As an indie game developer, you know the isolation that comes with building a game alone. The long hours, the self-doubt, and the lack of feedback and guidance can take a toll on you. But you don’t have to go through this alone. The indie game development community on Discord is here to offer you a welcoming and supportive environment where you can share your struggles, learn from others and find collaborators. In this article, we’ll introduce you to 20 must-join game dev discords that can help you take your game development to the next level and alleviate the loneliness of the journey. Don’t let the solitude hold you back, find an Indie game dev discord, join a community and bring your game to life.
- Game Dev HQ
- Brackeys Community
- Danni’s Basement
- Game Dev Network (GDN)
- Unreal Slackers
- The official Unity Discord
- Blender Community
- Ask Game Dev
- Devs Cafe
- gamedev.in
- Game Developers of Australia
- Reddit r/gamedev
- 8 Bits to Infinity
- THIS IS GAME DEV
- The MessyCoder’s Den of Mystery
- Making Games Together
- Wannibe World
- Lost Relic Games
- Snuti Land
- Clomper 🐞
Game Dev HQ
Best for: inspiration and learning
We’re starting this list strong with Game Dev HQ’s indie game dev discord. Game Dev HQ is a fantastic resource for game developers of all skill levels. Founded by Jonathan Weinberger, the Game Dev HQ YouTube channel boasts a plethora of tutorials and insightful content that has helped many indie developers sharpen their skills. The Game Dev HQ Discord server is an extension of this commitment to learning and collaboration, with over 17,000 members as of writing.
Learn more and join the discord here: https://discord.com/servers/gamedevhq-371844873915203584.
Brackeys Community
Best for: …Brackeys!
If you’ve ever searched for a Unity game development tutorial on youtube, then you’ve likely come across Brackeys. The Brackeys team built one of the most successful game development YouTube channels in history, with over 1 million subscribers. Shortly after hitting the momentous 1 million milestone – achieving their dreams they stepped away from YouTube to work on other projects. While the youtube channel is no longer active, Brackey’s community discord server is still going strong, with over 92,000 members as of writing.
Join the Brackeys Community discord here: https://discord.gg/brackeys.
Danni’s Basement
Best for: silly game dev humour, fun, Milk!
Game development is supposed to be fun! But sometimes, we forget that when we’re neck-deep in game code. When it comes to an example of a game developer who doesn’t take things too seriously, you can’t go far wrong with Danni.
Danni’s Basement is a vibrant and entertaining Discord server hosted by Danni, an indie game developer known for his quirky humour and fun-loving approach to creating games. With a growing community, Danni’s Basement has become a popular hub for developers who want to connect with others, share their experiences, and have a good laugh while working on their projects.
The server features various channels dedicated to different aspects of game development, including design, programming, art, and sound. It also has channels for sharing memes, discussing Milk (a recurring inside joke), and socializing with fellow developers. Danni’s Basement emphasizes the lighter side of game development and reminds its members that, above all, creating games should be an enjoyable experience.
Join Danni’s Basement Discord community here: discord.gg/dani.
Game Dev Network (GDN)
Best for: large community, general help and advice
Game Dev Network is one of the largest communities of game developers on discord, with over 38,000 members. The GDN is an inclusive community built around helping developers learn, collaborate and share their work. There’s a genuine commitment from members to help each other, collaborate and have fun. Game devs of all levels are welcome, whether you’re a beginner or an AAA veteran.
You can join GDN here: https://discord.gg/gdn.
Unreal Slackers
Best for: Unreal engine help, networking, and collaboration
Unreal Slackers is the go-to Discord server for game developers working with the powerful Unreal Engine. As an unofficial but widely recognized hub for the Unreal Engine community, the server boasts a massive membership of over 90,000 developers, artists, and enthusiasts as of writing.
The server offers a wealth of channels dedicated to specific topics within Unreal Engine development, including programming, level design, materials, lighting, and more. In addition to these technical discussions, the server also provides channels for job postings, project showcases, and collaboration opportunities, making it an invaluable resource for both learning and networking.
Join the Unreal Slackers Discord community here: https://discord.gg/unrealslackers.
The official Unity Discord
Best for: Unity Engine help, networking, and collaboration
The Official Unity Discord server is the ultimate hub for developers working with the widely-used Unity Engine. Endorsed by Unity Technologies, this server provides a supportive environment where developers can connect, share their experiences, and learn from each other. With a diverse and growing membership, the Official Unity Discord is an essential resource for Unity developers at all skill levels.
