Gameplay & UI Developer

Jobgether
Full-timeβ€’Ireland

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Gameplay & UI Developer

Company: Jobgether (Partner Company)

Location: Ireland

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Game Development Operations

Date Posted: September 14, 2026

Experience Level: 5+ Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: Fully Remote (within CET Β±2 hours)

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Develop and enhance client-facing gameplay features with a strong emphasis on UI, animation, and visual polish for a globally successful mobile game.

  • Design and implement core gameplay improvements and new meta features, directly impacting player engagement and retention.

  • Maintain a high standard of technical quality, performance optimization, and overall user experience within a multidisciplinary team.

  • Contribute to game design decisions and translate concepts into polished, playable experiences, demonstrating creativity and attention to detail.

  • Take ownership of features and projects, driving them from design through testing and refinement, with a focus on player feedback and performance insights.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the title is "Gameplay & UI Developer," the responsibilities and requirements strongly indicate a role focused on the development and implementation of game features, rather than traditional "operations" in the business sense (e.g., Sales Ops, Rev Ops). This role sits within the game development lifecycle which has its own set of operational considerations, such as feature iteration, performance monitoring, and feedback integration. We've categorized this as "Game Development Operations" to reflect this nuance. The "operations" aspect here pertains to the operational execution of game development within a live service environment.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop client-facing gameplay features, with a significant focus on User Interface (UI) implementation, animation integration, and visual polish to enhance player experience.

  • Design and implement core gameplay improvements that directly contribute to increased player engagement, retention, and overall game satisfaction.

  • Create new meta features and systems that expand the game's depth and longevity, catering to evolving player expectations and market trends.

  • Enhance, maintain, and refine existing gameplay and technical systems, ensuring stability, performance, and alignment with current game design.

  • Translate innovative ideas and creative approaches into tangible gameplay features, ensuring they are adapted and integrated seamlessly into the game's established experience.

  • Actively contribute to game design discussions and decisions, helping to translate high-level concepts into polished, functional, and entertaining player experiences.

  • Participate in rigorous testing, iteration, and refinement cycles, incorporating player feedback, performance data, and team insights to elevate feature quality.

  • Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment, working closely with designers, artists, and other developers to achieve shared project goals.

  • Identify and resolve complex technical challenges, ensuring strong performance metrics, efficient resource utilization, and adherence to optimization best practices.

  • Take ownership of assigned projects and features, leveraging individual strengths and areas of expertise to drive successful outcomes from conception to delivery.

  • Contribute to upholding and elevating the high technical and creative standards of the game, acting as a custodian of quality.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on development role within a live game environment. The "operational" aspect comes from the continuous improvement, iteration based on data (player feedback, performance insights), and maintenance of existing systems, which are core to live service game operations.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Game Design, or a related field is often preferred for roles requiring 5+ years of professional experience. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 5+ years of professional game development experience, with a strong portfolio demonstrating successful contributions to shipped mobile games.

Required Skills:

  • Unity Engine Proficiency: 5+ years of professional experience developing with Unity, including a deep understanding of its core features, workflows, and best practices.

  • C# Programming: Advanced proficiency in C# for game development, including object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithm implementation.

  • Mobile Game Development: Proven track record of developing and successfully shipping mobile games, understanding platform-specific constraints and opportunities.

  • UI Development: Strong experience in designing and implementing user interfaces within Unity, including knowledge of UI toolkits, layout management, and responsiveness.

  • Gameplay Systems Design & Implementation: Ability to design, develop, and iterate on core gameplay mechanics and systems that drive player interaction and engagement.

  • Performance Optimization: Demonstrated skill in identifying performance bottlenecks and implementing optimizations for mobile platforms, including memory management, draw call reduction, and frame rate stability.

  • Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on technical quality, efficiency, and delivering robust solutions.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, communicate technical ideas clearly, and contribute positively to team dynamics.

  • English Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English for effective collaboration and documentation.

Preferred Skills:

  • Animation Systems: Experience developing or integrating complex animation systems, including state machines, blend trees, and potentially character rigging.

  • Particle Systems: Proficiency in creating and optimizing particle effects for visual appeal and performance.

