Escrow protection for solo game dev freelance gigs – payments released only on milestones.
Solo game developers face rampant payment delays and non-paying clients in freelance gaming gigs, resulting in severe cash flow disruptions.
GigVault holds client payments in escrow and releases funds automatically upon milestone verification via simple approvals or demos. It prevents non-payers by requiring upfront deposits and offers dispute resolution tailored to game assets like builds or prototypes. Solo devs get steady cash flow without chasing payments.
Solo freelance game developers working on gaming gigs
Game-dev specific milestone templates (e.g., alpha build, art assets) with demo upload verification, unlike generic escrow services.
supportive
Devs create gigs with predefined game-dev milestones and deposit requirements.
Clients deposit via Stripe; funds held until approval.
Upload game builds/art for client review and auto/milestone release.
Simple mediation with evidence upload for stuck payments.
Dashboard showing cash flow projections and gig status.
Basic client history check via integrated ratings.
Auto-generate game gig invoices.
Auto-email reminders for milestone approvals.
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| text | No | |
| role | text | No |
| stripe_id | text | Yes |
| created_at | timestamp | No |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| title | text | No |
| dev_id | uuid | No |
| client_id | uuid | No |
| total_amount | int | No |
| status | text | No |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| gig_id | uuid | No |
| name | text | No |
| amount | int | No |
| approved | bool | No |
| demo_url | text | Yes |
/api/gigsCreate new gig
/api/gigs/:idGet gig details
/api/milestones/:id/approveApprove milestone & release funds
/api/milestones/:id/uploadUpload demo for milestone
/api/dashboardUser cash flow dashboard
No disputes
5 gigs/mo
None
| Month | Users | Conversion | MRR | ARR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 100 | 2% | $50 | $600 |
| Month 6 | 800 | 5% | $1,000 | $12,000 |
GigVault escrows client funds and releases on milestones, ensuring you get paid for every prototype and asset.
Post in r/gamedev and r/IndieGaming about beta access for first 10 signups; DM top freelance posters on itch.io forums; Offer free Pro tier for testimonials in exchange for case studies.
Trusted for general use
No game dev templates or milestone focus
Tailored for game gigs with demo verification
Network effects from client/dev ratings building trust data.
Rise of indie game outsourcing on platforms like Upwork amid economic uncertainty delaying payments.
Low adoption due to trust in new escrow
Seed with beta users & testimonials
Dispute escalations
Clear TOS & partner with mediator
Success: 80% express interest
Success: 10 paid conversions
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