Intermediate Game Programmer

Pay: $70,000 - $90,000 CAD

The Intermediate Game Programmer is a versatile generalist capable of contributing across multiple areas of game development, from core gameplay systems and tools to engine features and beyond. You will be responsible for designing and implementing new mechanics and systems, then driving them to a high level of polish. You're comfortable partnering closely with designers to craft compelling player experiences, integrating new content, and collaborating with a cross-disciplinary team to bring features from concept to completion.

This role calls for someone who can confidently take ownership of features, navigate ambiguity, ask the right questions, and move work forward with minimal direction. While this is a generalist position, experience or strength in areas such as Gameplay, UI, Systems, Graphics, or Technical Art is highly valued and considered a strong asset.

Based on the studio's needs, this role may be structured as either a regular full-time role or a 6-month full-time contract.

About Us

Our mission is to craft retro-infused JRPGs that awaken cherished childhood memories. We're growing the studio by assembling a dream team of talent from across the globe. Join us on this epic quest to make fun, narrative-rich games in an inclusive, supportive, and fun studio environment!

You'll be working on Threads of Time, a 2.5D JRPG inspired by Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy where you get to travel from the pre-historic era to the end of time!

• Become part of a veteran team that includes legendary developers who led iconic titles such as Xenoblade Chronicles, Legend of Mana, and more
• 4 weeks paid vacation (1 week of which is taken in late December)
• Collaborative environment with opportunities to contribute to the game's creative design and take ownership of features
• Competitive salary and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Opportunities to help you strengthen your skills or learn something new
• A workplace that appreciates and values diversity and inclusivity

Responsibilities

• Architect, plan, and implement new game features and systems
• Provide development strategies and time estimates for the various initiatives
• Contribute and apply clear coding best practices
• Anticipate, identify, and articulate technical and developmental risks and obstacles, and generate solutions
• Ensure the creation of strong technical documentation
• Ability to write efficient and maintainable code

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science or equivalent
• 3+ years of game development experience
• Strong proficiency in C++
• Strong understanding of Unreal Engine
• Experience in developing gameplay, tools and/or engine systems
• A high degree of self-motivation and resourcefulness in all areas of engineering
• Well-versed in design patterns and software engineering principles
• Excellent communication and listening skills, including demonstrated patience and compassion for teammates
• Experience with commonly used development tools such as Jira and Perforce
• Genuine passion for making and playing video games

Pluses

• Shipped a title using Unreal Engine 4/5
• Experience working on console platforms
• Experience with performance profiling and analysis
• Resident of Ontario or Quebec, Canada
• A love of JRPGs

Salary: $70,000 - $90,000 CAD

Please note that although this is a full-time remote position, applicants must reside in either Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, or British Columbia, or be willing to relocate.

Maybe you think that your experience is not where it should be? Or you don't meet every requirement listed in this job description? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs if they don't think they meet every qualification. But we feel that creating meaningful work means embracing different perspectives, which is why at Riyo Games we are focused on building an equitable, diverse and inclusive studio. If your experience is not perfectly aligned with every requirement in this job description, but you're interested in this position, we encourage you to apply anyway. We simply want to know what makes you special!

Riyo Games welcomes and encourages applications from candidates with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process. If you require disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process, please email contact@riyogames.com.

About Riyo Games

It all started with a promise between two kids, huddled next to their CRT TV playing RPGs after school, to one day create fantastical, story-rich adventures together. That dream turned into Riyo Games, a Canadian studio full of passionate and seasoned developers with experience from Shovel Knight, Fortnite, Deltarune and Tomb Raider. They have all embarked on an epic quest to make Threads of Time, the studio's first title, while aided by legendary developers and composers from Japan who have helped define Xenoblade Chronicles, the Mana series and more.

Our Vision: Craft retro-infused RPGs that awaken treasured childhood memories.

Our Values: Memorable, Inclusion, Community.

Featured Game: Threads of Time is an era-spanning, turn-based RPG inspired by the timeless classics. Embark on a journey through time, gather a party of charismatic heroes from across ages, and uncover a plot that threatens to unravel the past, present and future.