Senior Gameplay Systems Programmer

2 Months ago • 5 Years + • Systems Design

Job Summary

Job Description

Rockstar Games seeks a Senior Gameplay Systems Programmer to design, implement, and maintain core gameplay systems within their Edinburgh studio. This role involves collaborating with Engine, Art, and Design teams to create a state-of-the-art open-world simulation. Responsibilities include tackling both macro and micro-level system tasks, focusing on memory and performance optimization while striving for realism. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of C/C++ game development experience, with at least one shipped title on Xbox and/or PlayStation consoles. A strong understanding of core game systems, excellent problem-solving skills, and an analytical, performance-focused mindset are essential.
Must have:
  • 5+ years C/C++ game dev experience
  • Shipped title (Xbox/PlayStation)
  • Core game systems understanding
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Performance-focused mindset
  • System design & implementation
Good to have:
  • Multi-platform experience
  • Open-world system experience
  • Engine team collaboration
  • Passion for games

Job Details

At Rockstar Games, we create world-class entertainment experiences. 

Become part of a team working on some of the most rewarding, large-scale creative projects to be found in any entertainment medium - all within an inclusive, highly-motivated environment where you can learn and collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry. 

Rockstar Games is on the lookout for a talented Senior Gameplay Systems Programmer who is passionate about open-world systems with a focus on quality.

This is a full-time, permanent and in-office position based in Rockstar’s state-of-the-art game development studio in Edinburgh, Scotland. 

WHAT WE DO

  • We create and maintain core gameplay systems and a complex open-world simulation.
  • We develop systems to populate and simulate large worlds efficiently.
  • We work as a global team across multiple studios as well as working closely with Design, Art, and Engine departments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design, implement, and maintain systems collaboratively with Engine, Art, and Design teams to create a state-of-the-art open-world simulation.
  • Tackle macro and/or micro level system tasks, from improving engine-level systems to working on higher level systems that will affect the feel of the wider game world.
  • Focus on memory and performance all the while striving for more realism, believability, and accuracy, and implementing systems with finite resources.
  • Work together with Engine, Art, and Design departments to deliver features on schedule to a high quality.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • A degree in Computer Science/related discipline, or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years’ experience in C/C++ game development.
  • One shipped title; preferably on the Xbox and/or PlayStation consoles.

SKILLS

  • A technical understanding of core game systems and technologies.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills.
  • Great technical communication skills.
  • An analytical, performance-focused mindset.
  • Experience with systems such as: population, streaming, multithreading, memory management, etc.

PLUSES

Please note that these are desirable skills and are not required to apply for the position.

  • Self-motivated, enthusiastic/passionate about games and curious about how things work.
  • Multi-platform and console experience.
  • Experience working on open-world, population, and/or streaming systems.
  • Experience working closely with Engine teams.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply with a CV and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the skills above. If we would like to move forward with your application, a Rockstar recruiter will reach out to you to explain next steps and guide you through the process.

Rockstar is committed to creating a work environment that promotes equal opportunity, dignity and respect. In line with this commitment, Rockstar will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process in order for such applicants to be considered for the position for which they are applying, as well as to qualified employees to enable them to perform the essential functions of their roles. If you need more information about Rockstar’s reasonable accommodation policies or process, or need to request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department. 

If you’ve got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from all suitable candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, race, or any other protected category.

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About The Company

Join a tight-knit team responsible for creating and publishing some of the most popular, innovative and critically acclaimed interactive entertainment in the world including the Grand Theft Auto series, the Red Dead series and many more.


Known for our dedication to quality and authenticity, a career at Rockstar Games is an opportunity to work on some of the most cutting edge, creatively rewarding and challenging projects available in any entertainment medium with some of the most talented people in the industry.


We offer successful candidates highly competitive salary and compensation packages, including a comprehensive benefits package for all eligible employees. Rockstar Games is an equal opportunity employer.

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