Company: Black Rose Studio

Gameplay Programmer Job Overview Company: Black Rose Studio Project Status: Unannounced Horror (Established Global Franchise) Role Title: Gameplay Programmer Job Type: 3-Month Contract (Full-Time Conversion Option) Location: 100% Fully Remote (Global) Experience Level: Intermediate to Senior (3+ Years) Technical Stack: C++ / Unreal Engine 5 Black Rose Studio is an agile, high-growth AA development house dedicated to pushing the boundaries of immersive storytelling and technical excellence. We are currently embarking on a landmark project: an unannounced First-Person Horror title set within a globally recognized, massively popular established franchise. To bring this dark vision to life, we are seeking a battle-tested Gameplay Programmer to join us for an intensive, high-impact three-month contract. Your mission will be to architect and refine the core prototype build that will serve as the technical foundation for the entire production. This is a rare opportunity to put your stamp on a world-class IP from the ground floor. For the right candidate, this successful contract serves as a direct pipeline to a permanent, full-time position as we transition from prototype to full production. Compensation & Comprehensive Rewards At Black Rose Studio, we understand that high-quality gameplay is the result of elite engineering. Our compensation reflects the specialized nature of the horror genre and the technical rigor of a AAA-standard pipeline. Component Estimated Range / Details Monthly Contract Rate $6,500 — $9,500 USD (Based on experience and portfolio) Total Project Fee $19,500 — $28,500 USD (For the initial 3-month cycle) Work Model Remote-first / Milestone-based flexibility Hardware Support Access to studio-grade remote development environments Retention Bonus Eligibility for full-time benefits & equity upon contract-to-hire transition The Role: Architecting the Horror Experience As our Gameplay Programmer, you are the engine room of the player experience. In the horror genre, “feel” is everything—the timing of a door opening, the weight of a melee strike, and the responsiveness of player interactions are the difference between a jump-scare and true atmospheric dread. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing the systems that govern how the player moves, fights, and survives. Working in a tight-knit AA environment, your code will have a direct and visible impact on every frame of the game. Key Responsibilities System Design & Implementation: Architect complex gameplay systems from scratch, ensuring they are robust, scalable, and aligned with the Creative Director’s vision. C++ Engineering: Write clean, maintainable, and highly efficient C++ code. You will be expected to manage memory effectively and optimize performance for high-fidelity first-person environments. Combat Mechanics: Develop and refine both melee and ranged combat systems. This includes hit detection, weapon handling, feedback loops, and AI-player interaction. Responsive Interaction: Ensure that player controls feel tight and responsive across a variety of atmospheric scenarios and environmental puzzles. Technical Troubleshooting: Identify, diagnose, and resolve deep-seated technical issues within the Unreal Engine framework. Collaborative Execution: Work hand-in-hand with Designers and Animators to ensure that mechanical specifications are translated perfectly into a playable, “fun” (and terrifying) reality. Requirements: The Engineering Standard Black Rose Studio is looking for a programmer who understands that gameplay is a conversation between the player and the machine. You should have a deep love for the technical nuances of the First-Person Shooter (FPS) genre and a drive to solve the unique problems presented by horror-centric design. Professional Tenure: 3+ years of professional experience in gameplay programming, specifically within the AA or AAA space. Engine Expertise: Proficient in Unreal Engine (UE4/UE5). You should be comfortable working with both Blueprints (for rapid prototyping) and deep C++ API integration. Combat Specialization: Proven experience in developing FPS systems, with a strong emphasis on the “game feel” of melee and ranged weaponry. Mathematical Foundation: Strong 3D math skills (Vector math, Quaternions, etc.) required for character movement and combat systems. Shipped Titles: While not strictly mandatory, having at least one shipped title in a relevant genre is highly preferred. Communication: Exceptional ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical team members. As a remote studio, your ability to document and explain your code is vital. The Prototype Phase: Your Impact The next 90 days are the most critical in the project’s lifecycle. The Prototype Build is the “North Star” for the entire development team. It proves the mechanical viability of our horror concepts to stakeholders and fans alike. In this role, you aren’t just a “coder”—you are a collaborator. You will help define the player’s movement speed, the physics of environmental interaction, and the logic behind the game’s most intense encounters. If you enjoy the fast-paced, iterative nature of prototyping where you can see your work come to life every single day, this is the environment for you. Why Black Rose Studio? Elite IP Access: Very few AA studios get the chance to work on a “popular established franchise.” This is a career-defining project that will be seen by millions. Remote Innovation: We have built a culture that thrives on remote work. We use the latest version-control and communication tools to ensure that you feel like part of the team, no matter your time zone. No “Corporate Red Tape”: Decisions at Black Rose are made quickly. If you have a better way to implement a system, you’ll be empowered to do it. Long-Term Growth: We are looking for partners, not just “hands.” Our goal is to convert this contract into a permanent role, offering you stability and a lead voice in the game’s full production cycle. Workforce Diversity & Global Inclusion Black Rose Studio is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that horror is a universal language, and our team should reflect the diverse global audience that consumes it. Global Talent: Our remote-first policy allows us to hire the best minds from across the world, regardless of geography. Merit-Based Culture: We value your code and your creativity above all else. We strictly prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, gender identity, or orientation. Inclusive Engineering: We encourage applicants from underrepresented groups in tech to apply. We are committed to building a studio where every developer feels safe and supported to do their … Read more

