie Game Development Team for Playable Vertical Slice Demo Project Type: Fixed-price / milestone-based Engine: Unity or Godot Platform Target: Android/PC (final product target is Android) demo first, with possible expansion later Genre: 2.5D side-scrolling action/rescue game Style Direction: Family-friendly, stylized, arcade-inspired Project Overview: I am looking to recruit a small 3-person development team to help create a playable vertical slice/demo for an original indie game concept. The project is a stylized 2.5D side-scrolling game with an emphasis on environmental interaction, character abilities, objective-based progression, and accessible family-friendly gameplay. Full game details, character concepts, mechanics, story elements, and visual references will be provided after an NDA is signed. The goal is not to build a full game at this stage. The goal is to create a focused playable demo that proves the core gameplay loop, visual direction, and technical feasibility. Team Roles Needed: Role 1: Unity or Godot Gameplay Developer Responsibilities: Build the core playable prototype Implement player movement and camera Implement character state changes or mode switching Create a context-sensitive interaction system Add simple mission/objective logic Integrate art, animation, UI, and sound placeholders Deliver a playable build and source project files Experience needed: Unity C# or Godot GDScript/C# experience 2D or 2.5D gameplay experience Comfortable with character controllers, triggers, UI prompts, simple state machines, and scene management Able to work with placeholder assets first and replace them with final assets later Role 2: Character / Environment Artist Responsibilities: Create stylized visual concepts and usable game assets Help establish a consistent visual style Create character and environment assets suitable for a 2.5D side-scrolling demo Prepare assets for use in Unity or Godot Work from provided references and design direction after NDA completion Experience needed: Stylized game art experience Strong sense of readability, silhouette, and family-friendly character design Experience with 2D sprites, 2.5D assets, or simple 3D models depending on final engine direction Bonus if familiar with animation-ready asset design Role 3: Technical Artist / Animator / Level Builder Responsibilities: Prepare and implement animation states Create simple VFX and gameplay feedback Build and dress the demo level using provided assets Help make the game look cohesive inside the engine Assist with UI readability, game feel, and visual clarity Help bridge the gap between programming and art implementation Experience needed: Experience integrating art into Unity or Godot Animation, VFX, or level-building experience Strong understanding of readability, scale, feedback, and game feel Able to collaborate with both programmer and artist Desired Demo Deliverable: A playable vertical slice/demo containing: One short side-scrolling level At least one fully playable character or character system, with room to expand Basic environmental interactions Simple objective tracking Basic HUD/UI prompts Win condition or mission completion state Placeholder or simple sound effects Source project files included at completion The final scope will be clarified after NDA signing and discussion of the full design brief. Art Style: The project is intended to be colorful, readable, stylized, and family-friendly, with influence from classic arcade games and animated action shows. Specific visual references, character concepts, and style materials will be provided after NDA completion. Important Notes: This is an original IP. NDA required before full project details are shared. I am looking for reliable collaborators, not just one-off asset delivery. I prefer milestone-based payments. Please provide a proposed milestone plan, estimated timeline, and total project cost. I am open to Unity or Godot, but applicants should explain which engine they recommend and why. Communication, reliability, and ability to follow direction are very important. Please include examples of previous game projects, especially playable prototypes, side-scrollers, stylized games, character animation, or Unity/Godot work. Potential Milestones: Milestone 1: Technical Prototype Basic movement Camera Placeholder player One interaction One basic objective Simple test scene Milestone 2: Core Gameplay Demo Core gameplay loop implemented Basic interaction system expanded Objective flow Draft UI Placeholder or draft art integrated Milestone 3: Visual / Gameplay Polish Improved character and environment assets Animation and VFX pass UI polish Bug fixing Final playable demo build Source project files delivered When applying, please answer: Would you recommend Unity or Godot for this project, and why? Which role are you applying for? Have you worked on a 2D or 2.5D game before? Can you work with a milestone-based payment structure? Are you willing to sign an NDA before receiving full project details? What would your estimated cost and timeline be for a focused vertical slice demo? Please include links to relevant previous work. The goal is to build a small but impressive playable demo first. If the demo goes well, there may be additional paid work for expanding the project.
Project ID: 40521398
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Hi, I can help create your 2.5D side-scrolling action/rescue vertical slice demo with a small focused team covering gameplay development, stylized art, animation/VFX, and level implementation. I would recommend Unity for this prototype because it is strong for 2D/2.5D workflows, Android builds, C# gameplay systems, animation tools, asset integration, and future scaling if the demo becomes a larger project. Godot is also possible, but Unity would likely be safer for Android polish and team collaboration. We can cover the full demo scope: ✅One short playable side-scrolling level ✅ Player movement and camera ✅ Character state/mode switching ✅ Context-sensitive interactions ✅ Simple objective tracking and win condition ✅ HUD/UI prompts ✅ Stylized character/environment assets ✅ Animation states, simple VFX, and game feel polish ✅ Placeholder sound effects ✅ Final playable build and source project files Milestone plan: 1. Technical prototype: movement, camera, placeholder player, first interaction, test scene 2. Core gameplay demo: objective flow, expanded interactions, draft UI, placeholder/draft art 3. Visual polish: improved art, animation, VFX, UI polish, bug fixing, final build Yes, I can work milestone-based and sign an NDA before reviewing the full brief. Estimated timeline: 1–2 weeks for a focused vertical slice. Estimated cost: around $500 for the demo scope, depending on final art/animation complexity.
$400 USD in 7 days
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42 freelancers are bidding on average $1,095 USD for this job

