Game Developer – Polished Core / Loop Prototype

Mercalli Freelance; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 8,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercalli Freelance in Christchurch (remote) seeks an experienced game developer to build a polished prototype for High Tide Haul: The Seven Captains. The project will showcase core combat, island exploration, and upgrade loops using existing artwork and branding.

You will deliver a playable 5–15 minute build for PC or web with one captain, monkey crew, two enemy types, a special foe, treasure and at least one meaningful upgrade, plus deliverable source files under confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Experience developing playable prototypes for action/adventure or roguelike games.
• Ability to implement combat systems, enemy variety and player feedback.
• Ability to work with existing artwork, branding and assets.

Responsibilities

• Create a 5–15 minute playable prototype in Unity.
• Implement movement, combat and captain/monkey crew abilities.
• Include upgrades, treasure, a mini boss or similar loop.
• Deliver editable project files and source code; sign IP/confidentiality.

Skills

Unity

Gameplay programming

Tools

Visual Studio

Adobe Photoshop

Affinity Photo

Blender

Mixamo

OBS Studio

Job description

Remote Freelance Unity Visual Studio Blender Adobe Photoshop Affinity Photo Mixamo Audacity GitHub Desktop Trello Notion OBS Studio itch.io Steam

2 people applied

Job Description

I am looking for an experienced game developer to create a polished 5 to 15 minute playable prototype for my original pirate adventure game, High Tide Haul: The Seven Captains. The characters, captains, monkey crews, ships, artwork and overall game concept have already been developedEnter an island area ➜ battle an enemy pirate crew ➜ collect treasure and rewards ➜ upgrade your captain or monkey crew ➜ unlock the next areaThe player will control one of the seven captains and fight alongside their monkey crew. The captain should be able to move freely around the island while encountering different enemy groups.This is not intended to be a complete game. The purpose of the prototype is to prove that the main mechanic is exciting, enjoyable and worth developing further.The GoalThe goal is to demonstrate the game’s fun factor before investing significant money into building the full game. The finished prototype should:- Be fully playable for approximately 5 to 15 minutes.- Have responsive, enjoyable controls and polished combat feedback.- Feature one captain, their monkey crew and at least two enemy types.- Include one special enemy, such as a crazy mermaid or ghost crew.- Allow the player to collect treasure and choose at least one meaningful upgrade.- Finish with a stronger enemy, mini boss or cliffhanger.- Encourage the player to replay the loop.Required Features- Character movement, combat and captain or monkey crew abilities.- Basic enemy behaviour, attacks, health and damage systems.- Treasure collection, rewards, upgrades, victory and defeat conditions.- Basic menus, on screen controls, sound effects, music and visual feedback.- Use of my existing artwork, characters and branding.- A playable PC or web build.- Delivery of all editable project and source files.Ownership and ConfidentialityAll High Tide Haul characters, artwork, names, stories, ships and intellectual property remain the property of the owner. The successful developer will be required to sign a confidentiality and intellectual property agreement before receiving the complete character and artwork files.When Applying- Provide examples of games or prototypes you have developed.- Describe your experience creating combat or roguelike gameplay.- Recommend a game engine and explain your choice.- Explain how you would make this core loop fun and replayable.- Provide your estimated completion timeframe and fixed price quote.- Clearly list what is included and identify any licences or ongoing costs.- Confirm that all source and project files will be handed over.

Requirements

• - Unity
• - Visual Studio
• - Adobe Photoshop or Affinity Photo
• - Audacity
• - OBS Studio
• - itch.io or Steam