We are Velan Studios, an independent game developer with a passion for the unconventional, and we are looking for great programmers to add to our team (onsite in Troy, NY or hybrid preferred). We have two requirements:

• We use C (our preference) and C++ (if we must), to create games and related things. You must be very comfortable in C and C++, and have produced at least one major project using C/C++.
• Our curiosity drives us. You must be deeply curious about something, and have some evidence of that curiosity. We are looking for candidates that demonstrate a pattern of persistent and self-motivated exploration.

We value a diverse programming team. Candidates need not have prior game development experience or a computer science degree. We will consider veteran programmers, new graduates, and those in school (via internships).

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We use a collaborative, cross-discipline, and iterative development process. We work on constrained hardware (CPU, GPU, memory) and with hard performance targets (60Hz refresh rate). Beyond that, the problem domain is very broad. Some of the big-ticket items on our backlog right now:

• Build our second-generation computer vision and SLAM pipeline.
• Stand up our proprietary engine (Viper) on some new platforms.
• Own our rigid body physics system. Make it better.
• We have so many ideas for new game modes and level mechanics. Iterate on them.

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While many of our programmers have areas of expertise, we do not hire programmers so that they may work exclusively in one specialized area. Programmers should own areas of our technology, but have the flexibility to work across the codebase. Future members of the programming team need to be ready to embrace our studio values including:

• World class through unconventional thinking.
• Respect for players and colleagues. Ready for the responsibility that comes from that respect.
• Regional technology and game development community engagement.

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If this all sounds good to you, please include the following your application.

• A cover letter telling us why you love programming.
• Your resume.
• Your portfolio. Links to projects you have worked on, code you have written, anything that demonstrates the work you love.
  

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About Velan Studios‍

Velan Studios is a small team going after multiple, bold creative new ideas. Many of us have done the large, AAA development thing for decades. But we think with a seasoned and scrappy team, we can do things differently – so every member of the team has a creative voice.

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Working Better, Together

We are building an environment conducive to delivering our best work. Our office is a community that works and plays together.

• Unconventionally World Class. We embrace the unexpected. We create breakthrough games by building on our expertise and challenging conventions. We are scrappy: solving problems and inventing new experiences in audacious new ways. These unconventional approaches lead to unexpected discoveries.
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• Stay Curious. Curiosity drives us and our experiences. We find energy in new ideas and approaches. We use technology and design to bring new experiences to the gaming community. We cultivate an environment that encourages experimentation and rigor. We relentlessly pursue the MAGIC.
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• Respect and Responsibility. We are passionate about being an inclusive community of unique individuals. We believe in prioritizing and respecting the player.  Our players’ time is valuable and we are honored that they choose to spend part of it with us.  We respect the members of our team and know that they will make the right choices with our players in mind at every level.
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• Community of Makers and Players. We are stronger together than the sum of our parts: we value people and perspectives. Community is a way to get things done. We seek to engage our community wherever we can in building great games. It is a springboard for innovation. It is a well of talent and a means to finding new game experiences.

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A Great Place to Work and Live

Velan Studios is located in the beautiful Capital Region of Upstate New York, which includes Albany and Troy. The Capital Region is a growing tech & creative hub with a thriving video game development scene. Our offices are located in Troy’s historic downtown, which is comprised of renovated historic buildings full of new energy.  The region boasts beautiful architecture, great museums, and amazing history. It’s also a very affordable city, with great events, hip nightlife and is accessible to a variety of outdoor adventures, making it a perfect spot to live.

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About Knockout City

Team up and duke it out with rival Crews in Knockout City™, where EPIC DODGEBALL BATTLES settle the score in team-based multiplayer matches. Throw, catch, pass, dodge, and tackle your way to dodgeball dominance!

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