--- title: 'Senior Gameplay Engineer at Stellar Entertainment Software Ltd' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-gameplay-engineer-stellar-entertainment-software-ltd-utrecht-vy24jkanayk8' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-13' --- # Senior Gameplay Engineer at Stellar Entertainment Software Ltd - **Company:** Stellar Entertainment Software Ltd - **Location:** Utrecht, Canada - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** hybrid - **Posted:** 2026-03-27 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-13 - **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/stellarentertainment/6d0a7e8e-41de-46a0-9641-c2cc8ed3c188/application **Skills:** C++, Unreal Engine, Unity, 3D Maths, Physics, Source Control Systems, Object-Oriented Programming, Data-Oriented Programming, Multiplayer systems, Networked gameplay systems, Animation, UI, AI > The Senior Gameplay Engineer designs, implements, and optimizes core gameplay mechanics, controls, and systems for AAA titles. This hands-on role involves collaborating with designers and technical directors to ensure quality, performance, and scalability while mentoring mid-level engineers. ## Job description The Studio We are a video game development studio with offices in Guildford, UK and Utrecht, Netherlands. Sitting within the heart of thriving communities of game developers and publishers, we focus on quality and excellence, and our partners and players are always at the front of everything we do. Games are not just about gameplay. We believe in the importance of balancing every single aspect of a game that you, as a player will interact with; what you see, how you play and how it makes you feel. It couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us as we embark on new unannounced projects, pushing the boundaries of all aspects of the game to create AAA experiences. ## The Role We’re now looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to join us as we create memorable gameplay experiences on our AAA titles. This is a hands-on role that will work closely with our Lead Gameplay Engineer, Technical Directors and Designers to craft engaging gameplay mechanics, controls and systems – owning the process from the initial design concepts right the way through to implementation, with a focus on quality, performance and scalability. Great gameplay is created by Engineers and designers that really care about how games feel in the hands of players. If you enjoy problem solving and seeing how your code and systems interact with our players, we’d love to hear from you. As a Senior Gameplay Engineer, you will: - Design, implement and own core gameplay mechanics, controls, and systems, working with Designers to prototype features and ensure successful integration - Write clean, robust and efficient code, following best practices and coding standards. - Debug and optimize gameplay systems to ensure continued stability and performance. - Contribute to the development of tools and workflows to improve productivity and efficiency. - Review code, mentor and advise other mid-level Gameplay Engineers in the team. - Participate in sprint and milestone planning and production reviews. ## Requirements What we’re looking to see on your CV: - Experience in a Senior Gameplay Engineer position or similar. - Proficient in C++ and familiar with both object-oriented and data-oriented programming. - Previous experience owning a feature on a title - Strong knowledge of game engines, such as Unreal Engine or Unity. - Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of 3D Maths and Physics. - Experience with source control systems and collaborative development. - Good problem-solving and debugging skills. - Excellent communication and team collaboration skills. - Passion for video games and familiarity with various game genres. - Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Bonus points for: - More than one shipped title under your belt - Experience with multiplayer or networked gameplay systems - Familiarity with other Engineering disciplines like Animation, UI, or AI ## Benefits What you can expect from us: - International AAA game projects - Access to cutting-edge hardware - Flexible/hybrid working - International working opportunities with our Guildford Studio - Christmas Shutdown - Holiday Allowance - Discretionary bonus scheme - 13th Salary Scheme (13e Maand) - Central Utrecht office - Access to a well-stocked fridge and snack cupboard - Regular Team Incentives and Social Events We’re on an important journey with our teammates, candidates and industry partners to tackle barriers to equality and promote diversity, inclusion and accessibility across the markets we work in. If you need any support during the interview process or any feedback on our processes, please let us know. We're unfortunately unable to provide visa sponsorship or relocation support for this role, so you'll need to be based in the Netherlands with the Right to Work here. ## About Stellar Entertainment Software Ltd ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Stellar Entertainment is a people-centric game development studio that partners with high-profile industry partners to create high-quality interactive entertainment software. - **Entity Type**: Private (Bootstrapped/Independently owned) - **Headquarters**: Guildford, United Kingdom (also has an office in Utrecht, Netherlands) - **Founded**: 2016 - **Founders**: Not publicly available (scan of leadership shows alumni from AAA studios) ## Core Business - Primary industry: **Video Game Development** (Ready-made interactive leisure and entertainment software) - Target customers: B2B (publishing partners) and B2C (gamers/players) - Mission: "To create & amaze" — delivering work of exceptionally high quality that speaks for itself. ## Products & Services Stellar Entertainment is known as a **co-development partner** rather than an original