About the Role
We are a well-funded, fast-moving startup looking for a hyper-talented AI Applied Full-Stack Game Developer to build a highly scalable, wildly engaging 2D sports-themed educational game. Think: sinking a three-pointer or winning a home-run derby by rapidly solving math equations.
We are targeting the web (HTML5/WebGL) to ensure zero friction, and maximum shareability. We need a top-to-bottom builder who lives at the bleeding edge of game development. If you code with an AI co-pilot, know exactly what makes a web game go viral, and can architect systems for massive scale, we want you on our team. We don’t care how many years you've been in the industry; we care entirely about the quality, scale, and creativity of what you’ve built.
What You’ll Do
- End-to-End 2D Web Development: Build the entire game architecture from the ground up using 2D web engines (like Phaser or Godot) to ensure lightning-fast browser performance and maximum accessibility.
- Architect for Scale (1M+ Users): Design and deploy scalable server architectures and networking systems capable of handling massive multiplayer traffic. You will leverage AI tools to help build complex, highly scalable backend systems from scratch.
- Design the Viral Loop: Implement game loops and frictionless social mechanics designed to drive exponential organic growth directly through the browser.
- Integrate EdTech APIs: Weave 3rd-party academic content seamlessly into the core mechanics of the game so that learning fuels the action.
- Engineer for Re-usability: Build a highly flexible, modular game system designed to be easily re-skinned. Both game mechanics and 2D visual assets must be swappable to fit various sports or seasonal themes.
- Balance the Game: Continuously test, tune, and balance gameplay mechanics so the experience feels fair, competitive, and highly rewarding.
Why Join Us?
You will have the autonomy and the funding to shape the architecture of a game that makes learning highly competitive and fun. You'll be working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment right here in Austin, pushing the boundaries of what AI-assisted, full-stack game development can achieve.
Requirements
- Portfolio Over Pedigree: We don’t have a "years of experience" requirement. We want to see a portfolio or GitHub profile showcasing incredibly well-built, shipped games.
- AI-Empowered Developer: You are highly proficient in using AI tools to accelerate your workflow. You actively use AI coding assistants (like Cursor or Claude) and leverage AI for rapid game asset creation and prototyping.
- Multiplayer & Full-Stack Expertise: You have proven experience developing both the client-side game and the backend infrastructure for multiplayer experiences.
- Game Mechanics Master: You have a strong grasp of game theory, player psychology, and economy balancing.
- Need for Speed: You thrive in a fast-paced development environment, fueled by strong funding, and prioritize rapid iteration without sacrificing architectural integrity.
- Location: Must be located in Austin, TX. This is a strictly in-person role to foster fast-paced collaboration and whiteboard sessions.
Bonus Points
- Custom Backend Experience: Proven experience building your own robust backends for multiplayer games is a massive plus.
- BaaS Knowledge: Experience with Backend-as-a-Service platforms (like PlayFab, Nakama, Firebase, or Colyseus) is a nice-to-have.
- EdTech Background: Previous experience building educational technology, learning games, or working with academic integrations.
