Game Programmer

Vfxwire; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DNEG in London is seeking a Game Programmer to lead architecture and implementation of cross-platform gameplay using Unreal Engine 5 and C++. You will work with designers, artists and engineers to deliver high-performance multiplayer experiences on PC and mobile.

The role emphasizes GAS usage, client/server networking, level streaming, and scalable systems to optimize across hardware. Strong collaboration and problem-solving are essential.

Qualifications

• Expert C++ programming skills with deep Unreal Engine 5 experience.
• Strong understanding of GAS for multiplayer gameplay mechanics.
• Experience developing for PC and mobile platforms, ensuring compatibility and performance.
• Proficiency in Unreal Engine’s networking framework, implementing client/server architectures for multiplayer games.
• Expertise in level streaming techniques for open-world or large-scale environments.
• Strong knowledge of build systems (Unreal Build System, Jenkins, CMake) for efficient multi-platform deployment.
• Proven track record of optimizing CPU, GPU, and memory performance for both PC and mobile.
• Familiarity with cloud-based multiplayer solutions, matchmaking, and server scaling.
• Experience with source control systems (Perforce, Git) and CI/CD pipelines.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a deep understanding of game architecture and optimization.
• Strong communication skills, capable of collaborating with technical and non-technical teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Define technical strategies for PC and mobile platforms with engineering team.
• Architect and optimize core gameplay systems using C++ and Unreal Engine 5.
• Oversee GAS implementation for scalable, multiplayer gameplay mechanics.
• Design and implement networking architecture using Unreal’s Client/Server model.
• Develop and maintain build systems for efficient cross-platform deployment on PC and mobile.
• Optimize CPU, GPU, memory, and network performance across hardware configurations.
• Implement level streaming solutions to manage large environments.
• Create and enhance internal tools to improve workflow for designers and artists.
• Collaborate with UI/UX, animation, and gameplay teams to integrate high-performance features.
• Troubleshoot multiplayer synchronization, replication, and latency mitigation.

Skills

C++ expert

Unreal Engine

Gameplay Ability System

Networking

Performance optimization

Team collaboration

Tools

Unreal Engine 5

GAS

Client/Server networking

Level streaming

Build systems

Perforce/Git/CI/CD

Job description

Job Title: Game Programmer

About the Role:

We are seeking a Game Programmers for a multiplatform Unreal Engine 5 project spanning PC and mobile. This role requires deep expertise in C++. It also requires experience working in Unreal Engine coupled with C++. Blueprint knowledge is assumed but is not sufficient: Unreal + C++ is a must. Additionally, we will value knowledge of Gameplay Ability System (GAS), Unreal’s Client/Server networking model, level streaming, build systems, and performance optimization. You will be responsible for architecting scalable multiplayer systems, ensuring seamless level streaming, and optimizing the game for both high-end and mobile platforms. This position demands strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and the ability to drive technical decisions across disciplines. You will work closely with designers, artists, and engineers to ensure the game meets performance and quality standards while supporting a smooth development pipeline.

Job Responsibilities:

• Working with the engineering team, defining technical strategies for PC and mobile platforms.
• Architect and optimize core gameplay systems using C++ and Unreal Engine 5.
• Oversee Gameplay Ability System (GAS) implementation for scalable, multiplayer gameplay mechanics.
• Design and implement networking architecture using Unreal’s Client/Server model, ensuring smooth multiplayer interactions.
• Develop and maintain build systems for efficient cross-platform deployment on PC and mobile.
• Optimize game CPU, GPU, memory, and network performance across different hardware configurations.
• Implement level streaming solutions to manage large, open-world environments efficiently.
• Create and enhance internal tools to improve workflow efficiency for designers and artists.
• Work closely with UI/UX, animation, and gameplay teams to integrate high-performance features.
• Troubleshoot multiplayer synchronization issues, replication optimizations, and latency mitigation strategies.
• Analyze complex technical problems, providing robust and scalable solutions.
• Mentor developers and foster a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.

Needs to Have:

• Expert C++ programming skills with deep Unreal Engine 5 experience.
• Strong understanding of Gameplay Ability System (GAS) for multiplayer gameplay mechanics.
• Experience developing for PC and mobile platforms, ensuring compatibility and performance.
• Proficiency in Unreal Engine’s networking framework, implementing client/server architectures for multiplayer games.
• Expertise in level streaming techniques for open-world or large-scale environments.
• Strong knowledge of build systems (Unreal Build System, Jenkins, CMake)for efficient multi-platform deployment.
• Proven track record of optimizing CPU, GPU, and memory performance for both PC and mobile.
• Familiarity with cloud-based multiplayer solutions, matchmaking, and server scaling.
• Experience working with source control systems (Perforce, Git) and CI/CD pipelines.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a deep understanding of game architecture and optimization.
• Strong communication skills, capable of collaborating with technical and non-technical teams effectively.

About Us

We are DNEG, one of the world’s leading visual effects and animation companies for the creation of award-winning feature film, television, and multiplatform content. We employ more than 9,000 people with worldwide offices and studios across North America (Los Angeles, Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver), Europe (London), Asia (Bangalore, Mohali, Chennai, Mumbai) and Australia (Sydney). At DNEG, we fundamentally believe that embracing our differences is a vital component of our collective success. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive work environment for our global teams, where everyone feels they matter and belong. We welcome and encourage applications from all, regardless of background, experience or disability. Please let us know if you need any adjustments or support during the application process, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. We look forward to meeting you!