Intermediate Game Programmer

Riyo Games
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Posted
January 30, 2026
Full Time
Canada
Remote
$70,000 - $90,000 CAD

The Intermediate Game Programmer is a versatile generalist capable of contributing across multiple areas of game development, from core gameplay systems and tools to engine features and beyond. You will be responsible for designing and implementing new mechanics and systems, then driving them to a high level of polish. You’re comfortable partnering closely with designers to craft compelling player experiences, integrating new content, and collaborating with a cross-disciplinary team to bring features from concept to completion.

This role calls for someone who can confidently take ownership of features, navigate ambiguity, ask the right questions, and move work forward with minimal direction. While this is a generalist position, experience or strength in areas such as Gameplay, UI, Systems, Graphics, or Technical Art is highly valued and considered a strong asset.

Based on the studio's needs, this role may be structured as either a regular full-time role or a 6-month full-time contract.

 

About Us:

Our mission is to craft retro-infused JRPGs that awaken cherished childhood memories. We’re growing the studio by assembling a dream team of talent from across the globe. Join us on this epic quest to make fun, narrative-rich games in an inclusive, supportive, and fun studio environment!

You’ll be working on Threads of Time, a 2.5D JRPG inspired by Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy where you get to travel from the pre-historic era to the end of time!

  • Become part of a veteran team that includes legendary developers who led iconic titles such as Xenoblade Chronicles, Legend of Mana, and more
  • 4 weeks paid vacation (1 week of which is taken in late December)
  • Collaborative environment with opportunities to contribute to the game’s creative design and take ownership of features
  • Competitive salary and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • Opportunities to help you strengthen your skills or learn something new
  • A workplace that appreciates and values diversity and inclusivity

 

Responsibilities:

  • Architect, plan, and implement new game features and systems
  • Provide development strategies and time estimates for the various initiatives
  • Contribute and apply clear coding best practices
  • Anticipate, identify, and articulate technical and developmental risks and obstacles, and generate solutions
  • Ensure the creation of strong technical documentation
  • Ability to write efficient and maintainable code

 

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science or equivalent
  • 3+ years of game development experience
  • Strong proficiency in C++
  • Strong understanding of Unreal Engine
  • Experience in developing gameplay, tools and/or engine systems
  • A high degree of self-motivation and resourcefulness in all areas of engineering
  • Well-versed in design patterns and software engineering principles
  • Excellent communication and listening skills, including demonstrated patience and compassion for teammates
  • Experience with commonly used development tools such as Jira and Perforce
  • Genuine passion for making and playing video games

 

Pluses:

  • Shipped a title using Unreal Engine 4/5
  • Experience working on console platforms
  • Experience with performance profiling and analysis
  • Resident of Ontario or Quebec, Canada
  • A love of JRPGs

 

Salary: $70,000 - $90,000 CAD

 

Please note that although this is a full-time remote position, applicants must reside in either Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, or British Columbia, or be willing to relocate.

 

Maybe you think that your experience is not where it should be? Or you don’t meet every requirement listed in this job description? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs if they don’t think they meet every qualification. But we feel that creating meaningful work means embracing different perspectives, which is why at Riyo Games we are focused on building an equitable, diverse and inclusive studio. If your experience is not perfectly aligned with every requirement in this job description, but you’re interested in this position, we encourage you to apply anyway. We simply want to know what makes you special!

Riyo Games welcomes and encourages applications from candidates with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process. If you require disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process, please email contact@riyogames.com. We will consult with all applicants who request disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure that the accommodation provided takes into account the applicant's individual accessibility needs.

Riyo Games uses tools to sort applications based on geographical criteria only. We do not use AI to screen, assess, or select applicants.

 

Thank you, we look forward to hearing from you!

About
Riyo Games

It all started with a promise between two kids, huddled next to their CRT TV playing RPGs after school, to one day create fantastical, story-rich adventures together. That dream turned into Riyo Games, a Canadian studio full of passionate and seasoned developers with experience from Shovel Knight, Fortnite, Deltarune and Tomb Raider. They have all embarked on an epic quest to make Threads of Time, the studio’s first title, while aided by legendary developers and composers from Japan who have helped define Xenoblade Chronicles, the Mana series and more.

 

Our Vision

Riyo Games' vision is to craft retro-infused RPGs that awaken treasured childhood memories. It is our hope to inspire a whole new generation with memories like the ones we grew up with!

 

Our Values

  • Memorable: The studio is driven to create games that will become cherished memories, leaving a lasting impact on players long after the credits roll.
  • Inclusion: Riyo believes in the benefits that diversity and inclusion bring to creative endeavours, the company, the industry and society at large and is steadfastly committed to creating a workplace and video games that cherish them.
  • Community: The studio values staying in close touch with its community of fans, maintaining open channels of communication to ensure that their passion and ideas are heard.

 

Working at Riyo Games

We’re a tight-knit, passionate team of JRPG fans working on bringing the best of the genre to everyone!

We are each other’s cheerleaders - we support and celebrate each other’s work and achievements in and out of the studio. And that’s reflected in the Platinum Rule: we treat others as they want to be treated based on their unique background.

That’s why we have a no crunch! policy, make people-first decisions when it comes to studio culture, and operate fully remotely to give everyone their best chance for a healthy work-life balance.

 

Diversity & Inclusion

We welcome and value the presence and contributions of people regardless of their gender identity and/or expression, sexual attraction, age, culture, abilities, ethnic origin, marital status, nationality, race, religion, education, or socioeconomic status.

We do not accept and will take action against discrimination or harassment based on the Ontario Human Rights Code.

 

Commitment To Improvement

We acknowledge that the work of creating and maintaining a diverse and equitable workplace is never done. This statement reflects our aspirations, and we welcome feedback. We will make decisions with careful thought to our commitments above.

 

Work With Us!

Do you have enduring love for retro JRPGs? Is it your dream to help make one? We’re looking for talented individuals with unique and diverse experiences and backgrounds to join our team!

Threads of Time is an era-spanning, turn-based RPG inspired by the timeless classics. Embark on a journey through time, gather a party of charismatic heroes from across ages, and uncover a plot that threatens to unravel the past, present and future.

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