Senior Back End Developer (Video Games Industry)

Summary:

As an Experienced Backend Developer, you will be a vital part of our game development team, responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the server-side architecture and services that power our video games. You will build and scale robust, secure, and highly performant backend systems to support large player bases, online multiplayer functionalities, in-game economies, and player data. This role requires a strong technical background, problem-solving skills, and a passion for creating seamless and engaging player experiences. 

Responsibilities

• System Architecture & Design: Design and develop high-performance, scalable, and secure backend systems and APIs to support game features such as user authentication, leaderboards, player profiles, and in-game stores.
• Multiplayer & Networking: Implement and maintain robust multiplayer capabilities, ensuring stable network connections, minimising latency, and synchronising game states for a smooth online experience.
• Database Management: Architect and manage game databases (both SQL and NoSQL) for player data, game statistics, and transactional information, with a focus on performance optimisation and reliability.
• Scalability & Performance: Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, optimise server performance, and design infrastructure that can scale to handle millions of concurrent players.
• Live Game Operations (LiveOps): Develop and support backend features that enable live game updates, events, and other post-launch content, often using container-based or serverless architectures on cloud platforms.
• Security & Anti-Cheat: Implement and maintain security protocols and anti-cheat systems to protect player data, prevent fraud, and ensure a fair and secure gaming environment.
• Analytics & Telemetry: Build and support systems for collecting and processing game telemetry data and analytics, providing valuable insights into player behaviour and game performance.
• Collaboration: Work closely with game designers, frontend developers, artists, and producers throughout the entire development lifecycle to translate game design concepts into functional backend services.
• Mentorship: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior developers, ensuring code quality and adherence to best practices. 

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Technical Expertise:

• Programming Languages: Strong proficiency in one or more backend languages such as C++, C#, Java, Python, or Go.
• Backend Frameworks: Extensive experience with relevant frameworks, such as Django for Python, Spring Boot for Java , or Express.js for Node.js.
• Databases: Expertise in both relational (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL (e.g., MongoDB, DynamoDB) databases.
• Cloud Platforms: Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) and a solid understanding of cloud-native development.
• Networking: Knowledge of network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP, WebSockets) and experience building real-time multiplayer systems.
• APIs: Proven experience designing, implementing, and securing RESTful and/or GraphQL APIs.

• Experience & Knowledge:

• Game Development Experience: Proven experience building and operating robust backend systems, preferably within the video game industry.
• Scalable Architecture: Demonstrated experience with microservices, distributed systems, and designing for high availability and scalability.
• DevOps: Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.

• Soft Skills:

• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical challenges effectively.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and changing project requirements in a fast-paced environment. 

Preferred Qualifications

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field.
• Experience with specific gaming backend services like PlayFab, Photon Server, or Nakama.
• Knowledge of gaming-specific topics such as game physics.
• A passion for gaming and an understanding of the end-user player experience