About Company
Sumo Digital is one of the UK’s leading independent developers of high-end console games. With multiple studios across the UK and Europe, including our flagship studio in Sheffield, we are renowned for our creative talent and technical expertise. We partner with some of the world’s biggest publishers and brands, creating award-winning titles across various platforms and genres. Our team thrives on innovation, collaboration, and a shared passion for crafting extraordinary interactive experiences. We pride ourselves on a supportive and inclusive culture where every team member is valued and empowered to contribute their best work. Joining Sumo Digital means becoming part of a vibrant community committed to pushing the boundaries of game development and delivering memorable entertainment to millions of players worldwide.
Job Description
We are seeking a talented and passionate Game Developer to join our dynamic team in Sheffield, focusing on interactive software experiences. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in bringing our creative visions to life, working across the full development lifecycle of exciting new projects. You will collaborate closely with designers, artists, and other programmers to implement robust, high-performance game features, systems, and tools. This is an incredible opportunity to apply your technical skills and creativity to develop engaging gameplay mechanics, optimize performance, and ensure a seamless player experience. You will contribute to core game logic, UI systems, AI behaviors, physics interactions, and various engine-level functionalities. We are looking for someone with a strong foundation in game development principles, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a drive to create exceptional interactive software. If you thrive in a collaborative environment, possess a keen eye for detail, and are eager to make a significant impact on globally recognized titles, we encourage you to apply. This role offers continuous learning opportunities, the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to projects that truly captivate audiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement core gameplay features, systems, and mechanics using C++ and relevant game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
- Collaborate with game designers and artists to translate concepts and art assets into functional, engaging game experiences.
- Write clean, efficient, well-documented, and maintainable code.
- Optimize game performance, memory usage, and stability across various platforms.
- Debug and resolve complex technical issues and bugs.
- Contribute to the design and architecture of new game systems and tools.
- Actively participate in code reviews, sharing knowledge and best practices with the team.
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends, technologies, and best practices in game development.
- Provide technical support and expertise to other departments as needed.
- Help mentor junior developers and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Required Skills
- Proficiency in C++ programming language.
- Solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming.
- Experience with at least one major game engine (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
- Strong debugging and problem-solving skills.
- Familiarity with game development pipelines and methodologies.
- Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, Perforce).
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Game Development, or a related technical field.
- Experience shipping at least one commercial game title.
- Knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Python, Lua).
- Familiarity with console development environments (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch).
- Experience with network programming for multiplayer games.
- Understanding of rendering pipelines and graphics programming.
- Portfolio demonstrating relevant game development projects.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive private medical and dental insurance.
- Generous holiday allowance, increasing with service.
- Company pension scheme.
- Flexible working hours and opportunities for hybrid working (where applicable).
- Life assurance and income protection.
- Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.
- Regular social events, team activities, and company parties.
- Access to an employee assistance program for wellbeing support.
- Free snacks, drinks, and fresh fruit in the office.
- On-site gaming facilities and opportunities for playtesting.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to bring your passion for game development to a world-class studio, we’d love to hear from you! Please click on the application link below to submit your resume and cover letter. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and any portfolio links.