  • Shader Development: Understanding of shader programming (e.g., HLSL/GLSL) for custom visual effects and material creation.

  • Game Architecture: Experience with designing scalable and maintainable game architecture, particularly for live service games.

  • Networking: Familiarity with networking concepts for multiplayer or live service features, if applicable to the game's architecture.

  • Casual Mobile Gaming Market: Strong understanding of the casual mobile gaming market, including player preferences, monetization strategies, and engagement loops.

  • Game Design Acumen: Ability to contribute creatively to game design discussions and translate concepts into playable mechanics.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "5+ years of professional experience" suggests a mid-to-senior level role. The preferred skills highlight areas of specialization that would make a candidate particularly valuable, especially in a live game environment where visual polish and performance are paramount.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Shipped Mobile Games: A portfolio showcasing at least one, preferably multiple, successfully shipped mobile games where you played a significant development role.

  • UI/UX Implementation Examples: Demonstrations of complex UI systems, interactive menus, and intuitive user experiences you have designed and implemented.

  • Gameplay Feature Showcases: Clips or playable builds demonstrating innovative gameplay mechanics, core loops, or unique feature implementations you developed.

  • Performance Optimization Case Studies: Examples illustrating how you identified and resolved performance issues, detailing the problem, your solution, and the measurable impact (e.g., FPS improvements, memory reduction).

  • Visual Polish Examples: Demonstrations of advanced visual elements, such as custom animations, particle effects, or shaders, that enhance the game's aesthetic appeal.

Process Documentation:

  • Workflow Design: Evidence of how you approach designing and implementing new features, including considerations for modularity, reusability, and integration into existing systems.

  • Iteration & Refinement: Examples of how you have iterated on features based on feedback or data, showcasing your process for testing, debugging, and refining gameplay or UI elements.

  • System Maintenance: Understanding of how to maintain and update live game systems, ensuring backward compatibility and minimal disruption to the player base.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a game developer role, the "portfolio" is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of practical skills and experience. The requirements here focus on demonstrating tangible results and a systematic approach to development within the specific context of mobile game creation and live service operations.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Gameplay & UI Developers in Ireland with 5+ years of experience, and considering the "best-in-class compensation" promise, the estimated annual salary range is €60,000 - €90,000. This range can vary based on specific experience, specialization, and the final negotiation.

Benefits:

  • Fully Remote: Work from anywhere within CET Β±2 hours, offering flexibility and work-life balance.

  • Best-in-Class Compensation: Highly competitive salary package.

  • Country-Specific Benefits: Additional benefits tailored to the employee's country of residence, which may include health insurance, pension contributions, and paid time off.

  • Impactful Work: Opportunity to work on a globally recognized mobile game with direct influence on gameplay, features, and player experience.

  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a supportive team comprised of experienced gaming professionals.

  • Creative Contribution: Chance to contribute creatively to significant game development decisions and shape the future of the game.

  • Live Game Development: Exposure to the dynamic world of live game development, including feature iteration and player-driven improvements.

Working Hours: While not explicitly stated as a fixed number of hours, "Full-time" employment typically implies a standard 35-40 hour work week. The remote nature and focus on deliverables suggest flexibility in scheduling, provided that core collaboration hours within CET Β±2 are met.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on publicly available data for similar roles in Ireland, factoring in the experience level and the company's stated commitment to "best-in-class compensation." Benefits are directly pulled from the job description and contextualized for a remote, international role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Mobile Game Development / Technology. The partner company operates within the highly competitive and dynamic global mobile gaming market, known for its rapid innovation, focus on player engagement, and data-driven decision-making.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the description implies a mature, successful mobile game studio with a "small, senior, and multidisciplinary team" working on a "globally successful mobile game." This suggests a well-established entity with a focused development structure, likely ranging from 50-200 employees.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the existence of a "globally successful mobile game" implies a company with a history and established presence in the market, likely founded several years prior to the game's success.

Team Structure:

  • Multidisciplinary Senior Team: The role is within a small, senior, and multidisciplinary team, indicating a high level of expertise and autonomy. This structure likely fosters direct collaboration and shared ownership.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with designers, artists, and other specialists, emphasizing a holistic approach to game development.

