Gameplay Network Programmer (Unreal Engine)

TL;DR

Gameplay Network Programmer (Unreal Engine): Implementing and optimising replication systems for multiplayer boxing game Undisputed with an accent on peer-to-peer networking, latency minimisation, and state synchronisation. Focus on integrating with physics and animation pipelines, handling desyncs, and ensuring cross-platform reliability under varied network conditions.

Location: Hybrid in Sheffield or Leamington Spa, UK

Company

Sheffield-based studio founded in 2020, developing Undisputed, the first major boxing video game in over a decade, with 70 employees and partnerships with leading boxing organizations like WBC and Ring Magazine.

What you will do

• Implement, maintain, and optimise network systems using Unreal Engine’s replication framework for runtime performance.
• Improve replication efficiency, bandwidth usage, and handling of player inputs for responsive character movement.
• Collaborate with gameplay and server teams to integrate networked systems with physics and animation.
• Refine techniques like prioritisation, delta compression, and prediction for responsive multiplayer.
• Debug network issues such as desyncs, packet loss, and latency spikes using profiling tools.
• Optimise for cross-platform play (console and PC) and contribute to code reviews and documentation.

Requirements

• Experience in gameplay network programming in Unreal Engine using C++.
• Strong understanding of UE networking architecture, replication, and RPCs in production.
• Experience with UE4 or UE5 networking tools.
• Knowledge of network protocols (UDP, TCP) and real-time optimisation techniques.
• Skills in debugging, profiling low-latency systems, 3D maths, and multiplayer synchronisation.
• Good communication, software architecture practices, and proactive mindset.

Nice to have

• Experience with rollback Netcode.
• Work on competitive multiplayer titles.

Culture & Benefits

• 23+ days annual leave increasing with service, Christmas shutdown, holiday exchange, flexible hours, certain hybrid models.
• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay, private healthcare (optical & dental), company sick pay, 2 wellbeing days, 24/7 doctors, EAP.
• Great office in Sheffield/Leamington Spa with free snacks, fruit, drinks, parking (Sheffield).
• Learning days, technology scheme, relocation benefits, electric car scheme, discretionary bonus, wrap parties, entertainment budget.