Lead Game Developer (Free to Play/Instant Games)
About the role
We're looking for a Lead Game Developer to take technical ownership of a new suite of F2P (Free to play) / instant games, built using web-based game technology (e.g. Phaser, Pixi.js, PlayCanvas) and delivered inside the main Midnite native app.
You’ll work as part of a small, autonomous product team, taking a hands-on ownership role in shaping the design, technical approach, and gameplay quality of the games we ship. Working closely with product, art, and engineering partners, you’ll turn ideas into polished, high-quality playable experiences, with full responsibility for how games are built and delivered.
What you'll do
- Have full ownership and technical direction of our F2P / instant games, setting standards for architecture, performance, and gameplay feel
- Build and ship core gameplay mechanics using Phaser, Pixi.js, or similar WebGL-based frameworks
- Work closely with the Lead Artist to implement animations, interactions, and visual polish
- Ensure games are fast, visually-rich, and stable across mobile devices and in-app WebViews
- Integrate games with backend services for outcomes, prizes, analytics, and configuration
- Work with native app, platform, and product teams to integrate games cleanly into the Midnite app; align on technical constraints and capabilities; and ensure games meet product, compliance, and operational requirements
- Collaborate with native app teams on WebView integration, fullscreen presentation, and lifecycle handling
- Set and uphold engineering standards for game development, including code quality, performance, and maintainability
- Review code, provide technical guidance, and mentor future game developers as the team grows
Requirements
What we're looking for (required)
- 5+ years experience building games or real-time interactive experiences
- Experience working in casino, iGaming, betting, or instant games
- Strong experience with JavaScript / TypeScript
- Proven hands-on experience with Phaser, Pixi.js, or similar HTML5/WebGL frameworks
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical decisions and own gameplay architecture
- Familiarity with server-authoritative or deterministic game logic in regulated or high-trust product environments
- Strong understanding of animation and tweening; input handling; and performance optimisation on mobile and web
- Confident collaborating across disciplines and translating product needs into technical solutions
- Ability to communicate technical concepts and processes to non-technical teams
- Contribute creatively and collaborate on game design discussions
Nice to have but not essential
- Experience with 2D physics systems or fake-3D techniques
- Familiarity with WebGL performance constraints and asset pipelines
- Interest in or experience adapting to PlayCanvas / Three.js / Unity if 3D is ever required
Benefits
What's in it for you?
- Shape our future: Play a key role in our team's success, where your voice matters, and you'll have a direct impact on shaping Midnite's future.
- Connect and unwind: Take part in our quarterly gatherings where our community comes together to bond and have fun.
- Comprehensive health coverage: Look after your well-being with our outstanding zero-excess health insurance plan, which includes optical and dental coverage.
- Income Protection: A great plan for looking after your income and providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
- Simplify life: Take advantage of our nursery salary sacrifice scheme, allowing you to conveniently pay your child's nursery fees straight from your paycheck.
- Work-life balance: Enjoy 25 paid holidays a year, plus generous paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, supporting you during life's most important moments.
- Productive home office: We provide everything you need for a comfortable and ergonomic home setup, ensuring you're as productive as possible.
- Flexible working: We embrace flexible working, allowing you to adjust your schedule when life's unexpected moments arise.
- Latest tech made easy: With our salary sacrifice schemes, you can upgrade to the latest gadgets, household items, and mobile tech without the upfront cost.
- Exclusive perks: Enjoy a wide range of discounts on retailers, groceries, and subscriptions, making life a little more affordable.
- Grow with us: Expand your skills through internal and external learning opportunities while benefiting from access to mentorship programs that support your development.
- Transparent compensation: We provide competitive pay with clear team bandings and salary grids, ensuring that salary discussions are simple and fair.
- Constructive feedback: We foster a transparent culture, encouraging individual feedback and review sessions to help everyone improve.
At Midnite, we’re committed to creating equal opportunities for everyone. We actively strive to build balanced teams that reflect the diversity of our communities, including ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, the LGBTQIA+ community, and all genders.
We aim to provide an inclusive and supportive interview experience for all candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please let us know in advance so we can ensure you feel comfortable and set up for success.