  • Reporting: While not detailed, in such a structure, reporting might be to a Lead Developer, Technical Director, or Game Director, with a focus on project-based workstreams.

Methodology:

  • Agile/Iterative Development: The emphasis on "testing, iteration, and refinement based on player feedback and performance insights" points towards an agile or iterative development methodology.

  • Data-Driven Improvement: Decisions and enhancements are informed by "player feedback and performance insights," highlighting a data-centric approach to live game operations.

  • Feature Ownership: Team members are expected to "take ownership of features and improvements," suggesting a decentralized approach to task management and accountability.

Company Website: https://www.jobgether.com/ (Note: This is the platform's website, not necessarily the partner company's.)

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Inferences about company culture and structure are based on the description of the team ("small, senior, multidisciplinary") and the nature of the work (live mobile game development, iteration based on feedback). The focus is on a high-performing, collaborative environment geared towards continuous improvement.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-to-Senior Gameplay & UI Developer. It requires significant professional experience (5+ years) and the ability to take ownership of features, contribute to design decisions, and mentor/collaborate with others. The "operations" aspect is within the game development lifecycle, focusing on the operational execution of creating and maintaining a live game.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Lead Developer, Technical Director, or Game Director within a small, senior, multidisciplinary team. Direct collaboration with designers and artists is a key aspect of the role.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on the player experience through the development of engaging gameplay, intuitive UI, and polished visuals. Decisions made by this developer will influence player retention, satisfaction, and potentially monetization for a globally successful game.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like advanced animation systems, shader programming, performance optimization, or AI, becoming a go-to specialist.

  • Lead Developer/Team Lead: Progress into a leadership role, managing a small team of developers, overseeing feature development, and contributing more significantly to technical direction.

  • Game Design Contribution: Further develop game design acumen, potentially transitioning into a more hybrid Game Design/Development role or contributing more heavily to system design.

  • Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to other areas of game development (e.g., backend services, analytics) through collaboration within the multidisciplinary team.

  • Senior Technical Contributor: Become a key technical architect or senior individual contributor, influencing the technical roadmap and standards of the game.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are framed within the context of game development career paths, emphasizing specialization, leadership, and cross-functional skill development, all within the operational framework of live game development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This role is entirely remote, offering the flexibility to work from any location within the specified time zone range (CET Β±2 hours).

Office Location(s): Ireland. While the role is remote, the listing specifies "Ireland" as the location, likely for legal or administrative purposes. Candidates must reside in Ireland.

Workspace Context:

  • Home Office Setup: Candidates are expected to maintain a productive home office environment conducive to focused development work.

  • Digital Collaboration Tools: The environment relies heavily on digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Discord, Jira, Confluence) for communication, task management, and knowledge sharing.

  • Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings, code reviews, and collaborative sessions with the multidisciplinary team are integral to the workflow.

Work Schedule: Full-time employment is expected. While the role is remote and offers flexibility within CET Β±2 hours, candidates must be available for core collaboration hours and meetings. The emphasis is on delivering high-quality work and meeting project deadlines rather than strict adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "Work Environment" section is tailored to a fully remote role, emphasizing the tools and practices necessary for effective remote collaboration in a game development setting.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Application Screening (AI-Powered): Jobgether's AI system will perform an initial objective review of applications against core requirements.

  • Shortlisting: Top-fitting candidates will be shortlisted and shared directly with the hiring company.

  • Hiring Company Review: The partner company's internal team will review shortlisted candidates.

  • Technical Assessment/Challenge: Potentially a coding challenge or technical exercise focused on Unity/C# and gameplay/UI implementation.

  • Interviews:

    • Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions about Unity, C#, gameplay mechanics, UI implementation, performance optimization, and problem-solving approaches. Expect scenario-based questions.
    • Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will walk through your portfolio, explaining your contributions, technical decisions, and the impact of your work.
    • Team/Culture Fit Interview: Discussion with team members to assess collaboration style, communication, and alignment with the company's values and working methods.
  • Final Decision: Managed by the hiring company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your skills in Unity, C#, UI development, and gameplay implementation, particularly those relevant to mobile or casual games.

