Black Rose Studio is hiring Gameplay Programmer

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.

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?

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 best work.

Summary Checklist for Applicants

How to Apply

The shadows are waiting. If you have the technical skill to make our players’ hearts race, Black Rose Studio want to see your work. Please submit your CV, GitHub link (if applicable), and a portfolio/reel highlighting your gameplay systems.

Mail Us – Careers@blackrosestudio.net