Dev Blog
Tools of the Trade:
Slack
Posted on December 17, 2018
What is Slack? Slack is a business communication tool. Here is a summary of what it offers:
- Channels – These are group chats that can be public (i.e. for everyone automatically) or private (i.e. the team members need to be invited to join).
- Direct Messages – Send a message to a team member (i.e. like any other Discord, Skype, ICQ, MSN Messanger, …. messaging service).
- VOIP Calls – connect with a team member or group of team members (voice and video).
- File sharing – drag and drop any files (limited size in free version).
- Search – Quick search results from all channels and direct messages for whatever you are looking for.
- Third Party Tool Integration – Hook up third party tools to send notifications to slack channels.
- Mobile App – iOS and Android apps that keeps you constantly in the loop of what’s going on with the team.
Cost?
There are currently three tiers of pricing for small to medium sized businesses.
Free – limited searchable messages and app integrations, one-to-one voice/video calls only, 5GB total file storage
Standard ($6.67 / month / user) – unlimited searchable messages and app integrations, more authorization options, up to 15 participants in voice/video calls, 10GB file storage per user, priority support read more
Interim Milestone Update:
Prototyping
Posted on December 10, 2018
We’ve taken a step back from the milestone schedule to focus on protoyping new gameplay mechanics and designing new puzzles around those mechanics.
Like we said in last month’s milestone update, something was missing, so hopefully over the next few months we can figure out what really makes the game tick and start back up with more interesting posts in the near future.
Stay tuned for much more interesting news in the future! read more
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Synthwave Update #11 – Reflection
Posted on November 26, 2018
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Internal Milestone 12
Art Polish
Posted on November 12, 2018
In our October milestone, we focused on an art pass of the first three puzzles of the vertical slice. In addition to just making something that looks good, we also wanted to make sure that our workflow from grey boxed level design to final art was working as we intended. We didn’t get around to doing a full lighting pass yet, but we are very happy with how it turned out. Check out some screenshots!
That being said, after playing this milestone build, we had the feeling that something with the gameplay was not quite right or that something was missing. For our November milestone, we are planning on going back to the drawing board and refocus on level design and gameplay mechanics to really find the “hook” for the game. We’ve already been throwing around a few new ideas that we’re hoping will pan out, but as of right now, the project is taking a little bit of a step back to refocus and to make sure that we nail the “fun” before we jump ahead with more art and polish.
Read More
Synthwave Update #10 – Confrontation
Posted on October 29, 2018
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Projects
Click on each project image for more information
Gunhead PS5 Port
Developed by Alientrap Games and scheduled to be released Nov. 7, 2023 on PS5.
Rocket Rumble Ports
Developed by PixelNAUTS Games and scheduled to be released in 2023. Platforms to be annouced at a later date.
Soundfall Ports
Developed by Drastic Games and released May 11th, 2022 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam
JankBrain
Developed by Log Games and published by Equilibrium Systems. Released on January 20th, 2022 on the Nintendo Switch. Press contact:
contact@equilibriumsystems.com
Epic Dumpster Bear 2
Developed by Log Games and published by Equilibrium Systems. Released on January 6th, 2022 on the Nintendo Switch. Press contact:
contact@equilibriumsystems.com
Phantom Compass General Programming
We are working with Phantom Compass on "Rollers of the Realm: Reunion". Scheduled to be released in 2022.
Moonray Studios General Programming
We are working with Moonray Studios on an unannounced project.
Alientrap Games Console Ports
Working with the team at Alientrap to bring multiple projects to multiple consoles.
Chivalry 2 General Programming
Developed by Torn Banner Studios and scheduled to be released on June 8, 2021.
A Fold Apart Ports
Developed by Lightning Rod Games and released April 17th, 2020 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Apple Arcade (iOS, Apple TV, Mac)
Lost Orbit: Terminal Velocity Ports
Developed by PixelNAUTS Games and released July 16, 2019 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Steam (PC/Mac/Linux)
Services
Click on a service for more information
We will port your video game to the platforms of your choice
We help with all of your programming needs
We will prepare your game for certification and release
Careers
Please email us at jobs@equilibriumsystems.com with the job title as the subject to apply. Attach a resume/CV/portfolio link within the email.
