Gameplay Programmer (Multiplayer Focus)
Engineering / Tokyo, Japan
Experience Level
Must have professional experience in gameplay programming (multiplayer experience strongly preferred)
Must have shipped at least one game
About the Role
As a Gameplay Programmer at Savage Astronaut, you will help build the core systems that define how the game feels to play. From combat interactions to player abilities and progression systems, your work will directly shape responsiveness, fairness, and depth in a competitive multiplayer environment.
This role requires both speed and discipline. You’ll prototype quickly alongside designers, while building systems that are stable, scalable, and network-ready from the ground up.
You will work closely with design, art, and technical teams to bring gameplay ideas to life in a way that is performant, maintainable, and aligned with player experience goals.
You Will
Implement core gameplay systems, including combat, abilities, and player interactions
Design and build multiplayer-safe features using replication, prediction, and networked architecture
Prototype gameplay features rapidly and iterate based on playtest feedback
Collaborate closely with designers to translate ideas into responsive, satisfying gameplay
Write clean, maintainable, and scalable code that supports long-term development
Debug and optimize gameplay systems for performance, stability, and consistency across network conditions
Contribute to the overall architecture and technical direction of gameplay systems
We’re Looking For Someone Who
Has strong experience building multiplayer gameplay systems
Understands networking fundamentals such as replication, client prediction, and server authority
Thinks in systems and can design code that scales with complexity
Values clarity, simplicity, and maintainability in code
Can move quickly in prototyping while maintaining strong technical foundations
Collaborates well with designers and can translate gameplay intent into implementation
Brings ideas and technical perspective to improve gameplay systems
Is proactive, communicative, and comfortable taking ownership
Bonus Points
Experience working on competitive PvP games
Experience designing or implementing combat systems
Experience with roguelike or meta-progression systems
Experience with Unreal Engine (C++ / Blueprints) or similar engines
Experience optimizing gameplay for network performance and responsiveness
Required Documents
CV
Portfolio / Code Samples (GitHub, playable builds, or equivalent)
Work Samples
CV should include:
Projects you have worked on, with your specific programming contributions clearly described
Systems you implemented (gameplay, networking, tools, etc.)
Engines, languages, and technologies used, and how you used them
Experience working with designers and other disciplines
Please also include (if available):
Code samples or repositories demonstrating your work
Breakdowns of systems you designed or implemented
Examples of multiplayer or networked gameplay features
Employment Status
Contract Employee (possibility of promotion to Permanent Employee)
Location
Hybrid / Tokyo, Japan
Work Hours
10:00 – 19:00 or Discretionary Labor System
Standard hours begin at 10:00, but exact working style will be discussed individually
Salary
Annual Salary (Negotiable)
Compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and our internal salary framework
Benefits
Social Insurance
Transportation Expenses Covered
Salary Review System
Annual Health Checkups
Corporate Defined Contribution Pension Plan (for permanent employees)
Interested in this role and think you’re a good fit? Apply below!
