Senior Server Programmer
The Senior Server Programmer leads the design and development of online game server networks to support various game features such as online gameplay, in-game events and purchases, credential verification and online messaging systems. He/She is responsible for translating the vision for online features into a server network design and realizing it by configuring appropriate hardware. He oversees the development of programs to enable the game to interact with the servers. He reviews server programs, oversees the testing of online gameplay features and leads the integration of server programs within the overall game code. He also oversees the maintenance of game servers and online operations. The role involves leading a team of programmers with technical guidance as well as liaising with other teams, internal and external stakeholders to ensure project expectations are met. He also spends a significant amount of his time in meetings with other production teams to align expectations and share project progress. He is proficient at project management and a technical expert. He should be planned and organized to be able to deliver project outcomes effectively. He should also be effective at collaboration, communication and stakeholder management in order to work effectively in cross-functional project teams.
Skills and Competencies
Technical Skills & Competencies
Generic Skills & Competencies
Critical Work Functions and Key Tasks
• Understand game features and requirements for online services for the game
• Collaborate with the lead programmer to understand the server requirements for the game
• Define overall scope of the technical design for server network based on game components and features
• Create project schedule for server network design and implementation in alignment with the overall project schedule
• Conduct risk management of project milestone goals and schedules
• Design the high level logical architecture for the game's server requirements
• Present high level server architecture to the lead programmer for review
• Guide the creation of low-level component designs of server network based on project scope from a technical perspective
• Define hardware and bandwidth requirements for hosting game servers
• Review and present low level component design for approval and implementation
• Develop code as required for the implementation of game servers
• Review, refine and debug code developed by junior programmers
• Oversee configuration of acquired and/or leased bandwidth hardware for suitability to server deployment, efficiency, security and
gameplay resource optimisation
• Implement online features of the game utilising developed code by collaborating with game programmers
• Oversee testing of online gameplay to review server performance, resource management, feature implementation, security and
scalability
• Refine the developed code based on the server testing
• Oversee documentation of server assets such as source code, tools and technical know-hows
• Review the performance, resource management and security of game servers periodically
• Enhance efficiency in server networks by improving server code
• Supervise maintenance of the game server networks for stability and usability
• Resolve issues such as server breakdowns and scalability problems to maintain smooth game operations