With decades of game development experience under our belt, my team at Falcon Interactive is a natural fit for your project. Not only have we designed and developed over 300 games of every genre using multiple technologies, but we've also excelled in creating immersive experiences for a range of platforms - including Android. This makes us well acquainted with the Unity and Godot engines that you prefer. Building a game prototype that successfully represents your core gameplay loop, visual direction, and technical feasibility is a task we can absolutely deliver on. Our expertise in Unity C#, Godot GDScript/C# and working with 2D/2.5D gameplays, character controllers, triggers, scene management will be invaluable for creating your playable vertical slice/demo.
$12,500 USD in 60 days
9.2
9.2

Hello, I can develop your 3-person vertical slice demo for a stylized 2.5D side-scrolling game in Unity, which I recommend for faster prototyping, smooth animation workflow, and reliable 2D/2.5D support. I have 9+ years of experience building playable prototypes and game systems with a strong focus on gameplay feel and clean implementation. I will deliver the project in three milestones covering core movement and interaction prototype, full gameplay loop with UI and level flow, and a polished vertical slice with animation, VFX, and bug fixing. The work will be milestone-based with NDA and full source code delivery. Estimated timeline is weeks, with final cost confirmed after scope discussion. Ready to proceed after NDA. Best regards, Sohaib Pasn Games
$500 USD in 7 days
6.7
6.7

hello sir i am ready to start this game well so please send me more details to start it ASAP and i will do my best and will do in unity game engine well so please send me message to discuss it now and will start it ASAP.
$500 USD in 30 days
6.3
6.3

Hi, This sounds like a great fit for a vertical slice approach. For a project of this scope, I would recommend Unity due to its mature 2.5D workflow, strong tooling, and scalability for future expansion to Android. I can support the gameplay development side and coordinate milestone-based production covering prototype development, gameplay systems, UI integration, art implementation, polish, and final delivery. Best, Bilal
$500 USD in 5 days
4.8
4.8

Hi, Click "CHAT", and I’ll immediately send over relevant, private samples due to confidentiality reasons. Your goal of building a focused vertical slice before committing to full production is exactly the right approach. I have experience creating gameplay prototypes, integrating art assets, animations, UI, and polishing game-feel for demo-ready builds. Before discussing cost and timeline, I’d love to understand two key points: Are you looking for a full indie team covering programming, art, and animation, or specific specialists to fill existing gaps? Will the character system rely on multiple playable forms/mode-switching mechanics or a single expandable character? Are you leaning more toward 2D sprite-based visuals or lightweight 3D assets for the demo? What genre and target platform is the prototype being built for, and do you already have a GDD (Game Design Document) or core gameplay mechanics defined? For this project, I would recommend Unity due to its mature mobile pipeline, rapid prototyping workflow, and strong support for 2.5D side-scrollers. I’m comfortable working within milestone-based payments, can sign an NDA, and can provide source files upon completion. I’d be happy to review the design brief and suggest a realistic timeline, budget, and milestone structure that keeps the demo lean, polished, and expansion-ready. I’m ready to jump into onboarding and start right away! Talk soon, Anus
$1,200 USD in 21 days
4.6
4.6

