festybay

Festybay.com

Menu

Register | Login

Festybay.com

Menu

Create Your FestyBay Profile

Register | Login

Location: Leamington Spa

Senior Cinematic Animator job at Playground Games

playground-games-logo

Playground Games, a premier first-party Xbox Game Studio, is currently seeking an exceptional Senior Cinematic Animator to join the development team behind the highly anticipated reboot of Fable. This role is a unique opportunity to shape the narrative heart of a genre-defining action RPG, working within a studio renowned for technical excellence and artistic innovation. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the role, the studio environment, and the specific requirements for this high-profile position. Job Overview: Senior Cinematic Animator Category Details Company Name Playground Games (Xbox Game Studios) Project Fable (Action RPG Reboot) Job Title Senior Cinematic Animator Employment Type Contract Work Model Hybrid Remote (Office presence required) Location Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, UK Estimated Salary Range £55,000 – £75,000 per annum (Experience dependent)* Key Software Maya, MotionBuilder, Proprietary Engines Relocation Assistance available for qualified candidates *Note: As a contract position, specific day rates or pro-rated salaries are negotiated based on the candidate’s portfolio and depth of AAA experience. About Playground Games & The Fable Project Since its inception, Playground Games has established itself as a titan of the industry. Having defined the open-world racing genre with the Forza Horizon series, the studio is now applying its world-class expertise to the fantasy realm. Joining the Fable team means stepping into a legacy of wit, whimsey, and high-stakes adventure. The studio culture is built on the pillars of accessibility, beauty, and fun. As a first-party studio under the Microsoft/Xbox umbrella, Playground offers the stability of a major publisher combined with the creative agility of a focused development team. Detailed Job Description: The Mission As a Senior Cinematic Animator, you are more than just a technician; you are a visual storyteller. You will be responsible for bridging the gap between narrative intent and technical execution. Your primary focus will be the creation of top-tier cutscenes that convey the nuance of character emotion and the kinetic energy of world-class action. 1. Narrative Performance & Technical Fidelity The core of this role involves handling complex data sets. You will be tasked with capturing, solving, and retargeting both facial and full-body motion capture (mocap) data. In a modern AAA RPG, “good enough” is not the standard. You will polish this data until it achieves a level of “believable performance” that allows players to lose themselves in the story. 2. Creative Vision & Layout You will drive the creative vision from the earliest stages of previsualization (pre-viz) through to the final “gold” polish. This includes: Cinematic Layout: Refining camera angles and character blocking to maximize dramatic impact. Pacing & Editing: Ensuring that the flow of a scene supports the narrative beats and keeps the player engaged. Iterative Design: Working within a feedback loop with Directors and Leads to sharpen the visual language of the game. 3. Engine Integration Unlike film animation, game cinematics must exist within a living, breathing engine. You will be responsible for implementing your work into Playground’s proprietary engine. This requires a deep understanding of how cinematic triggers interface with gameplay systems to ensure a seamless transition between “playing” and “watching.” What You Will Bring as Cinematic Animator (Candidate Requirements) Playground Games is looking for a veteran of the craft. The ideal candidate doesn’t just know how to move a character; they know why a character moves. Professional Experience Industry Tenure: A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in animation. Proven Track Record: At least two (2) published titles, ideally within the AAA space. Portfolio Excellence: A world-class portfolio is mandatory. We are looking for high-quality, realistic facial and body animations. Your reel should demonstrate a mastery of weight, silhouette, and emotional nuance. Technical Proficiencies Mocap Mastery: Extensive experience with motion capture cleanup and retargeting for both body and face. Hand-Keyed Skills: While mocap is a primary tool, the ability to augment or create entirely hand-keyed performances for stylized or “bespoke” moments is essential. Software Expertise: Proficiency in industry-standard tools (typically Maya or MotionBuilder). Cinematography Knowledge: A strong eye for camera lenses, lighting, and composition will set you apart from other candidates. Soft Skills & Cultural Fit Collaborative Mindset: You will be working in a cross-disciplinary environment. The ability to take constructive criticism and pivot quickly is vital. Passion for Gaming: A genuine love for the medium and the RPG genre specifically. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statistics & Commitment Playground Games is an equal-opportunity employer. The studio believes that a diverse workforce leads to more creative and innovative games. In the UK games industry, diversity has become a central focus of growth. Industry Context (UK Games Industry Statistics): According to the 2024 UK Games Industry Census, the sector is making strides in representation, though work remains: Gender: Approximately 30% of the workforce identifies as female, with a growing percentage of non-binary professionals (3%). Ethnicity: Roughly 11% of the workforce comes from Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds. Neurodiversity: The industry has a high representation of neurodivergent individuals, with approximately 18% of workers identifying as such. Playground Games actively participates in initiatives to bridge these gaps, ensuring that recruitment is based on merit while fostering an environment where different perspectives are celebrated. We are committed to equity across all protected characteristics, including age, disability, gender identity, race, and religion. Benefits of Joining Playground Games State-of-the-Art Facilities: Work in Royal Leamington Spa, a historic “Silicon Spa” hub for game development in the UK. Hybrid Flexibility: Balance your professional and personal life with a model that supports both in-office collaboration and remote focus. Career Progression: Despite being a contract role, Playground is invested in the self-development and retention of talent. You will be working alongside some of the best minds in the industry. Relocation Support: For those moving from abroad or within the UK, the studio offers comprehensive assistance to ensure a smooth transition. The Application Process To be considered for this role, candidates must provide: A comprehensive CV detailing your history in the industry. A link to an online Portfolio/Showreel (please include passwords if the site is protected). A brief cover … Read more

