Game Programmer – Japan & Global Game Development
Keywords Studios12 hours ago
Tokyo, JapanEntry Level
Responsibilities
- Implement gameplay systems and mechanics under senior-engineer guidance.
- Build rapid prototypes for gameplay ideas, project pitches, proof of concepts, and playability testing.
- Contribute to reusable networking, simulation, and core-utility libraries and modular systems such as ECS architectures.
- Develop internal tools and editor extensions for designers and artists.
- Assist with workflow automation and CI/CD pipelines.
- Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, memory issues, logic bugs, and stability problems across hardware targets.
- Collaborate with designers, producers, senior engineers, and distributed global teams.
- Write unit tests, participate in code reviews, maintain technical documentation, and engage in continuous learning.
Requirements
- Proficiency in C++ and understanding of data structures, algorithms, and memory management.
- Comfort working with Git or similar version-control systems.
- A portfolio of personal projects, prototypes, game contributions, or mods demonstrating the ability to turn ideas into functional systems.
- Ability to break down complex technical challenges and develop practical, maintainable solutions.
- Experience collaborating with others in a professional team, game jam, or open-source project.
- Familiarity with Unreal Engine and interest or experience in ECS, data-oriented design, modular architectures, custom tools, editor extensions, or workflow automation are preferred.
- Understanding of engaging and intuitive game mechanics is preferred.
- Experience in multicultural environments or interest in Japanese game development is helpful; Japanese proficiency is a plus but not required.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package with performance-based incentives.
- Opportunity to work with major game developers in Japan and represent a global game-services leader.
- Collaborative, growth-oriented global culture.
- Full-time contract employment with a hybrid/remote work pattern; fully remote work may be available within Japan depending on project needs, seniority, experience, and location.
- Applicants must reside in Japan and have valid authorization to work in Japan.
About Keywords Studios
Keywords Studios provides outsourced game development, art, audio, localization, QA, player support, and marketing services to video game developers, publishers, and entertainment platforms. It operates as a global external development partner across the product lifecycle, offering co-development, testing, and live-ops support on a services basis. Headquartered in Dublin and acquired by EQT in 2024, the company counts customers such as Microsoft and Ubisoft.