Hello, I would recommend Unity for this project due to its mature 2D/2.5D workflow, strong mobile support, rapid prototyping capabilities, and large ecosystem for future expansion. I am applying for the Gameplay Developer role. I have experience building gameplay systems, player controllers, interaction mechanics, objective systems, UI integration, and prototype development in Unity. I am comfortable working with placeholder assets initially and integrating final art, animation, and audio as production progresses. Yes, I have worked on 2D and 2.5D gameplay systems and can work within a milestone-based structure. I am also willing to sign an NDA before reviewing the complete design documentation. For a focused vertical slice demo, my initial estimate would be: • Timeline: 3–5 weeks (depending on final scope) Potential milestone breakdown: Milestone 1 – Technical Prototype Movement, camera, interactions, objective system foundation Milestone 2 – Core Gameplay Demo Gameplay loop, UI, progression systems, asset integration Milestone 3 – Polish & Delivery Optimization, bug fixing, final build preparation, source delivery I'd be happy to discuss the project further and review the full design brief after NDA completion. Deepak TRC Studio
$650 USD in 30 days
4.3
4.3

Hello! We can provide an external team for a playable vertical slice demo under this task. 1. Are you open to working with an external contractor or team for this project? 2. Which role and engine should be prioritized first? — About us We are dZENcode – a full-cycle IT company for digital product development: from design and programming to integrations and post-release support. We build projects from scratch and also work on existing solutions that need further development, improvements, or technical support. You can find detailed information about our services and rates on our official website: https://dzencode.com. Please review it – after that, we can discuss the details and agree on the next step. ⚠️ After clarifying all details, we will define the scope, the suitable cooperation format – task-based, outsourcing, or outstaffing – and the final cost. Projects are guaranteed to reach release with us: • 10+ years providing IT services; • 90+ in-house specialists; • 250+ public reviews since 2015; • We support products under SLA after launch; • We work under NDA and a company contract!
$500 USD in 7 days
4.3
4.3

As an experienced creative adept with a diverse skill set, I offer comprehensive game development knowledge and a firm hold on animation along with a proficiency in Unity. With a strong focus on game design coupled with my capabilities to craft animated experiences, I can manifest your 2.5D rescue game vision into reality along with handling all the technicalities that are required. Familiarity with Unity C# ensures will allow me to build core prototypes, implement player movement, enable character state changes and context-sensitive interaction system. Additionally, my exposure to VFX, level building, and UI readability enables me to seamlessly merge creative with technical aspects while creating simple yet immersive gaming environments. I pride myself in delivering high-quality work within the deadline by working collaboratively and meticulously planning the milestones. My proficiency in GitLab CI also helps in maintaining an organized workflow which is necessary while NFT marketplaces, crypto wallets, and deploying SaaS platforms
$500 USD in 3 days
2.9
2.9

Hi Have a Pleasant day ! I carefully had read your requirements in your job post on freelancer.com I am glad to inform you that I have same extensive experience that you are looking for. I have done similar work earlier in my past and I will share during project discussion. Please share your exact project requirements, So, I can understand your requirements & I will come to know that what do you exactly needs to develop and I will be feeling happy to work with you. Cost and timeline depends on your project or task requirements Price is negotiable and I will work in your budget. No upfront payment will be charged. Always work in milestones. Looking forward for your positive response. Kind Regards, Sneha Kanwar
$500 USD in 7 days
1.9
1.9