Super Spline Studios hiring Junior 3D Games Animator, UK

Super Spline Studios_logo

At Super Spline Studios, we believe that every legendary lead animator starts with a single keyframe and a massive amount of heart. Based in the renowned game dev hub of Leamington Spa—and connected across Europe through our flexible remote network—we specialize in bringing high-quality movement to global gaming projects. We are opening a rare door for a Junior 3D Games Animator to join our tight-knit team. This isn’t just a “junior” role; it’s an apprenticeship in excellence. If you have the creative spark, a rock-solid grasp of the 12 principles, and a hunger to grow alongside industry veterans, we want to help you launch your career. Junior 3D Games Animator Job Overview Company Name: Super Spline Studios Job Title: Junior 3D Games Animator Location: Leamington Spa, United Kingdom (Office) or Remote (Europe-wide) Salary Range: Competitive Entry-Level Salary Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time Working Hours: 4-Day Work Week with Flexible Hours Primary Toolset: Autodesk Maya Application Email: jobs@supersplinestudios.com This is an entry-level, permanent position designed for a high-potential artist who is ready to transition from student or hobbyist to professional developer. You will work under the guidance of our Lead Animator, contributing to a diverse range of projects—from stylized “squash-and-stretch” gameplay to realistic cinematic performances. You’ll be a vital part of a small, agile team where your voice is heard and your work actually makes it into the final build. We value personality in animation, so we are looking for someone who doesn’t just “move” a character, but makes them feel alive. Your Mission: Learning & Creating In this role, your primary objective is to hone your craft while delivering high-quality assets that meet our studio’s standards. You will be expected to: 1. Artistic Production Hand-Keyed Animation: Create character and creature animations that demonstrate a deep understanding of weight, timing, and appeal. Style Adaptation: Learn to switch between different artistic styles, ensuring your work fits the specific tone of each client’s project. Personality Injection: Go beyond the technical—ensure every idle, walk, or combat move tells us something about who the character is. 2. Technical Growth & Integration Maya Mastery: Use your working knowledge of Maya to build clean, efficient animation files. Engine Exploration: Under mentorship, you will learn to implement your work into game engines (Unreal/Unity), working with state machines and animation graphs. Pipeline Adoption: Quickly learn and adapt to studio-specific workflows and new animation technologies. 3. Professional Development Feedback Loop: Be a proactive team player. You should be open to receiving constructive critiques and, as you grow, comfortable offering your own insights. Self-Management: Even at a junior level, we value accountability. You’ll be responsible for meeting deadlines and communicating your progress clearly. Candidate Requirements Super Spline Studios aren’t looking for 10 years of experience; we are looking for potential. Your showreel is your strongest asset here. What You Bring to the Table The “Principles”: A demo reel that clearly demonstrates an eye for the 12 principles of animation (weight, anticipation, follow-through, etc.). Maya Proficiency: A solid working knowledge of Autodesk Maya for character animation. Passion: A genuine love for animation and video games. You should be the kind of person who breaks down frame-by-frame why a certain game’s combat feels so good. Soft Skills: Excellent communication skills and a “pleasant to work with” attitude. We are a small team, and culture fit is everything. Bonus Points: Any prior experience or “adjacent” knowledge of game engines (UE4/5 or Unity) is a significant advantage. Why Start Your Career at Super Spline? Super Spline Studios know that entry-level roles can be daunting, so we’ve built an environment that supports your growth without the “crunch” culture. The 4-Day Work Week: We believe in working smarter, not longer. Enjoy a three-day weekend every week to recharge your creative batteries. Mentorship: Work directly with senior-level talent who are invested in your career progression. Work Variety: Unlike larger studios where you might be stuck on “background birds” for a year, here you will work on gameplay, cinematics, mechanics, and more. Flexibility: Whether you prefer the energy of our Leamington Spa office or the comfort of a remote setup in Europe, we trust you to work where you’re most productive. Permanent Security: We are looking for a long-term team member to grow with us, not just a temporary contractor. How to Apply Ready to turn your passion into a career? We’d love to see what you can do. Please send a concise and friendly introductory email to jobs@supersplinestudios.com with the following: Subject Line: Junior Animator An updated Resume/CV. A link to your Showreel (highlighting your best hand-keyed work). Note: As this is a rare entry-level role, we expect a high volume of applications. Make sure your reel starts with your absolute best work!

