BioShock was a phenomenal series, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to keep Irrational Games from going under. Well, sort of under.
The main gang may have disbanded, but the old guard are still standing resilient with a new game in the works under 2K’s management.
In all honesty, we haven’t a clue as to what the studio are working on (we live and hope for another BioShock, fools as we are), but a recent job posting seems to suggest that we’ll be digging in with some decent combat against worthy AI opponents.
Irrational Games is currently looking for a Senior Programmer that is equally experienced in architecting and implementing AI and Gameplay systems. This position will work directly with the Lead Programmer, along with the Animation, Art and Design teams to create fun and interesting AI opponents and gameplay elements for our next title. This position will also be responsible for additional core responsibilities including, but not limited to general gameplay features, tools, engine technology, and build systems.
What You’ll Do:
- Design, schedule, document and develop AI behaviors and systems, as well as gameplay systems.
- Coordinate consistently with all discipline heads to ensure that the code being developed addresses their needs.
- Design and implement algorithms for determining moves made by computer-based opponents, and incorporate all game mechanics to give the illusion of intelligent behavior.
- Extensive experience crafting AI for different game types.
- Have the ability to architect or significantly extended an AI decision framework.
- Build scaling factors to create a range of apparent skills and personalities to play against.
- Accurately schedule and track development efforts for assigned tasks.
- Review and critique code design and implementation from other programmers.
- Fill in as necessary for general gameplay, editor, engine, or even build system or tools tasks.
- Supervise junior or mid-level programmers as required.
What We’re Looking For:
- 3+ years’ experience working on current generation AI.
- Shipped at least two game titles.
- Unreal Engine 3 and 4 experience highly desirable.
Skills:
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Strong object-oriented design skills and proficiency in C++ programming and debugging.
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Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
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Strong design sensibilities.
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Strong understanding of console design and optimization techniques.
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Commitment to code quality, documentation, and thorough testing procedures.
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Knowledge of classical AI techniques, game theory, and combinatorial optimization.
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Knowledge of software engineering practices.
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Knowledge of build systems.
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Experience interacting with external programming contractors.
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Multiplayer experience is a plus.
An interesting note is the mention of multiplayer experience being a plus. A BioShock spin-off? A new IP? Or just another free-to-play mobile game? We’ll have to wait and see.
C’mon, bring back Big Daddy. Pleeeease.
via: gamasutra