IGG Canada is not just a studio; it is a “Supergroup” of industry veterans and creative innovators. IGG Canada are the architects behind mobile experiences that captivate millions of active players daily. As we prepare to move into our flagship, high-tech studio at 988 West Broadway, we are looking for a Senior Game Backend Developer who is ready to tackle the complexities of massive-scale distributed systems and real-time multiplayer architecture.

In this role, you aren’t just writing code—you are ensuring the heartbeat of our digital worlds remains steady, scalable, and secure. You will join our ZQ Game division, focusing on 3D stylish mobile titles that push the boundaries of current hardware and network capabilities.

1. Architectural Design & Core Development

You will be the primary steward of our server-side ecosystem, ensuring that our games can handle millions of concurrent requests with minimal latency.

• Server Frameworks: Design, implement, and maintain the core server architecture. This includes the development of robust backend modules that power everything from player authentication to complex inventory management.
• Real-Time Battle Systems: A critical component of this role involves developing and optimizing real-time battle synchronization. You will work on low-latency networking solutions to ensure a seamless competitive experience for players worldwide.
• System Scalability: Build for the future. You will architect systems that scale horizontally, ensuring our infrastructure stays ahead of player growth during global launches and major updates.

2. Performance Optimization & Risk Mitigation

High-performance gaming requires a relentless focus on efficiency and stability.

• Refining the Framework: Continuously audit and optimize the server framework. You will identify bottlenecks in the code and database queries, applying advanced C++ optimizations to reduce CPU and memory footprints.
• Stability & Security: Proactively identify potential system risks, including security vulnerabilities and data integrity issues. You will be responsible for disaster recovery planning and ensuring long-term service uptime (99.9%+).
• Distributed Challenges: Solve the unique problems associated with distributed systems, such as data consistency across multiple regions and efficient load balancing.

3. Collaborative Engineering

IGG Canada believe the best games are built through cross-functional synergy.

• Designer Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with Game Designers to translate creative gameplay concepts into viable technical specifications. You will help determine the feasibility of new features and provide technical alternatives where necessary.
• Internal Tooling: Develop and maintain a suite of backend development tools. These tools are essential for improving the team’s workflow, allowing for faster deployment and easier debugging of live-service environments.
• Code Standards: Lead by example. You will maintain and enforce high standards of code quality, focusing on readability, reusability, and comprehensive documentation.

Professional Experience

• The Veteran Standard: You must have 5+ years of professional experience in backend development specifically for online or mobile games.
• Industry Success: A proven track record of participating in at least one full production cycle (from pre-production to live-ops) for a major mobile title.
• SLG Specialist: Direct experience working on Strategy (SLG) games is considered a significant asset. Understanding the specific backend needs of persistent-world strategy games will set you apart.

Technical Mastery

• Expert-Level C++: Deep proficiency in C++ is non-negotiable. You should have a solid grasp of modern C++ standards, memory management, and performance-critical programming.
• Network & Multithreading: Solid understanding of TCP/UDP network communication, socket programming, and the complexities of multithreaded server environments.
• Database Expertise: Hands-on experience with both NoSQL and SQL databases, specifically MongoDB and MySQL. You should know when to use each and how to optimize them for high-frequency access.
• Distributed Systems: Familiarity with microservices architecture and distributed computing. You should be able to provide mature, effective solutions for data sharding and synchronization.

Soft Skills & Culture Fit

• Resilient Communicator: Strong communication skills are vital. You must be able to explain technical constraints to non-technical stakeholders and manage the healthy stress that comes with live-service game launches.
• Collaborative Spirit: You thrive in a team environment and enjoy mentoring junior developers while contributing positively to the overall studio culture.

IGG Canada take care of our “Superheroes” with a comprehensive suite of rewards designed for long-term well-being and career growth.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage available after 3 months. We also offer an “Active Living” reimbursement to support your fitness goals.
• Time Off: 18 days of accrued paid vacation plus sick days. We also observe a Paid Holiday Closure between Christmas and New Year’s, in addition to all statutory holidays.
• Financial Security: RRSP matching program available after one year of service to help you plan for the future.
• Family Support: Specialized Dependent/Child benefits and special gifts for employees’ children during festive seasons.
• Commuter Friendly: Monthly commuter allowance (after 3 months) and on-site car and bike parking.
• Daily Perks: A standard 10 am to 6 pm workday (with paid lunch), on-site gym, casual dress code, and a kitchen stocked with snacks and drinks. We also host monthly team lunches to celebrate our milestones.