Lead 3D Games Animator at Super Spline Studios, UK

Super Spline Studios_logo

At Super Spline Studios, we don’t just move characters; we give them a soul. Nestled in the historic game development hub of Leamington Spa—and stretching across Europe via our robust remote network—we are a premier animation powerhouse dedicated to high-fidelity movement. Whether it’s the snap of a stylized cartoon jump or the nuanced weight of a hyper-realistic cinematic performance, we strive for excellence in every frame. We are currently looking for a Lead 3D Games Animator to steer our creative ship. This is a role for a veteran of the craft—someone who has mastered the curve editor but also understands the logistical complexity of shipping AAA and indie titles alike. If you are a mentor, a technical problem-solver, and a world-class artist, we want to help you make awesome games. Job Overview Company Name: Super Spline Studios Job Title: Lead 3D Games Animator Location: Leamington Spa, United Kingdom (Office) or Remote (Europe-wide) Salary Range: Competitive / Negotiable based on seniority Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time Working Hours: 4-day work week with flexible hours Core Software: Autodesk Maya, Unreal Engine (4/5), Unity Application Email: jobs@supersplinestudios.com Key Responsibilities: Leadership & Artistry Your mission is two-fold: to lead the people and to perfect the pixels. You will be accountable for the animation department’s output and the professional growth of your team members. 1. Team Leadership & Mentorship Direct Supervision: Manage a team of internal animators and external freelancers, assigning workloads and ensuring all milestones are met. Mentorship: Conduct regular 1-to-1 feedback sessions, helping junior and mid-level animators hone their craft and adopt new workflows. Client Liaison: Act as the technical and creative point of contact for external clients, interpreting briefs and ensuring the final delivery exceeds expectations. Scheduling: Create realistic production schedules and take full accountability for delivery dates. 2. High-Level Animation Production Hand-Keyed Excellence: Create top-tier character, creature, and environmental animations using traditional hand-keyed techniques. Mocap Direction: Lead motion capture shoots and oversee the cleaning, editing, and implementation of mocap data into the game environment. Versatility: Seamlessly switch between art styles, ensuring “character and personality” are injected into every movement, regardless of the aesthetic. 3. Technical Integration & Pipeline Engine Implementation: Work directly within Unreal Engine 4/5 and Unity, setting up state machines, blend spaces, and animation Blueprints. Rigging & Skinning: Utilize your in-depth knowledge of Maya to troubleshoot rigs and ensure characters are optimized for the intended performance. Problem Solving: Proactively identify pipeline bottlenecks and implement new technologies to improve efficiency. Candidate Requirements Super Spline Studios is seeking a candidate who has “been in the trenches” and knows what it takes to get an animation-heavy title across the finish line. Experience & Professionalism Proven Track Record: Minimum of 7 years of industry experience in video games. Shipped titles are a must. Self-Management: Exceptional ability to manage your own time and the time of others without constant oversight. Communication: You must be a “pleasant professional”—someone who communicates clearly, takes feedback with grace, and offers constructive critiques to others. Technical Mastery Maya Expert: You should know Maya inside and out, specifically for character animation and rigging workflows. Engine Knowledge: Practical experience with state machines and animation implementation in UE4/UE5 and/or Unity. Mocap Literacy: Experience leading shoots and working with various motion capture technologies. Adaptability: A constant hunger to learn new tools and processes as the industry evolves in 2026 and beyond. What We Offer: The Super Spline Culture We believe that rested artists are better artists. That’s why we’ve built a studio culture that prioritizes your well-being and creative freedom. The 4-Day Week: We work hard, then we rest. Our four-day work week is designed to prevent burnout and give you a genuine life outside of the studio. Total Flexibility: Choose between our “relaxed” office in the heart of Leamington Spa—surrounded by fellow devs—or work from the comfort of your home anywhere in Europe. Variety of Work: One month you might be working on a high-octane FPS, the next a whimsical cartoony platformer. You will never get bored here. Professional Perks: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and the opportunity to attend “awesome events” throughout the gaming calendar. Continuous Learning: We encourage “Hack Days” and skill-sharing sessions to ensure you stay at the top of your game. How to Apply If you have the desire to make world-class games and the leadership skills to guide a team, we want to hear from you. Please send a concise but nice introductory email to jobs@supersplinestudios.com with the following: Subject Line: Lead Animator An updated Resume/CV. A link to your Showreel (highlighting both hand-keyed and technical engine work). Note: Due to the high volume of applications, we can only respond to successful candidates.

