Secure monthly retainers for game devs – smooth income, no more gaps.
Freelance game developers endure months-long dry spells between projects in the unstable gaming gig economy, causing severe income gaps.
RetainHub connects freelance game devs with studios needing ongoing part-time work like bug fixes, asset tweaks, or consulting. Devs list availability for retainers (e.g., 10-20 hrs/mo), get auto-matched to recurring clients, and manage payments seamlessly. Studios build a bench of trusted devs for steady support without full hires.
Freelance game developers dependent on gig work in the gaming industry
Exclusive focus on low-commitment retainers (under 20hrs/mo) tailored to game dev niches like Unity scripting or pixel art.
professional
Set hourly rate, hours available/mo, specialties (e.g., shaders, multiplayer).
Pairs devs with studio needs based on skills and availability.
Pre-vetted retainer agreements with auto-invoicing.
Log time, approve invoices, track earnings stability.
Manage your retainer roster, assign tasks, pay monthly.
Notifications for capacity changes or new opportunities.
Feedback system to improve matches.
Integrate Google Cal for availability.
Generate 1099-style summaries.
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| text | No | |
| role | text | No |
| retainer_prefs | jsonb | Yes |
| created_at | timestamp | No |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| dev_id | uuid | No |
| studio_id | uuid | No |
| hours_per_mo | int | No |
| rate | int | No |
| status | text | No |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| retainer_id | uuid | No |
| hours | int | No |
| date | timestamp | No |
| approved | bool | No |
Relationships:
/api/retainersList available retainers/matches
/api/retainers/acceptAccept retainer offer
/api/hoursLog hours
/api/invoicesFetch monthly invoices
No auto-invoicing
| Month | Users | Conversion | MRR | ARR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 100 | 2% | $50 | $600 |
| Month 6 | 800 | 4% | $800 | $9,600 |
10-20 hrs/mo gigs that pay monthly – end income volatility now.
Email outreach to 50 game studios from itch.io credits; post free retainer listings in r/gameDevMarketplace; partner with 1 indie studio for beta retainers.
Easy entry
No recurring retainers
Specialized monthly smoothing
Network effects from dev-studio matches creating sticky retainers.
Studios cutting full-time hires but need flexible support amid layoffs.
Studios prefer agencies
Free studio tier
Contract disputes
Standard templates + arbitration
Success: 50% willingness to pay
Success: 70% retention
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