Click the job title for more details about the position.
About
Equilibrium Systems is a game development company founded in 2016 and based in Mississauga, Ontario. The name "Equilibrium" was chosen because we believe that to create successful interactive media, you need to balance many creative disciplines (art, design, programming, audio, production). "Equilibrium" was also chosen because we believe in balancing work with many other enjoyments of life.
Mission
Our mission is to be a source of engaging and enjoyable interactive media. We will strive to deliver high quality software to customers while maintaining a balanced quality of life for our employees. Our motto is to work smarter, not longer.
Companies We've Worked With
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| Kabam |
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| Phantom Compass |
Eden Industries |
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| Drastic Games |
Moonray Studios |
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| Alientrap Games |
Lightning Rod Games |
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| Torn Banner Games |
PixelNAUTS Games |
Contact
Please email us at contact@equilibriumsystems.com
Platform Porting
We want your studio achieve it’s goals and we offer a few different packages of increasing support to do that.
Packages
Pre-Certification Package
In this package, we will work with you to get your game functional on the platform(s) of your choice. This package does not include optimizations, platform specific bug fixes, or any setup of publishing settings. In general, this package includes the following:
- Platform Plugin setup and integration
- Input support
- Networking (i.e. online multiplayer) (if required)
- Save/Load System
- Achievement/Trophy System (if required)
- Cloud Storage (if required)
- User Stats (if required)
- Support for all desired play modes (i.e. handheld vs. docked)
Certification Package
This package includes everything from the Pre-Certification Package, plus we will assist in passing any technical certification requirements that the platform may have and work with you to optimize the game for that platform. In addition to what was described in the Pre-Certification Package, this package generally includes the following:
- Leaderboards (if required)
- Asset bundles (if required)
- Platform specific technical requirements (i.e. error messages, user management, stability, etc…)
- Platform specific optimizations
- Certification build settings and packaging
- Publisher website setup (if required)
- Full certification Quality Assurance test pass
Certification Plus Package
This package includes everything in the Pre-Certification and Certification Package, with additional support for up to two patches if required. In general, this package additionally includes the following:
- Ensure the game is optimized for patches before entering certification for the first time
- Determine what files need to be included in the patch
- Manage the build settings and packaging of both patches
- Support for additional content (downloadable content) (if required)
Process
- Reach out to us and we will sign NDA’s to ensure that all information about your project remains strictly confidential.
- We will have a meeting to discuss your goals and requirements for the project.
- We will evaluate your codebase and determine the full scope of your project.
- A contract proposal will be sent to you upon completion of our evaluation with a quote of our monthly rate along with an estimate of how long the project could take.
- The contract is signed and we begin work!
Platforms
We specialize in porting Unity and Unreal Engine games from PC to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, XBox One, XBox Series X|S, and Apple Arcade.
Our studio is currently a licensed developer for Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony, Steam and Apple platforms.
Please contact us here so we can discuss your project in more detail!
General Programming
Our programming team has many years of experience in the game industry and has shipped games using a wide variety of engines.
Here is a list of some of the areas our team has experience with:
- Unity
- Unreal Engine
- Debugging
- Gameplay/AI Programming
- User Interfaces
- Console Ports
- Tools
We can assist you to develop that killer prototype or with that final push to get your game out the door. Our programming services can be retained on an hourly rate or a flat rate, depending on the needs of your project.
Please contact us here so we can discuss your project in more detail!
Quality Assurance
Our team has many years of experience testing games on a variety of levels:
- Platform Technical Certification Requirement testing
- Developing and running test plans
- White box testing (we examine your code)
- Black box testing (we don’t know what your code is doing)
- Platform specific testing
Our quality assurance services can be retained on an hourly rate or a flat rate, depending on the needs of your project.
Please contact us here so we can discuss your project in more detail!
