Senior Gameplay Programmer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid and retirement fund

Competitive bonus structure

Coastal studio environment

Generous annual leave

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, is seeking a Senior Gameplay Programmer to design, implement, and refine core gameplay systems. You will collaborate with designers and artists to create engaging player experiences, optimize performance, and mentor junior developers.

A passion for innovative mechanics and a strong coding foundation are essential for success. The role demands senior-level experience, strong C++ skills, and proficiency with major engines.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in game development, with a focus on gameplay programming.
• Proficiency in C++ and OO design principles.
• Experience with Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Solid understanding of game physics, AI, animation systems, and input handling.
• Experience in debugging and performance profiling.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Shipped at least one title in a significant gameplay programming role.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement robust and efficient gameplay systems and features using C++.
• Collaborate with game designers to translate concepts into functional gameplay code.
• Work with artists to integrate character controls, animations, and abilities.
• Optimize gameplay code for performance across target platforms.
• Identify and resolve bugs and technical issues in gameplay codebase.
• Participate in code reviews to maintain code quality.
• Contribute to the technical design and architecture of game systems.
• Mentor junior programmers and share best practices.
• Stay current with advancements in game development technologies.
• Document code and technical designs effectively.

Skills

Gameplay programming

Teamwork

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

C++

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly acclaimed game development studio located in the scenic coastal town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape , is seeking an experienced Senior Gameplay Programmer to join their talented engineering team. This role is central to bringing innovative game mechanics and player interactions to life. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and refining core gameplay systems, collaborating closely with designers and artists to ensure a seamless and engaging player experience. We are looking for a proactive, creative, and technically adept programmer with a deep understanding of game development principles and a passion for creating fun and compelling gameplay. Join our growing studio in Mossel Bay, Western Cape , and contribute to the creation of memorable gaming experiences that resonate with players worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement robust and efficient gameplay systems and features using C++.
• Collaborate closely with game designers to translate concepts and mechanics into functional game code.
• Work with artists and animators to integrate character controls, animations, and special abilities seamlessly.
• Optimize gameplay code for performance, ensuring smooth frame rates and efficient memory usage across target platforms.
• Identify and resolve bugs and technical issues within the gameplay codebase.
• Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback to peers and ensuring code quality and maintainability.
• Contribute to the technical design and architecture of game systems.
• Mentor junior programmers, sharing knowledge and best practices.
• Stay current with advancements in game development technologies and techniques.
• Document code and technical designs effectively.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in game development, with a strong focus on gameplay programming.
• Proficiency in C++ and experience with object-oriented design principles.
• Experience with one or more major game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Solid understanding of game physics, AI, animation systems, and input handling.
• Experience in debugging and performance profiling.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Game Development, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Shipped at least one title in a significant gameplay programming role.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, an attractive bonus structure, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• We provide a unique work environment on the coast, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to work on exciting, innovative game projects.
• Enjoy generous annual leave, wellness programs, and a supportive team culture.
• The Mossel Bay, Western Cape studio is a beautiful place to work.
• Become a key player in shaping the future of interactive entertainment.