Game Programmer – Japan & Global Game Development

Keywords Studios · Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

  • Junior
  • Contract
  • Posted 2026-09-14
  • Confirmed live on 25 September 2026

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Job description

Job Description
Applicants must be currently residing in Japan and possess valid authorization to work in Japan.

■ Position Overview
We are seeking a Game Programmer to support technical implementation across game projects of varying scope — from small-scale productions up through AAA titles. This is an individual contributor role focused on hands-on development of gameplay systems, prototyping, and tooling within our prototype-driven environment. Working under the direct supervision from Technical Director and alongside senior engineers, you will implement game mechanics, contribute to reusable libraries, and grow your expertise across multiple engines — primarily Unreal Engine C++, with exposure to additional platforms as projects require. You will be supported throughout the transition from prototype to co-development or full production, receiving guidance across areas such as CI/CD, gameplay development, tooling, automation, and reusable library development.
We are especially interested in curious programmers who enjoy prototyping, experimenting with new approaches (ECS architecture, automation workflows, custom tools), and building systems that make other people's work easier. Whether you're drawn to gameplay programming, tooling, or the intersection of both — if you're eager to learn and ready to contribute from day one, we'd like to hear from you.

■ Key Responsibilities
Technical Implementation & Prototyping

• Feature Development: Implement gameplay systems and mechanics under the guidance of senior engineers, translating design concepts into functional code.

• Rapid Prototyping: Build iterative prototypes to test new gameplay ideas and support project pitches, focusing on proof of concept, playability, and feel.

• Library Contribution: Contribute to existing reusable technical libraries and frameworks (networking, simulation, core utilities) following established patterns. Learn to design modular, decoupled systems — such as ECS architectures — that scale cleanly across projects.

• Engine Versatility: Work primarily in Unreal Engine C++, while adapting to and supporting other platforms or engines as project requirements evolve.

Tooling & Workflow Support

• Developer Experience: Create and optimize internal tools and editor extensions that empower designers and artists to work more independently and efficiently.

• Pipeline Support: Assist with the automation of technical workflows and CI/CD pipelines to improve build stability and deployment speed.

• Systems Optimization: Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, ensuring smooth gameplay and stability across different hardware targets.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

• Design Partnership: Work as a technical partner to designers and producers, providing feedback on technical feasibility and proposing practical solutions to creative challenges.

• Global Coordination: Collaborate with distributed teams across different regions, ensuring technical alignment and consistent implementation of features.

• Team Engagement: Share progress openly, flag blockers early, and actively participate in technical discussions to help the team find the best path forward.

• Documentation: Proactively maintain clear technical notes and documentation for the systems you build to support team scaling and knowledge sharing.

Technical Growth & Quality

• Engineering Practices: Adopt test-driven development (TDD) and write unit tests for critical gameplay logic, ensuring reliability and confidence in refactoring.

• Continuous Learning: Proactively experiment with new patterns and industry trends to bring innovative technical solutions to the team.

• Peer Review: Participate in code reviews, receiving guidance from senior engineers to improve your craft while providing constructive feedback to teammates.

• Mentorship Engagement: Actively seek feedback, ask questions, and engage with the team's knowledge base to accelerate your growth as a game programmer.

Qualifications
Required

• Strong Programming Foundation: Show good proficiency in C++ and a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals (data structures, algorithms, and memory management).

• Version Control Proficiency: Comfortable working with Git or similar version control systems in collaborative environments.

• Demonstrated Interest in Game Development: A portfolio of personal projects, prototypes, or contributions to existing games or mods that demonstrate your ability to turn an idea into a functional system.

• Problem-Solving Mindset: Ability to break down complex technical challenges into manageable tasks and find practical, maintainable solutions.

• Collaborative Spirit: Experience working with others (whether in a professional team, a game jam, or an open-source project) to achieve a shared goal.

Preferred

• Engine Experience: Familiarity with Unreal Engine (C++), though a strong foundation in other engines or languages is welcome.

• Technical Curiosity: Interest or expe

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