Job Description:

We are looking for a versatile Senior Game Developer to help design and build new HTML5 games for the PBS KIDS series Lyla in the Loop. See examples of existing games here: https://pbskids.org/lyla/games

As a core member of our small team, you’ll have the opportunity to shape gameplay experiences from concept to launch. These games will be distributed on the PBS KIDS Games app and pbskids.org. 

The ideal candidate has:

• demonstrated work experience building HTML5 games for kids aged 4-8

• Is comfortable working in small, agile teams

• is excited about children’s media, has a strong grasp of game mechanics 

• Demonstrates advanced communication skills when working with other departments (design, leadership, writers, social media)

Responsibilities

• Prototype and develop interactive educational games for kids.

• Collaborate with artists, designers, writers, and educators to bring the game world to life.

• Implement intuitive, kid-friendly interfaces and gameplay mechanics.

• Optimize games for performance, accessibility, and age-appropriate use.

• Test, debug, and refine projects to ensure quality and reliability.

• Stay current with trends in educational games, children’s media, and emerging technologies.

Ideal candidates will have demonstrated interest in children’s content production, an alignment to the educational mission and values of PBS and the Lyla in the Loop series. This applicant must be able to operate both independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment. 

Timeline:

• Start Date - Nov 2025

• Estimated Complete Date - Dec 2026

Compensation:

This is a freelance remote, part-time position, with compensation commensurate with work experience.

Qualifications

Required:

• Proficiency in developing and deploying games for web based platforms, utilizing technologies listed below:

  • SpringRoll (v2), an open source HTML game development framework created by PBS KIDS that makes game distribution and publishing across PBS platforms efficient. See SpringRoll documentation: https://github.com/SpringRoll/ SpringRoll 

  • Rendering on: Phaser 3, PIXI, EaselJS

  • Audio engine experience either with WebAudio and/or: SoundJS, PIXI Sound, Howler 

• Familiarity with a wide variety of current technologies, libraries and tools available for game development

• Understanding of UI/UX principles, especially for young children.

• Creativity, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.

Preferred:

• Background in educational technology, child development, or kids’ media.

• Experience with animation, sound integration, or interactive storytelling.

• Familiarity with cross-platform deployment (mobile, tablet, web)

• Passion for creating inclusive and accessible experiences for diverse learners.

• Previous experience developing games to be distributed on low-end  devices. 
  

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume and a brief paragraph (3-4 sentences) about why you’re a good fit for the position. Include links to deployed work that demonstrates relevant experience. 

Send to: hello@mightypicnic.com with the subject line: Senior Game Developer Application.