The server features numerous channels dedicated to various aspects of Unity development, including programming, 2D and 3D art, animation, audio, and more. You’ll also find channels for networking, job postings, and project showcases, making it a comprehensive platform for learning, collaboration, and career advancement.
Join the Official Unity Discord community here: https://discord.gg/unity.
Blender Community
Best for: Blender 3D help
The Blender Community Discord server is a thriving hub for artists, designers, and developers who work with the powerful and versatile Blender 3D software. With a welcoming and active community, this server is the perfect place for Blender users of all skill levels to connect, learn, and grow together.
The server offers a wide range of channels dedicated to specific topics within Blender, including modeling, sculpting, texturing, rigging, animation, and rendering. Additionally, there are channels for showcasing your work, sharing resources, and discussing industry news. The Blender Community Discord is not only a place to seek help and share knowledge but also an excellent platform for networking and collaboration.
Join the Blender Community Discord here: https://discord.gg/blender.
Ask Game Dev
Best for: Knowledge
The Ask Game Dev Discord server is an extension of the popular YouTube channel, which provides valuable insights and advice on various aspects of the game development industry. The server has built a friendly and supportive community where developers can learn from one another, share experiences, and grow together.
With a focus on knowledge sharing, the server offers channels dedicated to game design, programming, art, audio, marketing, and more. There are also channels for discussing industry news, events, and job opportunities, making it a comprehensive resource for game developers at all stages of their careers.
Members of the Ask Game Dev Discord community benefit from the collective wisdom of its members and the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals. It’s an excellent place to seek guidance, share your work, and stay informed about the latest trends and opportunities in the game development industry.
Join the Ask Game Dev Discord community here: https://discord.gg/askgamedev.
Devs Cafe
Best for: the established community of game devs
Devs Cafe is a friendly game development community on Discord based loosely around a cafe theme. Running since 2017, the server is home to over six thousand members. Politeness and consideration are desirable virtues of members, where the golden rule is “if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say it”.
Join the Devs Cafe community: https://discord.com/invite/devs-cafe.
gamedev.in
Best for: connecting with game developers in India, networking, and collaboration
The gamedev.in Discord server is a dedicated place for game developers based in India or those interested in the Indian game development scene to connect. This server brings together a diverse and passionate community of developers, artists, designers, and enthusiasts, fostering a supportive environment for learning, networking, and collaboration. The community is growing and stands at over 3,000 at the time of writing.
The discord is an excellent platform for connecting with like-minded professionals and enthusiasts within the Indian game development community. It provides a unique space for members to exchange ideas, forge connections, and work together to create amazing games.
Join the gamedev.in Discord community here: https://discord.com/invite/vcnygb2.
Game Developers of Australia
Best for: connecting with game developers in Australia
Game Developers of Australia is a dedicated Discord server that brings together game developers, artists, designers, and enthusiasts from Australia or those interested in the Australian game development scene. This vibrant community offers a supportive environment for members to share experiences, learn from one another, and collaborate on projects.
Join the Game Developers of Australia Discord community here: https://discord.com/invite/jRn9FMz.
Reddit r/gamedev
Best for: “yo dawg, we heard you like Reddit, so we put Reddit in yo Discord…”
The Discord server associated with the r/gamedev subreddit is a great place to connect with other game developers. The server is divided into several channels, including ones dedicated to specific game engines, socializing, sharing memes, promoting your work, and also there are some channels for voice chat.
Join the Reddit r/gamedev discord here: https://discord.gg/reddit-gamedev.
8 Bits to Infinity
Best for: game jams, finding a game jam team
Hosted by indie dev and composer Joshua, 8 Bits to Infinity is a community focused on coming together to participate and collaborate in game jams. Joshua, aka Retro Indie Josh, regularly streams on Twitch, where he be found playing and providing feedback on game jam entries, creating music for games, or building his own projects.
You can join the 8 Bits to Infinity community here: https://discord.com/invite/umzMXNq.
THIS IS GAME DEV
Best for: motivation, inspiration, quirky humour
The “THIS IS GAME DEV” discord is hosted by indie game developer Lana Lux, who live streams the development of her games four up to 12 hours almost daily on Twitch. Since March 2020, Lana has been working on the development of STRAIN, an apocalyptic survival game set in a neon city. What makes this whole package unique is that the community directly influences the direction of the finished game.