Camera Animator at Pixel Toys – Leamington Spa, 2026

pixel_toys_logo

Job Overview Company Name: Pixel Toys Job Title: Cinematics Camera Animator Industry: Game Development (Mobile / AAA) Department: Art Employment Type: 6-Month Fixed Term Contract Location: Leamington Spa Work Model: Hybrid (Studio & Remote) Seniority Level: Mid-Level Required Experience: Demonstrated experience in Layout, Previz, or Cinematics Salary: Competitive (Based on experience) Reporting To: Lead & Principal Animators Pixel Toys – Leamington Spa, Warwickshire (Hybrid) Pixel Toys is an award-winning developer located in the historic “Silicon Spa” hub of Leamington Spa. For over a decade, we have consistently pushed the boundaries of mobile and VR gaming, delivering high-fidelity experiences that rival console quality. Our portfolio includes acclaimed titles such as Warhammer 40,000: Freeblade and Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realm War. Pixel Toys currently at an exhilarating turning point as we develop a brand-new game that is unlike anything we have ever attempted before. To bring this vision to life, we are seeking a highly creative and technically proficient Cinematics Camera Animator for a 6-month fixed-term contract. Company Overview: The Pixel Toys Mission Based in the heart of Leamington Spa, we has spent over ten years redefining what is possible on mobile devices. Our mission is to combine the accessibility of mobile gaming with the depth and visual fidelity typically reserved for PC and console titles. As a forward-thinking and innovative studio, we are constantly exploring new technologies to make our games more engaging and immersive for a global audience. At Pixel Toys, we take pride in our progressive, inclusive, and collaborative environment. Pixel Toys believe that great art is born from a culture where everyone can be themselves and is valued for their unique contributions. We are looking for a motivated individual who shares our passion for gaming and our commitment to technical and artistic excellence. Role Overview as Camera Animator As a Cinematics Camera Animator, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and visual impact of our upcoming cutting-edge mobile title. This is a highly specialized position focused on crafting dynamic, high-quality camera sequences that elevate the player experience from a standard game to a cinematic masterpiece. You will step into a fast-paced production environment, working closely with our Lead and Principal Animators. While your primary focus is the “lens”—camera work, framing, and layout—you will also contribute to in-game and cinematic character animation. Your work will serve as the bridge between gameplay and storytelling, ensuring that every transition is seamless and every sequence is emotionally resonant. Key Responsibilities as Camera Animator 1. Cinematic Storytelling & Layout Design and execute compelling camera sequences that align with the game’s narrative and visual direction. Utilize Layout and Previz techniques to block out scenes and iterate on cinematic timing. Focus on framing, focal lengths, and camera movement to guide the player’s eye and enhance key story moments. 2. Animation Integration Collaborate with the animation team to integrate character performances with camera movements for a cohesive cinematic experience. Perform “quick fixes” and polishing on in-game and cinematic animations when necessary to maintain top-tier quality standards. Ensure all cinematic assets are optimized for mobile performance without sacrificing visual fidelity. 