Game Programmer – Japan & Global Game Development
Keywords Studios13 hours ago
Tokyo, JapanEntry Level
Responsibilities
- Implement gameplay systems and mechanics and translate design concepts into functional code.
- Build rapid prototypes for gameplay ideas, proof of concepts, project pitches, and playability testing.
- Contribute to reusable libraries and frameworks for networking, simulation, and core utilities.
- Develop modular systems, including ECS-style architectures, that can scale across projects.
- Create and optimize internal tools and editor extensions for designers and artists.
- Assist with workflow automation and CI/CD pipelines to improve build stability and deployment speed.
- Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, memory issues, logic bugs, and stability problems.
- Collaborate with designers, producers, senior engineers, and distributed global teams on technical implementation.
- Maintain technical documentation, participate in code reviews, and write unit tests for critical gameplay logic.
- Experiment with new programming patterns and industry trends while seeking feedback and contributing to team knowledge sharing.
Requirements
- Good proficiency in C++ and a solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and memory management.
- Comfort working with Git or similar version control systems in collaborative environments.
- A portfolio of personal projects, prototypes, game contributions, or mods demonstrating the ability to turn ideas into functional systems.
- Experience collaborating with others through professional teams, game jams, or open-source projects.
- Familiarity with Unreal Engine and C++ is preferred, while experience with other engines or languages is also welcomed.
- Interest or experience with ECS, data-oriented design, or modular system architecture is preferred.
- Experience building custom tools, editor extensions, or automation scripts is preferred.
- Understanding of engaging and intuitive game mechanics is a plus.
- Experience in multicultural environments or interest in the Japanese game development industry is preferred; Japanese proficiency is a plus but not required.
- Ability to debug and profile performance, memory, and logic issues and to communicate technical constraints clearly to non-engineering partners.
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 working pattern.
- Opportunity to work across game projects ranging from small-scale productions to AAA titles and collaborate with distributed international teams.
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.