  • Highlight Your Contributions: Clearly articulate your specific role and contributions in team projects. Use "I" statements for your work and "We" for team achievements.

  • Showcase Problem-Solving: For each project, explain the challenges faced (technical, design, performance) and how you overcame them. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "improved frame rate by 20%," "reduced UI load time by 150ms").

  • Demonstrate Polish: Include examples of visual flair, animations, and smooth UI interactions that highlight your attention to detail.

  • Prepare to Discuss Code: Be ready to discuss the architecture, design patterns, and specific code implementations within your portfolio projects.

  • Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse walking through your portfolio efficiently and engagingly. Be prepared to answer questions about your technical decisions and creative process.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Unity & C# Fundamentals: Brush up on core Unity concepts (component lifecycle, prefabs, scenes, physics, rendering pipeline basics) and C# best practices.

  • Gameplay Scenarios: Practice implementing common gameplay mechanics (e.g., player movement, interaction systems, scoring, basic AI) or UI flows within Unity.

  • Optimization Techniques: Be prepared to discuss and potentially implement solutions for common performance issues on mobile (e.g., object pooling, texture optimization, efficient UI updates).

  • Problem Decomposition: Practice breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts and outlining a step-by-step solution.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process is inferred based on standard practices for game development roles, especially those involving detailed technical assessments and portfolio reviews. The AI screening by Jobgether is a unique initial step.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Unity Engine: The core development platform. Mastery of Unity's editor, scripting API, and asset pipeline is essential.

  • C#: The primary programming language for scripting within Unity.

  • Version Control: Git (likely GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket) for code management and collaboration.

  • Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for task tracking, sprint planning, and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Game Analytics Platforms: Tools such as Firebase Analytics, GameAnalytics, or internal proprietary systems for tracking player behavior, feature usage, and performance metrics.

  • Data Visualization Tools: Potentially tools for creating dashboards or reports from analytics data (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or custom internal tools).

CRM & Automation:

  • While not directly a CRM role, understanding how player data is collected and utilized for game improvements is relevant.

  • Internal Tools: Likely proprietary systems for managing game builds, deployments, live updates, and potentially A/B testing frameworks.

  • Communication Platforms: Slack, Discord, or similar for real-time team communication.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred based on the role's description as a Unity/C# developer working on a mobile game. Emphasis is placed on development tools, version control, and the systems used for managing and improving a live game.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Quality & Polish: A deep commitment to delivering high-quality, visually appealing, and bug-free experiences. Attention to detail is paramount.

  • Player-Centricity: Decisions and development efforts are guided by player feedback, engagement metrics, and the desire to create enjoyable experiences.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong belief in the power of multidisciplinary teams, open communication, and mutual support to achieve common goals.

  • Innovation & Creativity: Encouragement to bring new ideas, experiment with different approaches, and push the boundaries of gameplay and UI design.

  • Data-Driven Improvement: Utilizing analytics and performance data to inform development choices, optimize features, and guide the evolution of the game.

  • Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for features from conception to completion, demonstrating initiative and a commitment to successful outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration between development, design, and art teams, fostering a shared understanding of project goals and constraints.

  • Open Communication: A culture where feedback is welcomed, technical discussions are encouraged, and challenges are addressed transparently.

  • Iterative Feedback Loops: Regular opportunities for code reviews, design critiques, and playtesting sessions to ensure continuous improvement and alignment.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share learnings, best practices, and technical solutions across the team to elevate collective expertise.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Team culture and values are inferred from the job description's emphasis on collaboration, quality, player focus, and the nature of live game development.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Innovation with Live Operations: The challenge of introducing new, creative features while maintaining stability, performance, and compatibility with existing systems in a live game.

  • Mobile Platform Constraints: Continuously optimizing for diverse mobile devices, screen sizes, and performance capabilities to ensure a consistent experience.

  • Player Expectations Management: Meeting the high expectations of a large player base for new content, bug fixes, and feature improvements in a timely manner.

  • Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Effectively collaborating and maintaining team cohesion in a fully remote environment, requiring proactive communication and engagement.

  • Technical Debt Management: Balancing the need for rapid feature development with the ongoing effort to manage and reduce technical debt in a complex codebase.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Technical Specialization: Opportunities to dive deep into specific areas like advanced shaders, complex animation systems, AI programming, or platform-specific optimizations.

  • Game Design Acumen Development: Learning from experienced designers and contributing more significantly to game design discussions, potentially leading to hybrid roles.

  • Live Game Operations Expertise: Gaining in-depth experience with the operational aspects of live games, including A/B testing, feature rollout strategies, and player data analysis.

  • Mentorship: Learning from senior developers and potentially mentoring junior team members as experience grows.

  • Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest trends in mobile game development, Unity engine updates, and player engagement strategies through team discussions and potentially external resources.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on common issues in mobile game development and live service operations. Growth opportunities are framed to align with career progression within the game development industry.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • Gameplay Mechanics Design: "Describe how you would design a system for [specific gameplay mechanic, e.g., a new weapon system, a puzzle element]. What are the key considerations for implementation in Unity?" (Focus on modularity, extensibility, and player interaction.)

  • UI/UX Implementation: "Walk me through the process of implementing a complex inventory system UI in Unity. What challenges might you encounter, and how would you ensure it's performant and user-friendly on mobile?" (Highlight your approach to layout, data binding, and optimization.)

  • Performance Optimization: "Imagine a scene in our game is running poorly (low FPS). How would you approach diagnosing and fixing this issue in Unity?" (Discuss profiling tools, common culprits like draw calls, overdraw, complex scripts, and asset optimization.)

  • Iterative Development: "Describe a time you received significant player feedback on a feature you developed. How did you incorporate that feedback, and what was the outcome?" (Showcase your adaptability and data-driven approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What excites you most about working on a globally successful mobile game?" (Connect your passion for games with the company's product.)

  • "How do you approach collaborating with designers and artists whose priorities might differ from engineering?" (Demonstrate your understanding of multidisciplinary teamwork and compromise.)

  • "What are your thoughts on the importance of visual polish in mobile games?" (Align with the company's emphasis on aesthetics and player experience.)

  • "How do you stay updated with the latest trends in Unity development and the mobile gaming industry?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each project, present the context (game goal, your role), the challenge, your solution (technical approach, design decisions), and the outcome/impact (player feedback, metrics, shipped status).

  • Show, Don't Just Tell: Use video clips, GIFs, or live demos of your work. Ensure visuals are clear and highlight the specific features you want to discuss.

  • Focus on Impact: Quantify your contributions whenever possible. Explain why your technical decisions were made and what benefit they brought to the game or player.

  • Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss specific code implementations, architectural choices, and technical trade-offs.

  • Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that showcase your strengths in UI, animation, gameplay, and performance optimization relevant to the job description.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation focuses on common technical and behavioral questions for game developers, with specific emphasis on Unity, C#, and the unique aspects of mobile and live game development. Portfolio presentation advice is critical for this type of role.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Gameplay & UI Developer position:

  • Submit your application through the Jobgether platform link provided.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with Unity, C#, mobile game development, UI implementation, and performance optimization. Use keywords from the job description and quantify achievements (e.g., "Shipped 3 successful mobile titles," "Improved average frame rate by 15%").

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, easily accessible (e.g., via a personal website or dedicated platform), and clearly showcases your best work related to gameplay, UI, and visual polish. Prepare to discuss specific projects in detail.

  • Prepare for AI Screening: Understand that Jobgether's AI will perform an initial objective assessment. Ensure your application materials are clear, concise, and directly address the core requirements.

  • Research the Partner Company (if possible): While Jobgether manages the process, understanding the type of games the partner company develops can provide context for your application and interview preparation.

  • Practice Your Portfolio Walkthrough: Rehearse presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on explaining your technical contributions, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of professional experience with C# and Unity in the mobile gaming industry. You must possess strong problem-solving skills and a proven track record of shipping successful mobile games.