3. Technical Implementation & Troubleshooting Implement and test camera sequences within the Unity engine, ensuring they function correctly across various mobile hardware specifications. Troubleshoot technical issues related to camera clipping, transitions, and engine-specific constraints. Maintain a structured and organized workflow, ensuring all files and assets meet studio naming conventions and pipeline requirements. 4. Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration Work in lockstep with Art Leads to ensure the cinematic style remains consistent across the entire project. Communicate effectively with technical artists and programmers to ensure camera tools are functioning as intended. Qualifications & Technical Skills as Camera Animator The ideal candidate for this role is an artist who possesses the soul of a cinematographer and the technical precision of a game developer. Required Skills: Deep Understanding of Cinematography: You must have a strong eye for composition, lighting, and dynamic camera work. Animation Principles: A solid grasp of weight, timing, and squash-and-stretch is essential, even when focusing on camera work. Previz/Layout Experience: Proven professional experience in Layout, Previz, or Cinematics for games, television, or film. Unity Proficiency: Hands-on experience working within the Unity engine (or a similar game engine) is required for this role. 3D Generalist Knowledge: Broad CG knowledge and 3D generalist skills to assist with scene setup and minor asset adjustments. Preferred Qualifications: Mobile Experience: Familiarity with the specific constraints and opportunities of developing high-fidelity visuals for mobile/tablet platforms. Passion for Media: A genuine enthusiasm for TV, film, and modern game development trends. Adaptability: The ability to pivot between creative experimentation and technical polish within a fixed-term production cycle. Benefits and Perks at Pixel Toys as Camera Animator Pixel Toys offers a progressive work environment with a benefits package that supports both your professional growth and personal well-being: Competitive Salary: Reviewed annually to ensure we attract and retain top talent. Generous Leave: 25 days of annual leave (excluding bank holidays), plus up to 3 additional “Duvet Days” for long service. Health & Wellness: Private Medical Insurance (including optical and dental) and quarterly wellness days featuring on-site massages and health initiatives. Financial Protection: Company Pension scheme and Death in Service benefit. Culture & Socials: Regular studio socials, including legendary summer and Christmas parties. Flexibility: Flexi-time working hours and a hybrid work model to support a healthy work-life balance. Application Process Recruitment at Pixel Toys is based on a combination of skills, professional experience, and alignment with our mission and values. Portfolio Review: Your application must include a portfolio or showreel showcasing your cinematography, camera animation, and layout skills. Initial Interview: A conversation with our recruitment team to discuss your background and interest in the role. Technical Assessment: (If applicable) A task designed to demonstrate your proficiency in camera work and animation. Final Interview: A technical and cultural fit interview with the Lead and Principal Animators.

