Backend Game Logic Engineer

I’m building a persistent, browser based strategy MMO. The UI is largely in place, I need an experienced backend engineer to implement the core game engine and logic, strictly following a written specification.

This is a logic heavy role, not a UI or design role.

What you’ll be responsible for You will implement the backend systems that power the game, including:

• Colony state and ownership
• Resource production, storage caps, and protection
• Build / research / training / shipyard queues (time-based, server-authoritative)
• Fleet travel, ETA calculation, and recall windows
• Deterministic combat resolution (no RNG)
• Colonisation, conquest, and hard anti-griefing rules
• Technology effects on units, fleets, and travel
• APIs consumed by an existing frontend UI

The game is fully deterministic: Given the same inputs, outcomes must always be identical.

• Non negotiable constraints

Please do not apply if any of these are a problem:

• No randomness in combat, travel, or production
• No “simplifying” mechanics
• No redeg rules or systems
• No adding features that are not in the spec

This role is implementation, not interpretation. What I’ll provide

• A detailed game design document defining all mechanics
• Clear formulas for combat, travel, sensors, queues, and tech
• An existing frontend UI to integrate against
• Fast feedback and decisions (no stakeholder mess)

Tech stack

• I’m flexible on stack, but you should be comfortable with:
• REST or equivalent API design
• Relational data modelling
• Time based systems (queues, timers, delayed resolution)
• Writing automated tests for deterministic logic

Please state:

• Your preferred backend stack
• How you would test deterministic systems
• Deliverables (initial milestone)

As a first milestone, I expect: Backend logic + API for:

• Colony command screen (timers, resources, queues)
• Fleet launch, ETA calculation, recall logic
• Active missions list
• Basic automated tests validating core formulas
• Budget & engagement

Open to hourly or milestone based pricing

• Looking for quality over speed
• Long term work possible if this goes well

When applying, briefly describe:

• A system you’ve built where correctness mattered more than UX
• How you avoid logic drift over time

Budget: GBP 500 (Fixed Price)

Proposals: 17 freelancers have applied