Abstraction is a Dutch game co-development studio aiming to deliver cutting-edge game experiences. Specializing in technically demanding projects, we have collaborated on renowned IPs like Halo, Dune, Mass Effect, and Baldur’s Gate. Our portfolio contains over 60 titles, reflecting our commitment to quality and technical prowess. We're not just partners with industry giants such as BioWare/EA, 343/Microsoft, Funcom, Sega, and others; we're innovators in our field.
Role overview
Are you ready to dive deep into the core of game development? As an Engine Programmer, you’ll be the architect behind the scenes, building and optimizing the systems that make great games possible. Your mission: write efficient code, boost performance, and enhance workflows to empower designers, artists, and engineers.
If you love solving complex technical challenges, optimizing performance, and making game engines run smoother than ever, this is the perfect role to level up your career!
Role Impact
In this role, you'll be much more than your job title. You will:
Cultivate Collaboration: Enhance our team culture through active participation and open communication.
Ignite Innovation: Bring fresh, creative ideas that challenge conventional thinking.
Embody Our Values: Live our core values and inspire others by example.
Encourage Growth: Share your knowledge, fostering both individual and team development.
Champion Positive Change: Help steer our company towards impactful, industry-leading initiatives.
Your contribution will extend beyond tasks and targets; it's about making a lasting, positive difference in our workplace and community.
Responsibilities
🛠 Analyse & Optimise: Profile and analyse large codebases using advanced performance capture tools such as PIX and Razor.
🚀 Improve Performance: Optimise targeted areas of the game including rendering systems, CPU performance, threading, and memory usage.
🔍 Debug Complex Systems: Investigate and resolve engine level and platform specific issues across console environments.
🤝 Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work closely with support teams, gameplay programmers, artists, and client-side developers to deliver high quality solutions.
💻 Write High Quality Code: Develop concise, maintainable, and performant C++ code aligned with studio standards and best practices.
🎮 Support Console Development: Contribute to optimisation and development efforts for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 platforms.
🧠 Contribute as a Generalist: Support multiple areas of development including gameplay systems, optimisation, tooling, and content related features depending on project needs.
📚 Stay Technically Curious: Explore modern engine technologies, rendering techniques, and optimisation strategies to continuously improve development workflows.
Knowledge & Experience
2+ years of experience in game development with strong exposure to graphics or low-level engine programming
Shipped or contributed to at least one commercial game project
Strong C++ programming skills with focus on optimisation and memory management
Experience working with Unreal Engine 5
Experience optimising and debugging complex engine or gameplay systems within large codebases
Experience with console development for Xbox Series X|S and/or PlayStation 5
Experience using profiling and performance capture tools such as PIX or Razor
You're based in Europe, have either a valid work permit for The Netherlands, France, Germany or the UK (where we are able to hire you on a local contract) or are able to work as a contractor. We offer an initial 1-year contract
What’s In It For You?
Work on globally recognised game franchises launching to millions of players worldwide
Join a highly skilled co-development studio known for solving complex technical challenges
Gain hands on experience across Unreal Engine, proprietary engines, and multi-platform development
Deepen your expertise in optimisation, rendering systems, console development, and engine programming
Collaborate directly with leading game studios while remaining part of a close-knit internal engineering team
Work alongside talented engineers and artists in a studio with high talent density
We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, are encouraged to thrive, and we empower all team members to bring their unique perspectives to the table.
Skills Required
- 2+ years of experience in game development
- Strong C++ programming skills
- Experience working with Unreal Engine 5
- Experience with console development for Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 5
- Experience using profiling and performance capture tools such as PIX or Razor
- Shipped or contributed to at least one commercial game project
What We Do
Abstraction is a Dutch game development studio and part of the Virtuos Group since December 2025. We specialize in AA/AAA/III full-cycle development, co-development, and ports & adaptations- partnering with leading studios to bring ambitious, high-quality games to life. With over 60 titles shipped, our work spans globally recognized franchises like Halo, Dune Awakening, Mass Effect, and Baldur’s Gate. We collaborate with industry leaders such as BioWare/EA, 343/Microsoft, Funcom, Sega, and others, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation in our field. We are headquartered in Valkenswaard, with a distributed team of 100+ Abstractioners around the world who bring a rich mix of skills, perspectives, and dedication to every project we take on. Everything we do is grounded in our values: go beyond boundaries! – we challenge assumptions to find better answers excel! – we set the standards high and ask ourselves, “Is this the best it could be?” grow! – we make today better than yesterday be direct! – we communicate with honesty, respect, and clarity So, are you ready to build something exceptional together? Let’s talk!
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