Director, Gameplay Engineering

About Nexon

Nexon America is a branch of Nexon Co., Ltd., a global video game publisher and leading developer of online virtual worlds for PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Nexon proudly offers celebrated franchises like MapleStory and Mabinogi that have been enjoyed by millions of players for over two decades. When we founded our Nexon America branch in 2006, we made it our goal to bring those unique games to western players using a player-first approach. We achieve that goal by applying our team’s outstanding free-to-play expertise and live game support to every decision, every day.

But we’re committed to more than our games! Here at Nexon America, we’re all about open communication, diversity, mutual respect, and collaboration, so we can bring out the best in each other. Nexies find support, friendship, and career growth all in one place! And because we know a healthy work-life balance is the key to happiness, Nexies also enjoy flexible hours, a hybrid work model, and extra perks like food trucks, happy hours, and team events. It’s why we’ve earned the Great Place to Work certification for 5 years running!

We’re looking to expand our team with passionate individuals who want to learn, play, and grow with us. Ready for a new challenge?

Summary of Position

Nexon America’s Western Dev team is looking to expand our team with gameplay engineers for a new exciting project. Ready for a new challenge? Join our team to learn, play, and grow with us!

We announced our plan for the 'MapleStory Western Project' at GDC 2024 – a brief overview of the information posted for MapleStory players can be found on the official website: https://www.nexon.com/maplestory/news/general/17104/inkwell-s-note-greetings

You will join the Western MapleStory Development team, where you will play a crucial role in designing, developing, and implementing game features that enhance the MapleStory experience. MapleStory experience. You will collaborate closely with game designers, artists, and other engineers to create engaging gameplay and ensure technical excellence.

We are currently working in the office 2-3x a week in a hybrid work model.

Job Responsibilities

• Be a key partner to leadership in the team’s development of core game features for MapleStory, including character abilities, quest systems, and user interface enhancements
• Lead software engineers. Develop and maintain core game features for MapleStory, including character abilities, quest systems, and user interface enhancements
• Manage and mentor a team of gameplay engineers to establish priorities and drive efficient development and delivery of key deliverables
• Responds to technical issues in live service situations
• Optimize game performance and resolve bugs to ensure a seamless player experience
• Other duties as assigned

Work Experience

• 12+ years of experience in software online game development or related field
• Experience as a software engineer in the game industry, online game development, or a related field
• Shipped three or more new game title(s) or experienced live game service over many years
• Management experience of 5 years or more is required

Education, Professional Training, Technical Training or Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science/engineering, or equivalent experience
• Preference given to candidates with an award-winning history in public programming competitions

Knowledge/Skills

• Required
  • Proficient in C++ language
  • Experience in server and backend skills such as MultiThreading, Networking, and Databases
  • Ability to write various game logic necessary for developing diverse in-game content
  • Strong understanding of the online game development process and related skillsets
  • Understanding of game mechanics and user experience in online games, as well as backend development experience with servers and databases.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work under tight deadlines
  • Possesses the ability to communicate smoothly with other job functions and is also equipped with leadership skills as an engineer
  • Proven leadership experience and strong expertise in code/tech review
• Preferred
  • Passionate about MapleStory, with deep familiarity with its gameplay, history, and community
  • Prior experience working on live online games with large user bases
  • Experience using older client-server architecture
  • Experience with Unreal or Unity, DirectX (preferred)
  • Experience with scripting languages such as Lua or Python
  • Proficient in Korean

Management has the right to add or change duties and job requirements at any time.

Nexon’s Benefits and Perks

We offer medical, dental and vision plans for you, your spouse or domestic partner and your children. Employees who enroll in the high deductible health plan receive an annual employer contribution to a health savings account and company paid hospital indemnity benefits. We also provide company paid life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability benefits as well as access to voluntary life and AD&D for yourself and your dependents, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) savings plan with a company match, and pet insurance. Nexies are encouraged to take advantage of our monthly wellness credit, participate in lunchtime yoga, and enroll in language classes. We host bi-monthly catered lunches, monthly happy hours, and maintain a well-stocked snack bar. To help you maintain a good work life balance, we offer paid time off, sick days, company holidays, and a year-end break.

Nexon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Compensation Description for Pay Transparency (annually)

The base salary range for this position in El Segundo, CA is $190,000 - $230,000 annually.

Our salary ranges are determined by market data based on position and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum salaries for that position. An individual’s pay is determined by factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s qualifications, skills, experiences, relevant education or training, and location.

Base pay is one part of the Total Rewards package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work. This role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, however the salary range listed in this job posting reflects the base salary only.