Lana’s dedication and work ethic has inspired many indie devs who have come together to form a supportive and inspiring community of diverse people. During live streams, you’ll often find the community joining in with mini challenges such as speed 3d modelling game items, and sharing the results.
Check out the discord here: https://discord.gg/Zr7ybK2.
The MessyCoder’s Den of Mystery
Best for: game asset reviews, game dev interviews, giveaways, and Badgers!
The MessyCoder’s Den of Mystery focuses on Assets and asset creators for the Unity and Unreal game development engines. Hosted by the MessyCoder, or Messy for short, who regularly live streams interviews with asset creators and game developers on Twitch and YouTube. As well as interviews, Messy often hosts give away raffles and game jams. Not to mention, the community is very welcoming and supportive of up-and-coming game developers.
Join the fun with the MessyCoder’s discord community here: https://discord.gg/wpC4NEHh.
Making Games Together
Best for: small but active community
Making Games Together is a cozy and welcoming Discord server hosted by Jonas Tyroller, a popular indie game developer and YouTuber known for sharing his game development journey and insights. The server brings together a tight-knit community of game developers, artists, designers, and enthusiasts who share a passion for creating games and learning from one another. The server offers channels dedicated to various aspects of game development, such as design, programming, art, and audio.
Join the discord here: https://discord.com/invite/Ye6zzfQ.
Wannibe World
Best for: small but awesome community, networking, collaboration, and mini-jams
Wannibe World is a charming and intimate Discord server hosted by Manisha, a software engineer, passionate game dev hobbyist, and the creator behind the Wannibe Manisha YouTube channel. Known for her creativity, high-quality videos, and collaborations with friends, fellow game developers, and her sister Adisha, Manisha has established a notable presence in the indie gaming field, even speaking at industry events like the San Francisco Game Developers Conference alongside Jason Weimann.
The Wannibe World Discord server brings together a dedicated community of game developers, artists, and enthusiasts who share a passion for creating games and supporting one another. The server offers channels focused on various aspects of game development, such as design, programming, art, and audio. Members can also showcase their projects, share resources, and discuss industry news and events.
In addition to the typical game dev Discord offerings, Wannibe World hosts monthly mini-jams where members collaborate and compete in friendly competitions based on a common topic or theme for the month. This engaging and supportive environment makes it an excellent platform for connecting with like-minded individuals, learning, and growing as a game developer.
Join the discord here: https://discord.com/invite/NWPNtW8NdA.
Lost Relic Games
Best for: great support for game dev tutorials
Lost Relic Games is a Discord server that provides a supportive and friendly environment for indie game developers to connect, learn, and grow together. The server is centred around the Lost Relic Games YouTube channel, known for offering high-quality game development tutorials and insightful content for developers of all skill levels.
Lost Relic Games Discord server is an excellent platform for learning from tutorials, connecting with like-minded individuals, and collaborating on projects. It’s a valuable resource for developers looking to expand their skills and knowledge while being part of a supportive community.
Join the discord here: https://discord.com/invite/yeTuU53.
Snuti Land
Best for: wholesome game devs, dogos
Snuti Land is a warm and welcoming Discord server created by Snuti, a husband and wife game dev duo, Christer and Clare. Snuti is known for its YouTuber and Twitch streams, wholesome content, positivity, and love for dogs (dogos). They previously released the indie game The Life of Mr Pips – a wholesome adventure game where you play as a strawberry. They are currently working on another wholesome sailing-themed game. Snuti’s Discord server brings together a friendly community of game devs, artists, and designers, who share a passion for creating games and helping each other.
Join the community here: https://discord.com/invite/Faus5BH.
Clomper 🐞
Best for: steampunk-inspired multiplayer survival games, ASMR
I’ve tried not to include discords for specific games or studios in this list, but Clomper is a bit different. This discord is hosted by Rob Lang, who’s developing the indie game Clomper – an online multiplayer game where you work together to control a giant steam-powered ladybird, across a hellscape as you complete quests. If that sounds like your thing, check out his excellent dev logs on his YouTube channel to see for yourself.
I’ve been following Rob’s journey with Clomper since the beginning, and have been inspired by his work ethic and dedication to the project, he deserves to see his game succeed.
Get access to the Clomper discord here: https://discord.com/invite/53VMC9veCs.