Hello, I can build the vertical slice in Unity using C#, 2.5D gameplay systems, state machines, UI, and Android-ready architecture. I’m applying for the Gameplay Developer role. I recommend Unity because its Android pipeline, animation tools, asset ecosystem, profiling, and cross-platform build support are well suited to a polished 2.5D demo. I’ll structure the work into three milestones: movement, camera, interaction, and test objective; expanded gameplay loop, UI, and art integration; then animation, VFX, optimization, bug fixes, and final source delivery. I have strong C# and full-stack engineering experience, though I do not have a public game-specific portfolio link to overstate. I’m comfortable working with artists, placeholder assets, milestone payments, and signing an NDA. For a focused vertical slice, I’d estimate 6–10 weeks and £8,000–£15,000 depending on final mechanics, art scope, and team responsibilities. I’m ready to start with the NDA and design review. Best regards, Smit
$250 USD in 3 days
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Hi! Strong fit — I'm a Unity developer who builds exactly this kind of 2.5D side-scroller (character controllers, mode/state switching, context-sensitive interactions, objective logic, scene management), with games shipped to Steam, App Store, and Google Play. Answering your questions: - Engine: Unity — mature 2.5D workflow, strong animation/VFX tools, reliable Android + PC export, big asset ecosystem to speed up a vertical slice. It's my primary engine. - Role: Role 1 (Gameplay Developer) — core prototype, movement/camera, mode switching, interaction system, mission logic, playable build + source. As a solo dev who ships complete games, I can also integrate placeholder art/animation/UI/sound and build the demo level, taking the slice beyond just code if useful. - 2.5D: yes — designed and shipped 2.5D side-scrolling games end-to-end. - Milestones: works perfectly; your prototype → core loop → polish breakdown is exactly how I'd structure it. - NDA: happy to sign before the full brief. For a focused vertical slice (one level, one playable character system, basic interactions, objective tracking, HUD, win state, placeholder SFX, source files), my estimate is my bid over ~3 weeks across the three milestones. I'll share relevant prior game work on request. Quick question: for the demo, is your priority nailing the core movement/ability feel first, or the interaction/objective systems? Best, Kadir — RexGames
$670 USD in 21 days
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Hello Client, I am interested in contributing as the Unity Gameplay Developer for your 2.5D side-scrolling prototype. Given the project scope and your milestone structure, I recommend Unity over Godot because Unity’s mature ecosystem, robust C# scripting, and extensive asset pipeline better support rapid prototyping and seamless integration of animated, stylized content for Android/PC targets. I have hands-on experience in Unity for 2D and 2.5D gameplay, including implementing character controllers, interaction systems, mission logic, and UI prompts—all aligned with your demo objectives. I am comfortable with milestone-based payments, NDA signing, and delivering clean, well-documented source code and builds to ensure clarity and maintainability. For a focused vertical slice demo as described, an estimated timeline would be approximately 6–8 weeks with a total budget near the upper limit of $1750 USD, covering prototype programming, integration of placeholder assets, and basic UI systems. I have previously developed playable prototypes and side-scrolling mechanics with state machines and camera control, and can share relevant work samples upon request. My commitment is to reliable collaboration, clear communication, and technical precision to help realize your vision for a family-friendly arcade-inspired game demo. I look forward to potentially working together. Best regards, Lazar
$1,750 USD in 28 days
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Hello, I am applying for the Gameplay Developer role. I am a Senior Unity Developer with 10+ years of experience developing mobile and PC games, gameplay systems, multiplayer features, tools, and prototypes. I have worked on action, survival, simulation, and puzzle projects for both indie and commercial clients. For this project, I would recommend Unity due to its rapid prototyping workflow, strong Android support, mature tooling, and extensive ecosystem. Since the goal is to create a vertical slice quickly and efficiently, Unity is an excellent choice. Answers to your questions: • Role: Gameplay Developer (Unity C#) • 2D/2.5D Experience: Yes • Milestone-Based Payments: Yes • NDA: Yes • Estimated Timeline: 3–5 weeks depending on final scope • Estimated Cost: Can be finalized after reviewing the full design brief I can implement player movement, camera systems, interactions, objective tracking, UI prompts, game states, and integrate art, animation, and audio assets into a polished playable prototype. I am reliable, communicate regularly, and provide clean, maintainable source code. I would be happy to discuss the project further after signing the NDA and reviewing the complete requirements. Best regards, Evren Acıgül Senior Unity Developer
$400 USD in 7 days
