Lead Game Developer (Free to Play/Instant Games)
Lead Game Developer (Free to Play/Instant Games)

Lead Game Developer (Free to Play/Instant Games)

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Midnite

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of exciting F2P games using cutting-edge web technologies.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team at Midnite, shaping the future of gaming.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, comprehensive health coverage, and 25 paid holidays.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on game design and gameplay quality in a fun environment.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in game development with strong JavaScript/TypeScript skills.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

We are looking for a Lead Game Developer to take technical ownership of a new suite of F2P (Free to play) / instant games, built using web-based game technology (e.g. Phaser, Pixi.js, PlayCanvas) and delivered inside the main Midnite native app. You’ll work as part of a small, autonomous product team, taking a hands‑on ownership role in shaping the design, technical approach, and gameplay quality of the games we ship.

Working closely with product, art, and engineering partners, you’ll turn ideas into polished, high‑quality playable experiences, with full responsibility for how games are built and delivered.

What You’ll Do

  • Have full ownership and technical direction of our F2P / instant games, setting standards for architecture, performance, and gameplay feel.
  • Build and ship core gameplay mechanics using Phaser, Pixi.js, or similar WebGL‑based frameworks.
  • Work closely with the Lead Artist to implement animations, interactions, and visual polish.
  • Ensure games are fast, visually‑rich, and stable across mobile devices and in‑app WebViews.
  • Integrate games with backend services for outcomes, prizes, analytics, and configuration.
  • Work with native app, platform, and product teams to integrate games cleanly into the Midnite app; align on technical constraints and capabilities; and ensure games meet product, compliance, and operational requirements.
  • Collaborate with native app teams on WebView integration, fullscreen presentation, and lifecycle handling.
  • Set and uphold engineering standards for game development, including code quality, performance, and maintainability.
  • Review code, provide technical guidance, and mentor future game developers as the team grows.

Requirements

  • 5+ years experience building games or real‑time interactive experiences.
  • Experience working in casino, iGaming, betting, or instant games.
  • Strong experience with JavaScript / TypeScript.
  • Proven hands‑on experience with Phaser, Pixi.js, or similar HTML5/WebGL frameworks.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical decisions and own gameplay architecture.
  • Familiarity with server‑authoritative or deterministic game logic in regulated or high‑trust product environments.
  • Strong understanding of animation and tweening; input handling; and performance optimisation on mobile and web.
  • Confident collaborating across disciplines and translating product needs into technical solutions.
  • Ability to communicate technical concepts and processes to non‑technical teams.
  • Contribute creatively and collaborate on game design discussions.

Nice To Have But Not Essential

  • Experience with 2D physics systems or fake‑3D techniques.
  • Familiarity with WebGL performance constraints and asset pipelines.
  • Interest in or experience adapting to PlayCanvas / Three.js / Unity if 3D is ever required.

Benefits

  • Shape our future: Play a key role in our team's success, where your voice matters, and you’ll have a direct impact on shaping Midnite's future.
  • Connect and unwind: Take part in our quarterly gatherings where our community comes together to bond and have fun.
  • Comprehensive health coverage: Look after your well‑being with our outstanding zero‑excess health insurance plan, which includes optical and dental coverage.
  • Income Protection: A great plan for looking after your income and providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
  • Simplify life: Take advantage of our nursery salary sacrifice scheme, allowing you to conveniently pay your child's nursery fees straight from your paycheck.
  • Work‑life balance: Enjoy 25 paid holidays a year, plus generous paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, supporting you during life's most important moments.
  • Productive home office: We provide everything you need for a comfortable and ergonomic home setup, ensuring you’re as productive as possible.
  • Flexible working: We embrace flexible working, allowing you to adjust your schedule when life’s unexpected moments arise.
  • Latest tech made easy: With our salary sacrifice schemes, you can upgrade to the latest gadgets, household items, and mobile tech without the upfront cost.
  • Exclusive perks: Enjoy a wide range of discounts on retailers, groceries, and subscriptions, making life a little more affordable.
  • Grow with us: Expand your skills through internal and external learning opportunities while benefiting from access to mentorship programs that support your development.
  • Transparent compensation: We provide competitive pay with clear team bandings and salary grids, ensuring that salary discussions are simple and fair.
  • Constructive feedback: We foster a transparent culture, encouraging individual feedback and review sessions to help everyone improve.

At Midnite, we are committed to creating equal opportunities for everyone. We actively strive to build balanced teams that reflect the diversity of our communities, including ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, the LGBTQIA+ community, and all genders. We aim to provide an inclusive and supportive interview experience for all candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please let us know in advance so we can ensure you feel comfortable and set up for success.

Lead Game Developer (Free to Play/Instant Games) employer: Midnite

At Midnite, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where your contributions directly shape the future of our innovative gaming products. With comprehensive health coverage, flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on employee growth through mentorship and learning opportunities, we ensure that our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in a collaborative environment that values creativity and technical excellence, all while enjoying exclusive perks and a supportive community.
Midnite

Contact Detail:

Midnite Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Game Developer (Free to Play/Instant Games)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the gaming industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best game development projects, especially those using Phaser or Pixi.js. This is your chance to demonstrate your technical prowess and creativity, so make it shine!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and gameplay mechanics. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you tackled challenges. Practice makes perfect, so consider mock interviews with friends or mentors.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Midnite!

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Game Developer (Free to Play/Instant Games)

JavaScript
TypeScript
Phaser
Pixi.js
WebGL
Game Development
Gameplay Architecture
Animation and Tweening
Performance Optimisation
Collaboration Skills
Technical Communication
Code Quality Standards
Mentoring
Server-Authoritative Game Logic

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience with game development and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We’re a team that values creativity and collaboration, so showing us who you are can really make you stand out.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for this role. Reference the specific responsibilities and requirements from the job description to show us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining our team.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Midnite

✨Know Your Tech Stack

Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, like Phaser and Pixi.js. Brush up on your JavaScript and TypeScript skills, as you'll need to demonstrate your technical prowess during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves taking ownership and leading technical decisions, be prepared to discuss your past experiences in leading projects. Share specific examples of how you've guided teams and made impactful decisions in game development.

✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions

This position requires working closely with various teams, so expect questions about collaboration. Think of examples where you’ve successfully worked with artists or product teams to turn ideas into polished games, and be ready to explain your approach.

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities

Be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios related to game performance and stability. Show how you would approach optimising gameplay for mobile devices or integrating backend services, highlighting your analytical thinking and creativity.

Lead Game Developer (Free to Play/Instant Games)
Midnite

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