Pixel Toys hiring Lead Unity Programmer, Leamington 2026

pixel_toys_logo

Job Overview Company Name: Pixel Toys Job Title: Lead Unity Programmer Location: Leamington Spa (Hybrid) Department: Programming Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent Experience Level: Manager / Supervisor Salary: Competitive (Reviewed Annually) Core Tech Stack: Unity Engine, C# Industry: Game Development (Mobile & VR) Pixel Toys – Leamington Spa, Warwickshire (Hybrid) Pixel Toys is an award-winning developer located in the historic “Silicon Spa” hub of Leamington Spa. For over a decade, we have consistently pushed the boundaries of mobile and VR gaming, delivering high-fidelity experiences that rival console quality. Our portfolio includes acclaimed titles such as Warhammer 40,000: Freeblade and Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realm War. Pixel Toys currently at an exhilarating turning point as we develop a brand-new game that is unlike anything we have ever attempted before. To steer this ambitious journey, we are seeking a visionary Lead Unity Programmer to guide our engineering team and set the technical gold standard for our studio. The Vision: Why This Role Matters As the Lead Unity Programmer, you are the technical heartbeat of our development cycle. This is not just a management role; it is a position of strategic influence. You will step in at a critical stage where your leadership will directly determine how we squeeze every ounce of performance out of the latest mobile and tablet hardware. You will act as the vital link between high-level creative vision and technical reality. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with other discipline Leads and Directors, you will ensure that the final product reaches the peak of visual fidelity and user experience without compromising on stability or performance. Detailed Responsibilities: Your Impact Your mission is to lead a talented team of engineers toward the delivery of a best-in-class mobile experience. 1. Strategic Technical Leadership You will partner with Product Owners, Designers, and Artists to translate ambitious creative concepts into flawless technical implementations. You are responsible for setting the “gold standard” for code quality and technical processes across the project, ensuring the architecture is robust and scalable. 2. Roadmap & Planning In collaboration with the production team, you will define the technical roadmap. This involves: Crafting thorough technical plans that align with project milestones. Ensuring the project remains on track, within budget, and at the highest quality level. Proactively identifying technical risks and engineering creative solutions to mitigate them. 3. Mentorship and Team Growth You are an inspiring mentor first and a manager second. You will: Motivate your team to excel and push their individual boundaries. Provide constructive, actionable feedback through code reviews and one-on-ones. Foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation, staying open to new methodologies in an ever-evolving industry. 4. Hands-on Innovation While your focus is leadership, you remain a creative problem solver at heart. You will actively drive technical implementations, ensuring that the team utilizes modern coding methodologies and remains agile during fast-paced prototyping and feature iteration. Candidate Profile: Who You Are Pixel Toys looking for a seasoned engineering leader who balances deep technical expertise with high emotional intelligence. You should be a role model who empowers those around them. Technical Requirements Unity & C# Mastery: Extensive professional experience with Unity and a deep understanding of C# for mobile platforms. Proven Leadership: Previous experience in a Lead or Supervisory role, successfully commanding small-to-mid-sized engineering teams. Modern Methodologies: A solid grasp of SOLID principles, design patterns, and Agile development. Mobile Optimization: Deep knowledge of the technical hurdles inherent in mobile development, including memory management, thermal constraints, and GPU profiling. Soft Skills and Mindset Exceptional Communication: The ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical disciplines with ease, clarity, and a positive attitude. Proactive Problem Solving: You don’t wait for solutions to appear; you actively seek out bottlenecks and drive the team toward resolution. Passion for Excellence: A genuine drive to stay at the cutting edge of game technology while simultaneously refining your leadership craft. The Pixel Toys Culture: What We Offer At Pixel Toys, we have cultivated a progressive, inclusive, and collaborative environment. Pixel Toys believe that a happy team makes better games, which is why we provide a suite of benefits designed to support your life both inside and outside the studio. Comprehensive Benefits Package Financial Security: Competitive salary reviewed annually, a discretionary bonus scheme, and a company pension plan. Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance (including optical and dental), quarterly wellness days (on-site massages), and a Death in Service benefit. Work-Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), “Duvet Days” for long service, and flexi-time working hours. Studio Culture: Regular social events, including legendary summer and Christmas parties. Growth: Dedicated budgets for staff training and professional development to keep your skills sharp. Why Leamington Spa? Leamington Spa is widely recognized as the heart of the UK’s games industry, affectionately known as “Silicon Spa.” By joining Pixel Toys, you join a massive community of developers in a beautiful, historic town. Our hybrid working model allows you to enjoy the creative energy of our town-centre studio while maintaining the flexibility of working from home. Mission Fit: We value skills and experience, but we also look for a “mission fit.” We want people who are passionate about gaming and excited to join us on an ambitious journey to create world-class entertainment. Next Steps If you are ready to lead a high-performing team and build the next generation of mobile gaming, we want to hear from you.

