Video Game Programmer - Talent Pool

As a Video Game Programmer at Side, you will be tasked with developing and implementing gameplay systems, designing engaging features, and collaborating with other talented professionals such as designers and artists. You'll play a crucial role in debugging and optimizing game performance while also adapting your skills to meet the needs of various projects.

To be considered for the Video Game Programmer position at Side, you need strong C++ programming skills and previous experience in the AAA game industry, ideally with at least one shipped title. Additionally, collaboration and communication skills are crucial, as well as the ability to problem-solve and adapt to new technologies in fast-paced project environments.

Joining Side's Talent Pool means you're expressing your interest in future project-based opportunities. While we don’t have immediate openings, your application ensures that you will be among the first to be considered as new projects arise. Regular updates and communication will keep you in the loop about industry insights and available roles.

At Side, Video Game Programmers can expect to work on a diverse array of projects that span various genres and technologies. From gameplay mechanics to AI behaviors, the projects will challenge and hone your development skills while allowing you to contribute to some of the industry's most engaging experiences.

Having a passion for gaming is essential for a Video Game Programmer at Side because it drives innovation and creativity. Understanding player experiences, mechanics, and industry trends helps you craft immersive gameplay that resonates with players and elevates their overall experience.

When answering this question, be specific about the C++ projects you've worked on, showcasing your proficiency. Highlight any gameplay systems you've implemented and detail the challenges you faced, emphasizing how you resolved them.

Discuss specific examples of gameplay systems you have been involved with. Mention the design process, challenges encountered, and your collaborative efforts with artists and designers to achieve the final product.

Share your methodology for identifying and resolving performance issues, such as using profiling tools or analytics. Highlight your analytical skills and provide an example of a specific challenge you overcame in a past project.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your response. Explain the context, your role, the artist or designer's contributions, and how this teamwork led to a successful outcome in the project.

Express your willingness to embrace new technologies and mention instances when you've successfully adapted to new tools or development practices in previous projects. This shows your adaptability and commitment to growth.

Discuss your passion for gaming and how it inspires your work. Share personal anecdotes about your favorite games or experiences that ignited your desire to be part of game development, which showcases your enthusiasm for the field.

Explain your approach to time management and task prioritization. Mention any tools you use for project management and how you communicate with team members to ensure that deadlines are met while maintaining quality.

Describe how you initiate and receive feedback from teammates and stakeholders. Emphasize the importance of iterative development and continuous improvement based on constructive criticism to enhance the project outcome.

Narrate a specific project where you faced significant hurdles. Detail your problem-solving strategies, the support you leveraged from your team, and the ultimate success achieved, indicating your resilience and resourcefulness.

Share your strategies for staying informed about industry trends, such as following thought leaders, attending conventions, reading industry publications, or participating in online forums, demonstrating your commitment to staying current in the field.