Senior Gameplay Programmer

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Access to industry-standard tools

Professional growth opportunities

Collaborative team culture

Bonuses and profit sharing possible

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Gameplay Programmer for a renowned game development studio in Vereeniging, South Africa. Design, implement, and refine core gameplay mechanics using C++ and major engines, collaborating with designers, artists, and engineers in a hybrid setup.

Lead the development of fluid, responsive gameplay, mentor juniors, and help shape innovative titles while maintaining high performance and clean code standards in Vereeniging.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in game development focused on gameplay programming.
• Strong C++ skills and OO design principles.
• Experience with Unreal Engine or Unity in shipped games.
• Ability to implement complex gameplay systems (AI, combat, physics).
• Solid understanding of game design and translating concepts into code.
• Experience debugging and profiling performance.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and iterate on core gameplay systems using C++ and engines.
• Collaborate with designers to prototype, develop, and polish features.
• Write clean, maintainable, and documented code.
• Address performance bottlenecks and bugs in gameplay systems.
• Integrate character controls, physics, and animations with artists.
• Contribute to technical design and architecture of gameplay features.
• Mentor junior programmers and participate in code reviews.
• Stay updated on game development tech and tools.

Skills

C++

Gameplay programming

Game engines

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS or related field

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an established and innovative game development studio known for creating engaging and critically acclaimed titles, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Gameplay Programmer. This role is integral to designing, implementing, and refining the core mechanics and player interactions that define our games. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in C++ programming, extensive experience with game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity), and a deep passion for creating fluid and intuitive gameplay experiences.

This position offers a hybrid work model, providing flexibility and balancing essential in-studio collaboration with productive remote workdays. You will work closely with designers, artists, and other engineers to translate creative concepts into seamless, enjoyable gameplay. Join a talented team dedicated to crafting memorable gaming experiences. We are committed to fostering a creative and supportive environment where innovation thrives. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute your expertise to exciting projects and shape the future of interactive entertainment in **Vereeniging**. You will play a key role in bringing virtual worlds to life through compelling gameplay.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and iterate on core gameplay systems and mechanics using C++ and game engine technologies.
• Collaborate closely with game designers to prototype, develop, and polish game features, ensuring they meet design goals and quality standards.
• Write clean, efficient, well-documented, and maintainable code.
• Identify and address performance bottlenecks and bugs within gameplay systems.
• Work with artists and animators to integrate character controls, physics, and animations smoothly.
• Contribute to the technical design and architecture of gameplay features and systems.
• Mentor junior programmers, providing guidance on best practices and problem-solving.
• Participate actively in code reviews, offering and receiving constructive feedback.
• Stay current with advancements in game development technologies, tools, and techniques.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team culture, fostering innovation and knowledge sharing.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in game development, with a focus on gameplay programming.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and object-oriented programming principles.
• Extensive experience with a major game engine such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Proven ability to implement complex gameplay systems (e.g., AI, combat, player control, physics).
• Solid understanding of game design principles and the ability to translate design concepts into functional code.
• Experience with debugging tools and performance profiling.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, with experience in collaborative development environments.
• Experience with hybrid work models and effective remote collaboration tools.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and skills.
• Hybrid work model offering a blend of studio and remote work flexibility.
• Opportunity to work on exciting and diverse game titles.
• Access to industry-standard development tools and technologies.
• Professional growth and development opportunities within a growing studio.
• Collaborative and creative work environment in **Vereeniging**.
• Potential for bonuses and profit sharing.