Pixel Toys hiring Senior Server Programmer, 2026

pixel_toys_logo

Job Overview Company Name: Pixel Toys Job Title: Senior Server Programmer Location: Leamington Spa (Hybrid) Department: Programming / Engineering Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent Experience Level: Senior / Veteran (Multiple years in Server App Development) Salary: Competitive (Reviewed Annually) Core Tech Stack: C#, .NET, AWS (DynamoDB, Redis, RDS) Monitoring & CI/CD: Datadog, Kibana, Jenkins, CodeBuild Industry: Game Development (Mobile & VR) Pixel Toys – Leamington Spa, Warwickshire (Hybrid) Pixel Toys is a powerhouse of innovation located in the historic gaming hub of Leamington Spa. For over a decade, we have been at the forefront of mobile and VR development, crafting award-winning titles like Warhammer 40,000: Freeblade and Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realm War. Pixel Toys currently embarking on our most ambitious project yet—a title that breaks all our previous molds—and we are looking for a visionary Senior Server Programmer to join our Engineering team. In this role, you will be the technical guardian of our next-gen backends, building the high-performance infrastructure that powers a global AAA mobile title. The Vision: Why This Role Matters In the world of high-end mobile gaming, the server isn’t just a database—it’s the heartbeat of the player experience. As a Senior Server Programmer at Pixel Toys, you step into a position of significant influence. You won’t just follow a technical specification; you will contribute your own architectural vision to create sophisticated, efficient server systems capable of handling millions of concurrent requests from a global player base. Pixel Toys currently working on a project unlike anything in our portfolio. This is a “clean slate” opportunity to set studio-wide standards, define robust backend processes, and drive our technology forward. Your work will be the invisible backbone that allows our creative front-end features to shine, ensuring that player progress, multiplayer interactions, and live services function with zero friction. Detailed Responsibilities: Your Impact Your mission is to ensure that our backend infrastructure is as stable as it is performant, bridging the gap between game design and technical reality. 1. Architectural Leadership & Design You will take full ownership of the planning and development for entire features and complex systems. This involves creating thorough technical designs that invite peer validation, ensuring that quality and scalability are “baked in” from day one. You are expected to look at the “big picture,” ensuring that the server architecture can support the game’s longevity. 2. Performance & Security Optimization In a live-service environment, bottlenecks are the enemy. You will dive deep into profiling and optimizing critical code, identifying performance lags and security risks before they ever impact the user. Your mastery of C# and .NET will be utilized to write clean, high-throughput code that minimizes latency and maximizes server efficiency. 3. Mentorship & Studio Standards As a Senior member of the team, you serve as a vital mentor to junior and mid-level programmers. You will advocate for coding best practices, perform rigorous code reviews, and foster a culture of continuous learning. Your years of experience will help the team accurately estimate tasks and proactively mitigate technical debt. 4. Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration You will work in lockstep with Game Designers, Artists, and Client-side Developers. Your role is to distill complex server architecture into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders across all disciplines, ensuring that technical constraints are understood and creative goals are met. Candidate Profile: Who You Are Pixel Toys is looking for an engineering veteran who approaches every challenge with a proactive, “can-do” attitude and a deep passion for the art of game making. Technical Requirements C# / .NET Mastery: You possess a deep, architectural understanding of coding patterns and methodologies that allow for scale and longevity. Cloud Infrastructure (AWS): Extensive hands-on experience with the AWS ecosystem, specifically DynamoDB, Redis, and AWS RDS. Observability & Monitoring: Familiarity with tools like Datadog, Kibana, or PagerDuty to maintain high uptime and rapid incident response. DevOps Integration: A firm grasp of CI/CD pipelines using tools such as Jenkins, Codebuild, or Spinnaker. Agile Mindset: You excel in an Agile environment, using your experience to navigate sprints and manage technical risks effectively. Soft Skills and Mindset Creative Problem Solver: You don’t just fix bugs; you identify the root cause and engineer systemic solutions. Exceptional Communicator: You can explain “server-side magic” to non-technical team members with ease and clarity. Technical Quality Advocate: Your commitment to clean code and technical excellence is unwavering. You take pride in troubleshooting intricate compatibility and concurrency issues with precision. The Pixel Toys Culture: What We Offer At Pixel Toys, we are proud of the progressive, inclusive, and collaborative environment we’ve built. We believe that professional excellence is fueled by a healthy work-life balance and a supportive community. Comprehensive Benefits Package Financial Growth: Competitive salary with annual reviews and a discretionary bonus scheme based on performance. Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance (including optical and dental coverage), plus quarterly Wellness days featuring on-site massages and health initiatives. Generous Time Off: 25 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with up to 3 additional “Duvet Days” awarded for long service. Future Planning: A robust company pension scheme and Death in Service benefits for peace of mind. Work-Life Balance: Flexi-time working hours and a hybrid model that respects your time and commitments. Social Life: Regular studio-wide socials, including “epic” summer and Christmas parties that celebrate our collective success. Professional Development: Dedicated budgets and time for staff training, ensuring you stay at the cutting edge of C# .NET and server security. Why Leamington Spa? Leamington Spa, often referred to as “Silicon Spa,” is one of the UK’s premier hubs for game development. By joining Pixel Toys, you become part of a tight-knit community of thousands of developers in a beautiful, historic town. Leamington offers a high quality of life with excellent local amenities, independent shops, and award-winning parks—all while being a short distance from major cities like Birmingham and London. Our hybrid working model ensures you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the high-energy, collaborative atmosphere of our heart-of-the-city studio, and the focused flexibility of working from home. Next Steps … Read more

