Gameplay Programmer

We build ground-breaking games and content for some of the world’s biggest publishers including Microsoft, Sony, Apple and Sega. Sheffield is our largest studio and headquarters, situated just north-east of the city centre, where we’ve built and contributed to some of the world’s best-loved game franchises.

It’s an exciting time to be part of Sumo, winners of the Develop: Star Awards 2019 Best Studio and GI Biz 2020 Best Places to Work; big things are on the horizon and we want you to be part of our continued journey. Join us!

We are looking for a Gameplay Programmer to join us on an exciting new multiplayer arcade/sports title. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal role in directly contributing to the game’s “fun feel.”

In this highly collaborative role, you will develop gameplay features and systems from the ground up. You will contribute to the programming team’s collective knowledge and help to architect, plan and troubleshoot development, in order to deliver on the high-level arcade-fun-feel vision for the game.

As a Gameplay Programmer working with the project’s Technical Leadership, you will help to create and maintain best practices for the gameplay code team. In this role, you will be a champion for quality across the project and collaborate with all disciplines in the delivery of an exciting new AAA franchise.

You will join an experienced group of talented developers who share a passion for creating AAA quality games. Your skills and perspective will complement a team built on transparency, trust, and integrity; a team who are not afraid to challenge ourselves in the pursuit of excellence.

Within this role you will:
Work closely with Code Leadership to plan, estimate, and write high-quality performant gameplay code

Work closely with Design to review gameplay feature specifications and provide input where possible

Prototype and implement impactful gameplay features and systems

Design, write and test efficient code that meets and exceeds internal quality criteria

Contribute to regular code reviews, championing code quality and best practices

We need you to have:
3+ years games industry experience

Excellent working knowledge of C++

Experienced in developing gameplay features and systems on at least one published title

Understanding of what makes a feature “feel” great

Be receptive to feedback, evolving Designs and iteration

Excellent communication skills

You will also need to:
Think critically, and apply analytical skills in resolving complex issues

Author technical designs

Mentor less experienced programmers

Nice to haves:
Console programming experience

What We Offer:

• Annual Bonus
• Share Incentive Plan
• Competitive Pension
• Flexible Working
• 27 Days Holiday, including your birthday. a duvet day and Christmas
• 5 Learning Days
• Access to 4,000 Udemy Courses
• Game & Book Libraries
• Wrap Parties
• Alternative Travel Prize Draw
• The Sumo GameJam
• Big Family Events
• Studio clubs, inc. running, board games, film…
• Life Drawing
• Yoga Classes
• Free fruit & drinks
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Career Development
• Competitive Mat/Paternity & Adoption
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance 4x Salary
• Income Protection of 75%
• Relocation Support to the UK
• Visa Sponsorship

We are a diverse mix of fantastic people, although some groups are still under-represented in our studios. We are working to remove obstacles that can make it difficult for those groups to progress their careers in the games industry. We welcome applications from under-represented people in the gaming industry, including, but not limited to BAME, LGBQT+, women, people with physical disabilities, neurodiversity or mental health issues, and parents or carers.

More About The Sumo Sheffield Studio:
Our environment is relaxed, friendly and built upon the basis of every team member having the opportunity to shine and have a realisable input into the games we create. We are a very happy ship with lots of incredibly nice people that partake in shared interest groups, lunchtime clubs, charity fundraising events and lots of socialising.

We are proud to be located in Sheffield, just off J34 of the M1 offering easy road and rail access from Leeds, Manchester and the Midlands. Sheffield itself enjoys wealth of facilities including world class sporting facilities, stunning theatres and galleries, the National Video Game Museum, shopping, restaurants and incredible parks and green spaces – all on the doorstep of the beautiful Peak District National Park. We love it here.