Gameplay Programmer in Sheffield

Secret Mode is building a talented new group of developers who want to be part of a close-knit, studio-based team in Sheffield city centre. They will support the development of Secret Mode's back catalogue, which includes acclaimed titles like Escape the Backrooms and Chained Together. Initially, the role will focus on Unreal Engine, but the team will need to adapt to the engines used by each product.

We are looking to recruit a Gameplay Programmer to implement new game systems and support the expansion of content in our games. They will program in C++ and Blueprint to help us craft the high-calibre games our fans have come to expect.

Gameplay programmers are at the heart of our team, responsible for bringing new experiences to our players, from expansive new maps and DLC to the quality-of-life improvements our community values most. You will work across a diverse range of titles and engines, ensuring that gameplay remains fluid, engaging, and technically optimised across all platforms.

You will collaborate closely with designers, artists, and fellow programmers throughout the studio, bringing an instinct for how the game feels, not just how it's built. We are looking for someone who thrives on solving challenging creative problems and wants to grow their career within a supportive, close-knit studio.

You will be joining products with an established and passionate player base, so this role suits someone who is excited to build on what already exists rather than start from a blank page. You will care about our community's expectations and take pride in evolving titles that players already love.

Role overview – key responsibilities

• Work closely with the creative teams to implement compelling gameplay features and systems. You will take designs from concept to execution, ensuring they are fun, polished, and bug-free.
• Work on all aspects of systems of the game: gameplay, UI, audio, animation, scripting, tools and engine features.
• Ensure gameplay logic remains consistent across PC, Console, and Mobile when porting titles. You will adapt input systems, UI layouts, and gameplay balancing to fit the specific technical requirements of each new platform.
• Act as an active participant in the design and production process. You will be the technical side of the creative team and the first line of feedback for feature feasibility.
• Produce clean and robust code, following all standards and guidelines, including the use of automated testing processes.
• Resolve platform-specific bugs and performance bottlenecks to ensure a frictionless launch on new hardware.
• Own the planning and development of large bodies of work, with minimal supervision.
• Help scope features and advise on best ways to implement them.

Skills and experience you need

• Proven industry experience as a programmer on one or more console/PC titles.
• Strong C++ skills, including profiling, debugging and optimising code.
• Industry experience of working with commercial proprietary engines.
• Solid understanding of code architecture best practices.
• Ability to think like a designer to create compelling and fun gameplay.
• A willingness to experiment and iterate on a specific feature.
• Excellent knowledge of core AI concepts such as state machines and pathfinding.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Passion for making and playing great games.
• A collaborative approach to work, with a willingness to take on responsibility.
• Ability to work effectively and independently, taking ownership of your own work.
• Passion for gaming and game development.

Skills and experience it would be great to have

• Experience of working on current-generation consoles.
• Familiarity with building data-driven and scalable gameplay features.
• Experience with TDD and ECS.
• Experience with multi-threaded programming.

Travel requirements

This role requires you to be in our Sheffield studio for four days a week, with an optional work-from-home day on Fridays. It may also involve occasional travel to events.

Please note that this role is only open to applicants who have the right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to offer sponsorship or consider applications from outside the UK.

Benefits

• Flexitime working hours.
• Pension Scheme.
• Benefits platform with company-funded allowance, which includes:
• Income Protection and Life cover.
• Private Healthcare coverage.
• Critical Illness.
• Online GP.