Careers at StaplesVR

Overview

Are you passionate about harnessing the power of virtual reality to transform learning, training, and engagement?

We are seeking a creative, technically skilled, and visionary Senior Game Developer to join our growing team, specializing in the development of serious VR games.

In this pivotal role, you will drive the design and implementation of immersive, purpose-driven virtual experiences that have a real-world impact—whether in education, healthcare, enterprise training, or social change.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary group of designers, artists, subject matter experts, and engineers to ensure our VR solutions are innovative, engaging, and effective. If you are as excited about pushing technical boundaries as you are about meaningful outcomes, we would love to hear from you.

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Key Responsibilities

· Game Design & Development: Lead the design, architecture, and development of high-quality virtual reality games with serious applications.

Translate complex, real-world concepts into engaging VR gameplay systems that prioritize learning, behaviour change, or skill-building outcomes.

· Technical Leadership: Mentor and guide a team of junior and mid-level developers. Review code, provide constructive feedback, and establish coding best practices that foster maintainability, scalability, and high performance for VR platforms.

· Collaboration: Work closely with instructional designers, UX/UI experts, 3D artists, and external partners to ensure the game’s mechanics, visuals, and narratives align with project goals and the needs of end-users.

· Innovation & Research: Stay abreast of the latest advancements in VR technology, hardware, and software. Evaluate new tools, development techniques and hardware peripherals for potential integration into development pipelines.

· Prototyping & Iteration: Rapidly prototype new features and gameplay mechanics, integrating feedback from playtesting and stakeholders to refine user experience and educational efficacy.

· Optimization: Ensure VR games run smoothly across a variety of devices and platforms, with careful attention to performance, latency, and user comfort (e.g., motion sickness prevention).

· Quality Assurance: Collaborate with QA teams to design and execute test plans, troubleshoot issues, and ensure the highest levels of functionality, accessibility, and reliability.

· Documentation: Produce clear and comprehensive technical documentation, supporting long-term maintainability and knowledge sharing across the organization.

· Stakeholder Communication: Present technical concepts, project progress, and out comes to non-technical audiences—including clients, educators, and executive stakeholders.

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Required Qualifications

· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Game Development, Interactive Media, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

· 5+years of professional game development experience, with at least 2 years in a senior or lead role - ideally with a portfolio of shipped VR projects.

· Proficiency with Unity3D, including experience with C#.

· Strong understanding of VR-specific interaction paradigms, user experience design, and user comfort considerations.

· Demonstrated experience translating learning objectives or real-world processes into compelling game mechanics.

· Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues in a collaborative environment.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to bridge gaps between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

· Passion for serious games and the potential of VR to drive positive change in society.

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Preferred Qualifications

· Experience developing for multiple VR hardware platforms (MetaQuest, HTC Vive,Pico etc.).

· Experience with AI-driven game systems or adaptive learning environments is a plus.

· Knowledge of accessibility and inclusivity best practices in game development.

· Published research or presentations in serious games or VR conferences.

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Core Competencies

· Technical Mastery: Deep expertise in modern game engines, 3D graphics, audio implementation, and VR SDKs.

· Empathy-Driven Design: Ability to see the user’s perspective and tailor experiences to diverse audiences, including those with little gaming experience.

· Project Management: Strong organizational skills. Capable of prioritizing tasks, managing timelines, and delivering on deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

· Open-Mindedness: Willingness to experiment, accept feedback, and pivot designs for the sake of learning and impact.

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Typical Projects

· Developing immersive training scenarios for professionals, allowing for realistic patient interactions and procedural practice.

· Creating safety simulations for industrial environments to teach hazard recognition and emergency response.

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Work Environment & Benefits

· Based in our Auckland office

· 4day work week

· Access to cutting-edge VR hardware and development tools.

· Opportunities for professional growth, conference attendance, and publishing research.

· Supportive, inclusive team culture focused on innovation, collaboration, and ongoing learning.

· Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.

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