Job Overview Company: Black Rose Studio Project Type: Unannounced Horror (Major Established IP) Role Title: Gameplay Animator Job Type: 3-Month Contract (With Full-Time Conversion Option) Location: 100% Fully Remote Experience Level: Intermediate to Senior (3+ Years Preferred) Core Engine: Unreal Engine (UE4 / UE5) Black Rose Studio is a rising force in the AA development space, currently expanding our creative team to breathe life into a terrifying new vision. We are seeking a highly skilled Gameplay Animator to join us for a critical three-month contract to develop a high-stakes Vertical Slice for an unannounced horror title. This isn’t just any horror game—this project is set within a popular, world-renowned established franchise. You will be working at the cutting edge of the genre, blending atmospheric dread with high-fidelity action. As a key contributor to our prototype phase, you will have the unique opportunity to define the physical language of a major IP. For the right candidate, this successful sprint will lead directly into a permanent, full-time role as we move into full production. Compensation & Contract Terms At Black Rose Studio, we value the specialized skill set required to create immersive horror. Our contract rates are competitive, reflecting the high-fidelity FPS requirements of a AA/AAA crossover project. Component Estimated Range / Details Monthly Contract Rate $5,500 — $8,500 USD (Dependent on seniority/portfolio) Total Project Fee $16,500 — $25,500 USD (For the 3-month Vertical Slice) Work Model Remote-first / Flexible hours based on milestone delivery Equipment Remote pipeline access provided Future Outlook Guaranteed review for Full-Time staff position upon prototype completion The Role: Crafting the Language of Fear As our Gameplay Animator, your primary focus is the Vertical Slice. You are responsible for the “feel” of the game. In a first-person horror setting, the weight of a weapon, the jitter of a flashlight, and the visceral reaction to a jump-scare are what define the player’s immersion. You will be the bridge between static meshes and a terrifying, living world. Key Responsibilities FPS Animation Excellence: Create and implement high-quality first-person animations, focusing on weapon handling, reloads, and environmental interactions. Combat Systems: Develop fluid and impactful melee and ranged combat animations that feel responsive yet grounded in the horror genre. Technical Integration: Work directly within Unreal Engine to implement animations, set up State Machines, and ensure seamless transitions. Debug & Optimize: Identify and fix technical animation issues (e.g., clipping, blending errors, or frame-rate hitches) to ensure the vertical slice is “publisher-ready.” Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Partner closely with the Creative Director to ensure the “scare factor” hits home, and coordinate with Software Engineers to align animation assets with the game’s code architecture. Requirements: The Professional Standard Black Rose Studio is looking for an animator who understands that in horror, what the player doesn’t see is just as important as what they do. You should have a reel that demonstrates weight, impact, and a mastery of the first-person perspective. Industry Experience: Ideally 3+ years of experience creating gameplay animations for AAA or high-end AA titles. Having at least one shipped title is a significant advantage. First-Person Proficiency: Strong familiarity with both melee and ranged FPS animation sets. You understand the nuances of “view-model” animation. Unreal Engine Mastery: Deep familiarity with the UE Engine (specifically Animation Blueprints and the Sequencer toolset). Problem-Solving Mindset: You don’t just “make it look pretty”; you have the ability to identify, isolate, and debug technical issues within the animation pipeline. Communication: As a remote studio, clear communication is our lifeblood. You must be able to articulate technical needs and creative ideas across multiple time zones and disciplines. The Vertical Slice & Beyond The next three months are pivotal for Black Rose Studio. The Vertical Slice serves as the definitive proof of concept for our partners and stakeholders. It is a fully playable, polished segment of the game that showcases our unique take on this famous horror franchise. By joining us now, you are getting in on the ground floor of a project with massive global reach. We are a small, focused team where every individual’s work is highly visible and impactful. If the prototype meets our quality bars, we intend to expand the team, and you will be first in line for a leadership or senior staff position. Why Join Black Rose Studio? Iconic IP: Work on a franchise that players already love, while putting a fresh, terrifying spin on it. Creative Freedom: Being a AA studio, we avoid the “corporate bloat” of larger firms. Your ideas are heard directly by the Creative Director. Remote Culture: We trust our talent. As long as the milestones are met and the quality is exceptional, you have the flexibility to work from wherever you are most inspired. Horror Specialization: Join a team that is truly passionate about the genre. We study what makes games scary and apply those psychological principles to our animation. Summary Checklist for Applicants Requirement Minimum Standard Animation Focus High-Quality FPS (Melee & Ranged) Software Unreal Engine (Advanced) Tenure 3+ Years in Game Development (Preferred) Contract 3 Months with Full-Time potential Location Remote (Global applicants welcome) How to Apply Black Rose Studio is moving fast to hit our March production start. If you are ready to help us build the next great horror experience, please submit your portfolio and CV to our recruitment portal. Mail Us – Careers@blackrosestudio.net