Pixel Toys hiring Build / Tools Engineer, Warwickshire 2026

pixel_toys_logo

Job Overview Company Name: Pixel Toys Job Title: Build / Tools Engineer Location: Leamington Spa, Warwickshire (Hybrid) Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent Salary: Competitive (Reviewed Annually) Experience Level: Experienced / Senior Industry: Game Development (Mobile & VR) Tech Stack: Unity, C#, Python/Bash, Jenkins / TeamCity, Git / Perforce Key Platforms: iOS and Android Pixel Toys is a powerhouse of innovation located in the historic gaming hub of Leamington Spa. For over a decade, we have been at the forefront of mobile and VR development, crafting award-winning titles like Warhammer 40,000: Freeblade and Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realm War. We are currently embarking on our most ambitious project yet—a title that breaks all our previous molds—and we are looking for a dedicated Build / Tools Engineer to join our DevOps team and fortify the foundation of our development pipeline. The Vision: Why This Role Matters In the high-stakes world of mobile gaming, the difference between a successful launch and a technical failure often lies in the “plumbing”—the infrastructure that allows code to move from a developer’s workstation to a player’s device. As a Build Engineer at Pixel Toys, you aren’t just maintaining scripts; you are the architect of our delivery speed. Pixel Toys at a critical juncture of growth. Our studio is modernizing its infrastructure to support increasingly complex game systems. This role places you at the center of that evolution. You will move beyond the traditional “support” mindset, acting instead as a proactive innovator who identifies bottlenecks before they occur and implements clever automation to keep our creative teams moving at full throttle. Detailed Responsibilities: Your Impact Your mission is to ensure that the journey from “code complete” to “player ready” is as seamless and fault-tolerant as possible. 1. Pipeline Architecture and CI/CD Management You will be the primary owner of our Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. This involves designing and implementing systems that power our Unity-based mobile projects. Whether we are deploying to cloud environments or utilizing on-premises hardware, you will ensure these systems are scalable, secure, and—most importantly—fast. 2. Cross-Platform Mastery Gaming is a multi-platform endeavor. You will manage complex configurations specific to iOS (Xcode) and Android (Gradle). Your expertise will ensure that platform-specific nuances do not slow down our release cycles. You will also lead the integration of automated testing frameworks directly into the pipeline, catching bugs at the earliest possible stage. 3. Strategic Collaboration and Infrastructure You will act as the “technical bridge” between disparate departments: With IT: To ensure hardware and network infrastructure support our build demands. With QA: To provide stable builds and automated reporting tools. With Release Teams: To ensure milestones are met with performant, high-quality builds. 4. Real-time Problem Solving The development environment is dynamic. You will monitor dashboards and troubleshoot build failures in real-time. When a critical build breaks on the eve of a milestone, you are the calm voice and the steady hand that diagnoses the issue, documents the fix, and prevents it from happening again. Candidate Profile: Who You Are Pixel Toys is looking for an engineer who blends technical mastery with a “can-do” spirit. You likely have a background in mobile games, but we also value experience from other high-stakes software industries where delivery stability is paramount. Technical Requirements Unity Expertise: Deep understanding of Unity C# development workflows and the specific build requirements of mobile platforms. Scripting Proficiency: Advanced skills in Python, Bash, or PowerShell to automate repetitive tasks and extend tool functionality. Build Systems: Hands-on experience with industry-standard tools such as Jenkins, TeamCity, or AWS CodeBuild. Version Control: Professional fluency in both Git and Perforce (Helix Core). Platform Tools: Comfort navigating the inner workings of Xcode for iOS and Gradle for Android. Soft Skills and Mindset The “Proactive” Gene: You don’t wait for things to break; you are constantly looking for ways to sharpen delivery and enhance the development lifecycle. Exceptional Communication: You can translate complex technical infrastructure challenges into actionable information for stakeholders. Resilience: You thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy the “detective work” involved in debugging complex build failures. The Pixel Toys Culture: What We Offer Pixel Toys believe that great games are made by happy, supported people. We have built a progressive and inclusive environment where every voice is valued. Comprehensive Benefits Package Financial Security: Competitive annual salary reviews, a discretionary bonus scheme, and a company pension plan. Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance (including dental and optical), quarterly wellness days featuring on-site massages, and a Death in Service benefit. Work-Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), “Duvet Days” for long service, and flexi-time working hours to suit your lifestyle. Social & Growth: Regular studio socials, epic summer and Christmas parties, and dedicated budgets for staff training and professional development. Why Leamington Spa? Based in the “Silicon Spa,” Pixel Toys is part of one of the UK’s most vibrant gaming clusters. Choosing to work with us means joining a community of developers in a beautiful, historic town that offers a high quality of life, excellent local amenities, and a collaborative industry atmosphere. Our Mission Fit: At Pixel Toys, recruitment is based on more than just a checklist of skills. We look for individuals who align with our mission to push the boundaries of mobile entertainment and who embody our values of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Next Steps If you are a self-motivated team player with a passion for DevOps and a desire to build world-class infrastructure, Pixel Toys want to hear from you.