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I read through your brief and I think the way you’re approaching this with a vertical slice first makes a lot of sense. It’s a good way to test the core idea without overcommitting too early. I’ve worked on similar 2D/2.5D gameplay setups before, mostly around movement, interactions, and basic objective systems, so this is something I’m comfortable building out. I’d probably lean toward Unity for this kind of project since it tends to handle 2.5D workflows, UI, and animation a bit more smoothly, especially if you plan to expand later. I’m fine with milestone-based work and signing an NDA before getting into full details. Based on what you’ve outlined, I’d expect the demo to take around 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how much iteration we go through during polish. Just wanted to ask a couple of things. Do you already have a specific feel in mind for movement and camera, or is that still open at this stage? And are you planning to keep the demo tightly scoped, or are you open to adjusting features if something needs to be simplified to keep things polished?
$500 USD in 7 days
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Hello, I read your project description thoroughly and would love to collaborate as a Character and Environment Artist for your 2.5D rescue game. Here are the answers to your questions: Unity or Godot Recommendation: For a 2.5D stylized side-scroller on Android or PC, I recommend Godot for a lightweight build, or Unity for seamless 2.5D depth, character controllers, and UI. I am comfortable with both engines. Role: I am applying for Role 2 (Character / Environment Artist). 2D/2.5D Experience: Yes, I have strong experience designing stylized assets and visual concepts tailored for 2.5D environments, focusing on game readability and scale. Milestone-Based Payments: Yes, working with your 3-milestone structure is perfect and keeps the workflow organized. NDA: Yes, I am completely willing to sign an NDA before receiving project details. Proposed Timeline and Cost: Timeline: 3 to 4 weeks (aligning with your milestones). Estimated Cost: $500 USD (Negotiable after NDA). Portfolio: I have attached a detailed PDF file showcasing my previous game concepts and character layouts. I value good communication and can seamlessly work alongside your programmers using placeholder assets first. Let us connect to discuss the details and bring this original IP to life. Best regards, Sidra Imran
$500 USD in 7 days
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Hi, I'm Ensarhan, handling gameplay (Unity C#, character controllers, state machines, interaction systems). I'd recommend Unity over Godot here for faster asset-store-backed iteration and easier onboarding if the team grows post-demo. Comfortable with milestone payments and NDA. Portfolio links available on request. Including a playable 2.5D prototype and matching stylized art samples. Happy to discuss timeline and cost.
$500 USD in 15 days
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Building a vertical slice for an original IP is really about proving the gameplay loop early while keeping the architecture flexible enough for future expansion. For this scope, I’d recommend Unity because of its mature 2.5D workflow, animation tools, mobile deployment pipeline, and faster iteration for prototype-to-production projects. My focus would be the Gameplay Developer role. I’d start with Milestone 1 by creating the player controller, camera system, interaction framework, and objective flow using placeholder assets. Once the core loop feels right, I’d integrate art, animation, UI, and audio while keeping systems modular so additional characters and abilities can be added later without major rework. The biggest technical challenge is balancing expandable gameplay systems with a limited demo scope. I’d solve this by building reusable state-driven character and interaction systems from day one rather than hardcoding demo-specific mechanics. I’m comfortable with milestone-based payments, NDA requirements, and have worked on both 2D and 2.5D gameplay systems. Please attach any existing design references—does the demo require a single character ability set, or are multiple gameplay modes expected in the vertical slice?
$5,000 USD in 40 days
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I currently do not have a working experience in video game design and programming, but I do have 3 years-total worth of working background on C# development for point-of-sales software and architecture/civil engineering project management websites. I am willing to work for the minimum amount as I begin building a career in video game design. I also have a huge interest in video game character and visual design, as I did basketball video game texture modding as a hobby since 2006.
$250 USD in 15 days
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I have worked in Godot Engine and made my own RPG game. I also made a clicker game as well in Godot. I will sign an NDA and will work accept milestone payments. As for the demo, it depends on what exactly needs done and such but depending it could take a few days to a week at least.
$500 USD in 7 days
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