Senior Gameplay Programmer

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Performance-based bonuses

Generous paid time off

Global games visibility

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto is seeking a Senior Gameplay Programmer to design and refine core gameplay systems for ambitious projects. You will collaborate with designers and artists to translate creative visions into robust gameplay using C++ and modern engines.

You will mentor junior programmers, review code, and help shape technical decisions while staying current with industry trends in a dynamic studio environment near Johannesburg.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Gameplay Programmer in the video game industry.
• Proficiency in C++ and object-oriented programming principles.
• Experience with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Strong understanding of gameplay mechanics, character controllers, AI, and physics.
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate technical concepts clearly.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Perforce, Git).
• A degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize core gameplay systems and mechanics.
• Collaborate with game designers to define and iterate on gameplay features.
• Work closely with artists and animators to integrate character controls, abilities, and visual feedback.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code in C++ or relevant scripting languages.
• Debug and resolve gameplay-related issues, ensuring a smooth and polished player experience.
• Profile and optimize gameplay systems for performance on target platforms.
• Mentor junior programmers and contribute to code reviews.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in game development.
• Contribute to technical design discussions and decision-making processes.
• Ensure the technical implementation of gameplay features meets design and quality standards.

Skills

C++

OO programming

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Software Engineering or related field

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Git

Perforce

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected and innovative game development studio known for pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment, is seeking a talented Senior Gameplay Programmer to join their team in Soweto . This role is critical in designing, implementing, and refining the core mechanics and systems that define the player experience. You will collaborate closely with designers and artists to translate creative visions into robust, engaging gameplay. This position offers the opportunity to work on exciting, ambitious projects and contribute significantly to the development of cutting-edge games within a dynamic and creative studio environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize core gameplay systems and mechanics.
• Collaborate with game designers to define and iterate on gameplay features.
• Work closely with artists and animators to integrate character controls, abilities, and visual feedback.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code in C++ or relevant scripting languages.
• Debug and resolve gameplay-related issues, ensuring a smooth and polished player experience.
• Profile and optimize gameplay systems for performance on target platforms.
• Mentor junior programmers and contribute to code reviews.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in game development.
• Contribute to technical design discussions and decision-making processes.
• Ensure the technical implementation of gameplay features meets design and quality standards.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Gameplay Programmer in the video game industry, with a strong portfolio of shipped titles.
• Proficiency in C++ and object-oriented programming principles.
• Experience with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Strong understanding of gameplay mechanics, character controllers, AI, and physics.
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate technical concepts clearly.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Perforce, Git).
• A degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Passion for creating fun and engaging gameplay experiences.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and performance-based bonuses.
• Employees enjoy a collaborative and creative work environment, generous paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
• This role provides the chance to work on exciting, high-impact projects that reach a global audience, contributing directly to the core fun of our games in the vibrant setting of Soweto .