Clockwork Acorn is searching for a seasoned game developer to take lead on the final stages of our 2D puzzle game, Jetstream, which needs to be ported and launched onto mobile phones and tablets. We are looking for someone to specifically focus on the iOS port, although assistance with Android would be a great bonus. This is a short-term contract project. Jetstream is currently available on Steam.
About Jetstream
Jetstream (jetstreamgame.com) started life as Streamline, an abstract puzzle game developed as part of the Ludum Dare 34 competition in December 2015, where it placed 8th overall and 4th in the fun category. With that bit of external validation and our own love for the games potential we took the leap to work on it as a full blown release title. After many months of work, a new name, and a fresh coat of paint, Jetstream took to the skies. We were fortunate to partner up with Noodlecake as a publishing partner, and we’ve since launched the game on Steam. We kept working on it with a mobile release in mind, adding unreleased features like procedural daily levels. Now we’re in the final stretches of the project, with a big update and mobile launch planned before we can finally label Jetstream as fully off the tarmac.
About Clockwork Acorn
Clockwork Acorn is a fully-remote independent game development studio based in South Africa. We make timeless games with chunky design. As a studio we take a long term view and at our core we seek to be a force for good in the world, with an immediate focus to foster the South African game development ecosystem. We’re a small team with big dreams and the drive to make them happen, and we welcome any contribution you can bring to the table.
Current state of the project
Base Game – Jetstream is feature complete and fully launched for PC, with Windows, Mac and Linux builds.
Android Port – The Android port of Jetstream is mostly complete, and requires some last effort to get it across the line. This is work we can handle internally, but it would be great to hand it over as part of this project.
iOS port – The iOS port is close to being done, but has some last small issues and hurdles, like some graphical artifacts and SDK integrations.
Summary of work required
On a high-level the work required involves updating the underlying frameworks, fixing outstanding bugs, integrating platform-specific SDKs, and creating and distributing all builds required for testing and eventually launch. All the general (not mobile-specific) functionality (like achievement system) is working on the PC version.
Requirements
- Seasoned game developer — must have worked on at least one shipped title.
- Experience working with Haxe and the OpenFL framework.
- Experience developing iOS games.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to self-direct and work independently.
- Fully set up on all hardware and software to build and test for iOS devices
- (bonus) Experience developing Android games.
Project Process
Phase 1 – Application
Are you the right person for this project? Apply here and fill in our initial questionnaire. We review all applications and will get back to you within 5 working days. The initial application process consists of the questionnaire and a short follow-up interview.
Phase 2 – Project scoping, including cost and time estimates
This phase of the project is to enable you to work with us to determine an accurate total fixed cost for the project, as well as estimates on the total amount of calendar time required for delivery.
To this end we will ask you to review and assess the existing codebase of Jetstream to accurately determine the scope of work required.
This phase of the project is paid work, regardless of if we continue to work together for Phase 3.
Phase 3 – Full project
Develop and test a launch-ready iOS port of Jetstream, for both phone and tablet, ensuring it meets reasonable quality and performance standards.
(bonus) Finish off the development and testing of a launch-ready Android port of Jetstream, for both phone and tablet.
Potential for future work
Although not part of this project, a successful launch on mobile could warrant a future retainer agreement for post-launch support on iOS and Android, specifically to deal with any updates needed due to OS updates.