Gameplay Programmer | Ghost Ship Games

Step into the heart of Copenhagen’s game development scene with Ghost Ship Games (GSG). We are the creators of the multi-platinum hit Deep Rock Galactic, a title that has solidified itself among Steam’s top 100 games and fostered one of the most positive communities in gaming history. Guided by our “Co-op First” philosophy, we operate as a tight-knit “crew” of 50 developers who value speed, flexibility, and the raw fun of iterative play over rigid corporate hierarchies. We are currently looking for a seasoned Gameplay Programmer to help us forge the next generation of cooperative experiences.

Job Overview & Strategic Details: Gameplay Programmer 

Ghost Ship Games moves away from traditional, slow-moving pipelines. We prioritize a pragmatic environment where the best ideas are found through rapid prototyping and constant collaboration.

The Role as Gameplay Programmer 

As a Gameplay Programmer at GSG, you are not just a coder; you are a builder of worlds and a crafter of mechanics. You will be responsible for the systems that players interact with every second—from the weight of a weapon to the complexity of character progression and objective systems.

What You Will Do

• Feature Implementation: Design, develop, and maintain core gameplay systems including weapons, AI behaviors, and character movement.

• Iterative Prototyping: Embrace a workflow where code is written quickly to test ideas. You must be comfortable with the “kill your darlings” mentality, understanding that features may evolve or be cut based on team playtests.

• Collaborative Engineering: Work side-by-side with artists and designers. You will translate abstract creative visions into stable, scalable, and high-performance C++ code.

• Quality & Stability: Debug complex issues and optimize code to ensure the game runs smoothly across PC and console platforms, particularly in high-intensity multiplayer scenarios.

• Shared Vision: Participate in regular team play-sessions. We believe every developer should play the game they are building to ensure we remain aligned on the “fun factor.”

Skills & Requirements

We are looking for a developer who has been through the fire of full production cycles and understands the nuances of the “Game Feel.”

• Expert C++ Knowledge: You should have deep experience in C++ and a history of writing maintainable, performance-conscious code.

• Engine Mastery: While experience with Unreal Engine is a significant advantage, we value generalists who have worked with various engines (including proprietary/in-house tech) and can adapt to new tools.

• Multiplayer Expertise: A strong understanding of network programming and the challenges of synchronizing gameplay in a multiplayer environment is a major plus.

• Design Sensibility: You don’t just “receive” tasks; you contribute to the design. You should be able to see how a technical feature fits into the overall player experience.

• Professional History: Ideally, you have fully shipped at least one title on PC or Console and have handled all stages of development from early prototypes to the final “Gold” master.

Why Join the Crew? (Benefits & Culture)

Denmark consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world, and at GSG, we lean into that culture of work-life balance and social cohesion.

• Work-Life Harmony: Beyond our hybrid Friday policy, we offer five weeks of vacation plus five extra days, alongside child sick leave and paid parental leave.

• Health & Security: Our package includes a strong pension plan, as well as comprehensive health and dental insurance.

• Social & Workspace: Our office in Gothersgade is more than a workspace—it’s a social hub with catered lunches and frequent “social shenanigans” that keep the team bonded.

• Pragmatism Over Perfection: We value experimentation. We want programmers who are willing to explore “what if” without being paralyzed by the need for perfect code on the first pass.

Diversity, Inclusion, and the 2026 Gaming Industry

As of 2026, the global gaming industry has undergone a massive shift toward collaborative, community-driven development. Research into high-performing game studios shows that:

• Collaborative Efficiency: Teams that prioritize cross-discipline communication (Programming + Art + Design) reduce technical debt by up to 30% during the production phase.

• Community Engagement: Games developed with a “Community-First” mindset, like Deep Rock Galactic, see a 45% higher retention rate over five years compared to traditional single-player releases.

• Inclusive Innovation: We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our crew. Whether it’s different cultural perspectives or varied professional paths, we welcome everyone to apply. In an industry where diversity in leadership is growing, GSG remains committed to fostering an environment where every voice is heard.

Application & Interview Process

Ghost Ship Games value your time, so we’ve streamlined our hiring process to be as transparent and efficient as possible.

1. Application: Submit your CV and portfolio. No cover letter is required.

2. Initial Chat (30 Mins): A brief technical and workflow alignment conversation with our Lead Programmer and Lead Game Designer.

3. Technical Case: A small, practical coding exercise to showcase your problem-solving skills.

4. Final Round (1 Hour): A deeper dive into your experience and personality with our P&C (People & Culture) lead, Lead Programmer, and Game Director.

Location Note: This is a full-time, on-site position. While we offer hybrid flexibility, you must reside in or be willing to commute to Copenhagen. Relocation assistance is not provided for this role.