Gain experience. Make a game. Support your indies.
The Cave Bear Partner Studio Program welcomes volunteers who want to help indie teams bring their projects to life.
Whether you’re a student, hobbyist, or professional looking to give back, volunteering with our partner studios offers hands-on experience and a direct impact on creative projects.
Volunteers
Why volunteer
01
Real Experience
Work alongside indie developers in any aspect of development.
02
Portfolio Building
Contribute to real projects and gain real credits for your work.
03
Community Connection
Join a friendly network of creators who value collaboration.
04
Flexible Commitment
Volunteer roles vary from short-term help to ongoing support.
How to join
01
Join the Discord
Connect directly with the community and browse our studios
02
Choose your roles
Express your desire to volunteer through our opportunity postings
03
Apply for Opportunities
Browse open positions within the discord and apply to join a team
FAQs
Everything you need to know about the Cave Bear Game Partner Program for Volunteers.
What is the Volunteer Program?
The volunteer network connects creative professionals, students, and hobbyists with indie studios in the Cave Bear Partner Studio Program. It’s an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build a portfolio, and help indie games come to life.
What kind of roles are available?
Roles vary depending on studio needs and can be anything from programming and design, to event coordination, PR, or video editing.
How do I apply to volunteer?
Join the Cave Bear Games Discord, choose the Volunteer/Opportunity role, then visit the Opportunities channel, and browse listings from partner studios. Each listing includes its own application instructions — some use forms, others prefer direct contact.
Are volunteer roles paid?
No. Most are unpaid positions designed for experience-building. Some studios may offer rev-share agreements, where volunteers share in revenue after launch, but this varies. Be sure to ask what each studio can promise when interviewing!
Will I be credited for my work?
Yes — you should always be credited for your contributions. While each studio handles credits independently, Cave Bear encourages all partners to credit every volunteer on published games. Make sure you communicate this expectation with your new team!
Is there a contract or legal agreement?
Some studios use contracts, especially for rev-share roles. But many studios cannot afford contracts. Cave Bear Games is working to find a solution to this problem, but until then make sure you communicate with each potential team and never agree to anything you are not comfortable with.
How can I protect my work or rights?
Discuss ownership and rights directly with each studio before starting. Volunteers can negotiate crediting, rev-share terms, and ownership of creative assets on a case-by-case basis.
What if I have a bad experience or feel mistreated?
You can submit a report via the Inbox ticket system on Discord or DM the program lead (Ayla Derrick) directly. All feedback — positive or negative — is taken seriously to ensure volunteers are respected.
What if I leave a project early? Will I lose credit or rev-share?
That depends on the studio’s policies and whether a contract was signed. Volunteers are encouraged to clarify terms before joining a team.
Why should I volunteer with indie studios?
Volunteering helps you build real experience, earn credits on published projects, and grow your professional network — critical steps toward breaking into the game industry.
How can I improve my chances of being selected?
- Prepare a portfolio or resume showing your skills.
- Be active in the Discord community.
- Communicate professionally and show reliability.
- Express clear goals (e.g., seeking credits, learning experience, or career growth).