Intermediate AI Programmer
Job Description:
Position Type: Contract (Approx. 4-6 months), Full-time (35 hr/week)
Location of position: Remote
Eligibility: Can work in Canada (no visa required)
Start Date: Early November
Salary: Competitive, Negotiable
In this position, you will help to develop the features that control non-player characters in a 3D environment (e.g.: enemy actions and behaviours). The game is being developed using Unity. This is a full-time position, but your work schedule can be flexible. We use typical tools to communicate such as Slack and Trello. This contract also has the potential to turn into a full-time position.
Responsibilities:
- Compile and understand the AI needs of the creative director and game designers so as to develop the requested features and asses their technical feasibility
- Collaborate with designers and animators
- Code in a clear and structured way, taking into account performance, maintenance, and compatibility requirements
- Determine and correct the AI bugs identified by people from other disciplines and the quality control team
- Document the work so as to transfer knowledge and enable users (from other disciplines) to understand how to use the new AI systems and functionalities
- Participate in team communications (email, instant messages, video calls) during core business hours
- Carry out all other related tasks
Training:
Bachelor of Computer Science or Software Engineering, or equivalent training or experience;
Experience:
- Minimum 3+ years’ AI programming experience, in the video game industry
- Game industry experience, must have shipped a minimum of 1 title as an AI Programmer
- Fluent in C# language
- Unity game engine experience preferred, but not mandatory
- A good understanding of modern AI techniques used in 3D games (such as Behaviour Trees, Pathfinding, State Machines, etc...)
- Familiarity with Online AI bots an advantage
- Console experience is a plus
Other skills:
- Problem-solving skills
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong linear algebra and calculus
- Autonomous and resourceful
- Ability to take initiative
- Ability to work as part of a team
Equilibrium Systems welcomes applications from all interested parties.
Please email us at jobs@equilibriumsystems.com with the job title as the subject to apply. Attach a resume/CV/portfolio link within the email.
Junior Software Engineer
Job Description:
Position Type: Full-time (35 hr/week)
Location of position: Mississauga, ON (primarily remote)
Eligibility: Can work in Canada (no visa required)
Start Date: September 2021
Salary: Competitive, Negotiable
In this position, you will be porting games for our clients to a variety of video game platforms. Our studio primarily focuses on porting games that use existing game engines (Unity/Unreal) to consoles (PlayStation, Microsoft, Nintendo). We may also port games to other platforms (i.e. Apple/mobile/Steam/Epic Game Store). When you are not porting games, you will be working on internal game projects using Unity or conducting self guided research to improve your skills.
This is a full-time position, with a flexible work schedule. Due to this position requiring the use of development kits, this position may require some time in the office, but will be primarily remote. We currently do not have an office space, but it will be within walking distance of either the Clarkson or Port Credit GO train stations in Mississauga. We use common tools such as Discord and Trello to communicate.
Responsibilities:
- Code in a clear and structured way, taking into account performance, maintenance, and compatibility requirements
- Flexibility to adjust your coding style to meet the needs of any client.
- Ability to read and understand technical documents
- Collaborate with other members of the team to solve problems
- Determine and correct the bugs identified by people from other disciplines and the quality control team
- Document the work so as to transfer knowledge back to our team in order to allow us to work more efficiently on future projects
- Participate in team communications (email, instant messages, video calls) during core business hours
- Carry out all other related tasks
Training:
Bachelor of Computer Science or Software Engineering, or equivalent training or experience;
Experience:
- Fluent in C#
- Fluent in C++
- Strong knowledge of debugging, profiling and memory management
- Excellent understanding of Object Oriented Programming concepts
- Knowledge of networking a plus
- Unity game engine experience preferred, but not mandatory
- Unreal Engine experience preferred, but not mandatory
Other skills:
- Problem-solving skills
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong linear algebra and calculus
- Autonomous and resourceful
- Ability to take initiative
- Ability to work as part of a team
- A passion for video games!
Equilibrium Systems welcomes applications from all interested parties.
Please email us at jobs@equilibriumsystems.com with the job title as the subject to apply. Attach a resume/CV/portfolio link within the email.
