Hi Justin, the link I posted for itch.io is actually to the page where they list all the current and upcoming game jams. There are tons of them! Here's the link again:
https://itch.io/jams
I would just go through and see what appeals. Many of the developers will post for crew on itch.io but have their communities on Discord. If you're hired / taken on as a composer for a jam, most often the game developers will communicate with you through Discord. Once you get into those Discord communities, those connections will lead you to other people and communities on Discord. But I agree, it is a bit hard to make your way through it.
There are also forums like https://gamedev.net (gamedev.net) or
GameJobHunter, though my hunch is that Discord is probably better, as chaotic as it may seem sometimes. The forums tend to be flooded with composers looking for gigs.
I don't have a huge number of game credits, but here are ways I've found paid work in games:
- responding to an open call for submissions for a game at a conference for audio professionals
- LinkedIn job posting
- cold contacting a video game developer
- applying for a job posted on a forum
Game jams are generally not paid, but I find them a quick way to start bulking up my portfolio and of course, to make connections. I also like them because they allow me to find out what game developers really want in terms of music, so I have a better idea of what is marketable.
It's quite rare for a paid composer job to be posted anywhere - on LinkedIn, forums or otherwise. The people who hire composers tend to use their own networks and word-of-mouth, which is why it's so important to network. Not that I'm very good at that...
Oh, and just an FYI for VI-Cers who may not have experience in game jams: I always make sure that I have a signed contract with the game developer, which gives me complete ownership of the music and them a (non-exclusive) license to use it. Yes, I have this even if no money is changing hands. It's important. Language that is too severe or formal or legal sounding (like "contract") might scare them away. So I'll say something like, "I came up with a short deal memo so that you're able to use my work without running into any licensing issues. Would you mind giving it a look and letting me know if it looks ok to you?" That seems to work.