Lead Gameplay Programmer
Listed on 2026-02-20
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Software Development
Game Development / Testing, Software Engineer, C++ Developer, Software Architect
Overview
People Can Fly (PCF) is an independent AAA game development studio founded in 2002, known for titles such as Painkiller, Bullet storm, Gears of War:
Judgment, and Outriders. PCF continues to expand its expertise in Unreal Engine and is developing new IPs and collaborations, including Gears of War: E-Day, Project Echo, and Lost Rift. The studio has international offices across Poland, the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, and remote talent worldwide.
This position is open to candidates based in Canada with relevant experience in the game industry as a Lead Gameplay Programmer and strong proficiency in C++.
Responsibilities- Lead the Gameplay Programming team to deliver engaging player experiences while maintaining a motivating environment.
- Assign tasks, monitor progress, and provide constructive feedback to team members.
- Conduct performance reviews and support career development for direct reports.
- Foster work-life balance, set clear expectations, and empower team members to propose solutions.
- Utilize data such as pulse checks and satisfaction scores to inform decisions.
- Collaborate with other Leads, Directors, and departments to build trust and achieve project objectives.
- Follow the Director’s vision, seek advice, and relay relevant information to project leaders.
- Autonomously complete tasks and features on time.
- Collaborate with PCF Framework to integrate shared components and enhance stability.
- Work closely with Principal(s) and project Architect to implement high-quality features and code, proactively identifying and addressing risk.
- Participate in code reviews to share knowledge and learn from teammates.
- Stay informed of best practices and technical solutions used at PCF.
- Plan development schedules and assign tasks to the programming team.
- Oversee gameplay features from design conception to implementation.
- Collaborate with Designers to ensure all gameplay features provide fun and engaging experiences.
- Establish and document best practices for scripting and feature implementations.
- Develop and maintain the systems architecture for other developers.
- Test, debug, profile, and optimize gameplay implementations.
- Supervise documentation created by team members.
- Strong mentoring and leadership skills.
- Excellent primary programming language skills (C++).
- Proficient with Source Control and Code Review tools (Swarm, Perforce, Git, etc.).
- Proficient with Project Management Software (JIRA, Confluence, etc.).
- Experience with multiple game engines.
- A keen sense of what makes gameplay systems fun.
- Ability to work with game developers from all disciplines.
- Strong 3D math knowledge.
- Strong familiarity with AI, physics, animation and gameplay code.
- Experience with profiling and optimizations.
- Experience working on consoles such as the PS5.
- Ability to write solid, reliable, efficient code.
- 8+ years experience working in console/PC games, prior leadership capacity, production of at least 2 titles.
- Nice to have:
Experience with other programming languages (C# and Python). - Nice to have:
Experience working on multiplayer games.
- Benefit package fully paid by PCF; insurance reimburses 100% of claims up to $1000 per service a year, plus individual family coverage.
- 4% RRSP matching before tax deductions; 100% vested on day 1.
- Paid week off during the Winter Holidays.
- 20 paid vacation days and 5 paid sick days.
- Free virtual health and mental well-being sessions for members and dependents.
- Personal development opportunities and global work environment.
- Creative team with passionate people.
Mid-Senior level
Employment typeFull-time
Job functionEngineering and Information Technology
IndustryComputer Games
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