IP holder. They work on high-profile franchise titles: - **Vehicle Handling & Physics Engineering**: Specialized in realistic driving and vehicle physics for racing/simulation games. - **Full-Game Co-Development**: Partnering with major publishers to build AAA-quality titles. - **Rendering & Graphics Technology**: Cutting-edge rendering engineering and technical art. Specific game titles are not listed on their public site, but their expertise and LinkedIn talent patterns (alumni from Splash Damage, Criterion Games, Wargaming) suggest work on major racing and action titles. ## Market Standing - **Valuation**: Not publicly available (Private company) - **Annual Revenue**: Not publicly available (SIC code 62011 - Interactive leisure software) - **Total Funding**: Not publicly available — the company appears to be self-funded or operating on a project-based, fee-for-service model. - **Notable Partners & Clients**: High-profile (but unnamed) industry partners; member of UKIE (UK games trade association); supports Women in Games. - **Growth Signals**: - **Headcount**: 55 employees (+8.5% YoY) - **Geography**: Operates across 6 countries (UK, Netherlands, Spain, France, South Korea, Austria) - **Active Hiring**: 8 active job postings (as of mid-2026), up +100% quarterly and down -27.3% yearly — indicating a stabilising but active growth phase. ## Competitive Advantages - **Talent Magnet**: High retention of senior and director-level talent (28% Senior, 12% Director). Ex-employees go on to major studios (nDreams, Criterion, Jagex, Aardman), suggesting excellent training and career launchpad. - **Specialized Expertise**: Deep specialization in vehicle handling, physics, and rendering engineering gives them a defensible niche in a market where such talent is scarce. - **"Stellar Code" Culture**: Emphasizes trust, flexibility, and taking on "the difficult work" so partners and players can enjoy an unparalleled experience. Known for a high-quality bar without a "crunch" culture. ## Strategic Focus - **International Expansion**: Has a formal international placement scheme allowing UK employees to work in the Netherlands (Utrecht office). - **People-First Scaling**: Growing headcount by 8.5% annually while maintaining a strong culture. Focused on attracting "fresh faces to decorated veterans." - **Partnership Model**: Continues to deepen relationships with major publishers rather than developing original IP, reducing financial risk and allowing focus on pure engineering/art excellence. ## Why Work Here - **Culture & Flexibility**: "Life happens — we work a hybrid flexible working system." Core days in the office with flexible hours. Remote and hybrid roles available (e.g., Principal Rendering Engineer can be remote UK). - **Benefits**: - 24 days holiday (UK), 25 days (NL), increasing to 30 days with tenure - Office closed over Christmas period - Private medical insurance (UK) with online GP, nutritional support, wellbeing portal - Dental, optical, and hearing support - Flu jab reimbursement - Discretionary bonus scheme with regular check-ins - Pension scheme - Cycle-to-work scheme - International working scheme (relocation to Netherlands) - "13e maand" (13th month payment) for NL employees - **Mental Health**: Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing events year-round. - **Social Culture**: Summer socials, Christmas parties, weekly Friday "hangout hour" at 4pm. - **Diversity & Inclusion**: Supports Women in Games (with two ambassadors at Stellar), UKIE membership, and actively encourages all candidates regardless of background. ## Sources 1. [stellarentertainment.software](https://stellarentertainment.software/) 2. [stellar.games/about-us](https://www.stellar.games/about-us/) 3. [stellar.games/join-us](https://www.stellar.games/join-us/) 4. [UK Government Companies House](https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/NI640434) 5. [LinkedIn - Stellar Entertainment Software](https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stellar-entertainment-software) 6. [Built In - Stellar Entertainment Software](https://builtin.com/company/stellar-entertainment-software) ## Other roles at Stellar Entertainment Software Ltd - [Lead UI Artist](https://feeny.ai/job/lead-ui-artist-stellar-entertainment-software-ltd-guildford-bs392p3383fz) — Guildford, United Kingdom - [Technical Artist](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-artist-stellar-entertainment-software-ltd-guildford-8xa62czvn7dj) — Guildford, United Kingdom - [Associate Art Director](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-art-director-stellar-entertainment-software-ltd-guildford-p9q8gqgk11w6) — Guildford, United Kingdom - [Associate Technical Director](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-technical-director-stellar-entertainment-software-ltd-guildford-9s70j15bh383) — Guildford, United Kingdom - [Optimisation Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/optimisation-engineer-stellar-entertainment-software-ltd-guildford-bwvstayqmm3m) — Guildford, United Kingdom - [Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-engineer-stellar-entertainment-software-ltd-guildford-asfj2nx377ez) — Guildford, United Kingdom - [Senior Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-systems-engineer-stellar-entertainment-software-ltd-guildford-czksznk0jnbk) — Guildford, United Kingdom - [Senior Generalist & Physics Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-generalist-physics-engineer-stellar-entertainment-software-ltd-guildford-ft9mz7s4dzdq) — Guildford, United Kingdom - [Rendering Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/rendering-engineer-stellar-entertainment-software-ltd-guildford-5s86xk98019k) — Guildford, United Kingdom - [Senior Vehicle Handling Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-vehicle-handling-engineer-stellar-entertainment-software-ltd-guildford-3p8hjwzs0dw3) — Guildford, United Kingdom