Spellbrush, a game development studio that participated in the Winter 2018 cohort of Y Combinator, is actively seeking skilled game programmers to contribute to the development of their forthcoming anime-inspired tactical role-playing game (SRPG). This presents a compelling opportunity for programmers with a passion for the genre and a desire to work within a fast-paced, innovative startup environment. The studio is particularly interested in candidates proficient in C++ and experienced with game engine architecture, preferably Unreal Engine 4. While not explicitly stated, the implication is that these programmers will be instrumental in shaping the game's mechanics, systems, and overall gameplay experience. The position offers the chance to work on a project from a relatively early stage, contributing significantly to its development and evolution. Spellbrush's focus on blending the popular anime aesthetic with the strategic depth of SRPG gameplay suggests a unique and potentially captivating project for prospective programmers. This role likely entails collaborating closely with other members of the development team, including designers and artists, to realize the creative vision for the game. While the specific responsibilities and compensation details are not outlined in the provided job posting, it can be inferred that this position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for game programmers looking to make their mark in the gaming industry. The association with Y Combinator further implies a dynamic and forward-thinking company culture.
Raycast, a rapidly growing productivity and automation platform that graduated from Y Combinator's Winter 2020 batch, is actively seeking a highly skilled Full Stack Engineer to join their fully remote team within the European Union. This position offers a competitive salary ranging from €105,000 to €160,000 annually, commensurate with experience and expertise.
The ideal candidate will be a proficient software engineer with a strong foundation in both front-end and back-end development. They should possess a demonstrable ability to design, develop, and maintain high-quality, performant, and scalable web applications. Specifically, experience with TypeScript and React is essential for front-end development, while experience with Node.js and PostgreSQL is crucial for back-end development. Familiarity with GraphQL is also highly desired.
Raycast emphasizes a collaborative and iterative development process, so the successful candidate must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and contributing to all stages of the software development lifecycle, from ideation and design to implementation, testing, and deployment. They should be adept at problem-solving, possess strong communication skills, and be passionate about building user-friendly and impactful software.
This role presents a unique opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge platform that is transforming how individuals and teams work. Raycast is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and they encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package in addition to the competitive salary, although the specifics of the package are not detailed in the job posting itself. The position is entirely remote, allowing the successful candidate to work from anywhere within the European Union. The company culture is described as collaborative, transparent, and focused on continuous learning and improvement. This position is a full-time role with long-term potential for growth and development within the company.
The Hacker News post linking to the Raycast job posting elicited a moderate amount of discussion, mostly focused on the offered salary, remote work policy, and the nature of Raycast itself.
Several commenters discussed the offered salary range of €105k-€160k, with some expressing surprise at the high end of the range for a fully remote position in the EU. One commenter pointed out that this salary range likely targets senior engineers, suggesting the lower end may be less relevant. Others questioned whether the salary is actually competitive considering the high cost of living in some European cities, specifically mentioning London. One commenter speculated that Raycast might be using a global compensation band, leading to higher EU salaries compared to local market rates.
The remote work aspect also generated comments, with some users expressing interest in the fully remote policy. One commenter specifically asked about tax implications for remote work across EU borders, prompting a discussion about the complexities of international taxation and the potential need to establish a local legal entity.
Some comments delved into the Raycast product itself, with users sharing their experiences. One described it as a "Spotlight replacement," another praised its extensibility and community, while a third highlighted its performance compared to Alfred, a competing application. However, another commenter expressed concern about the product's reliance on electron, suggesting potential performance drawbacks.
A few commenters touched on Raycast's use of TypeScript, Electron, and React, indicating these technologies as part of their tech stack. This sparked a brief, tangential discussion about the pros and cons of Electron.
Finally, some comments centered around the hiring process, with one user sharing their negative experience interviewing with Raycast. They mentioned lengthy delays and a perceived lack of communication, offering a contrasting perspective to the otherwise positive sentiment surrounding the company. Another commenter inquired about the company's visa sponsorship policy, indicating an interest in relocating to the EU for the role.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42744820
The Hacker News comments on the Spellbrush job posting are few and primarily focus on the company's unusual name. Several commenters express confusion or amusement, questioning if the name is a typo or a deliberate choice. One commenter suggests the name sounds more suitable for a children's app than a tactical RPG. Another questions the market viability of a tactics RPG, particularly in relation to established entries like Fire Emblem. There's a brief discussion about the potential of AI in game development, spurred by Spellbrush's mention of AI tools. Overall, the comments are brief and speculative, lacking in-depth discussion about the company or the job posting itself.
The Hacker News post titled "Spellbrush (YC W18) Is Hiring Game Programmers (Anime SRPG/Tactics)" generated several comments, mostly focused on the hiring aspect and the specific niche of anime SRPG/Tactics games.
Several commenters expressed interest in the position, inquiring about remote work possibilities, required experience, and the tech stack being used. These inquiries highlight the desire for more information about the practicalities of working for Spellbrush. One commenter specifically asked about the possibility of working part-time, indicating a potential interest from developers seeking flexible work arrangements. Another inquiry focused on the use of Godot Engine, demonstrating a focus on the specific technologies used in development. The responses from Spellbrush clarified that they were open to remote work, preferred candidates with experience in game development (but were open to others), and were using C# with Godot Engine. These responses directly addressed the community's questions and provided valuable insight into the company's hiring practices and technical choices.
The discussion also touched upon the target audience and the challenges of developing this type of game. One commenter mentioned the difficulty of balancing the niche appeal of anime SRPGs with the broader market, emphasizing the importance of careful market research and audience targeting. This comment highlights the complexities of game development in a competitive landscape, particularly within a specific niche.
Further discussion revolved around the viability of independent game development and the allure of working on a project with a passionate team. The original poster, representing Spellbrush, engaged with commenters, answering their questions directly and providing further details about their company culture and the project itself. This engagement fostered a positive interaction between the company and potential candidates, building a sense of transparency and accessibility.
Finally, some comments shifted towards a discussion about the genre itself, with users mentioning other similar games and expressing their fondness for SRPGs and tactical RPGs. This demonstrates the existing community interest in the genre and provides a glimpse into the potential audience for Spellbrush's game. This genre-specific discussion contributes to a sense of shared enthusiasm among commenters and reinforces the niche appeal of the project.
In summary, the comments on the Hacker News post reflect a mixture of interest in the job opportunity, curiosity about the game itself, and discussion surrounding the challenges and opportunities within the anime SRPG/Tactics genre. The interaction between potential candidates and the company representative fosters a sense of open communication and provides valuable insight into the hiring process and the project's development.