Experienced Unity Game Developer Needed. Continue Cozy Life-Sim Production (Gameplay Systems + Code)

About the Project I’m developing Oakleaf, a cozy 3D life-simulation game with a cute stylized aesthetic inspired by games like Animal Crossing, Heartopia, and other cozy sandbox/life-sim experiences. The prototype phase is already underway, and several core gameplay systems have been implemented. I’m now looking for an experienced Unity C# Developer to join the project, continue development, expand existing systems, improve polish, and help bring Oakleaf toward full production. This role is focused on gameplay programming, system development, optimization, and long-term collaboration. I provide the game design documentation, UI/UX direction, and art assets. Your role will be to develop and refine the technical side of the game. ⸻ Current Prototype Progress The following systems are already implemented: Player & Movement * Third-person player controller * Smooth walking and running * Camera-relative movement * Collision handling * Movement locking during conversations, UI interactions, and building mode * Event-based animation handling Camera System * Smooth third-person camera * Free camera rotation * Cinematic NPC conversation camera positioning Interaction System * Unified interaction framework for: * NPCs * Items * Doors * Environment objects * Nearby object detection and highlighting * Central event-based architecture for scalability Inventory & Items * Main inventory system with categories * Quick-access bag system * Data-driven item architecture for easy content expansion Building System * Grid-based object placement * Placement mode * Inventory integration * Camera/control adjustments during building Shop & Economy * Merchant system * Buy system * Item rarity-based pricing * Currency validation and inventory integration Currency System * Player currency tracking * Spending validation * Animated UI updates Dialogue System Custom node-based dialogue framework including: * Branching conversations * Conditions based on player progression * Dynamic text variables * Support for simple and complex dialogue sequences Day/Night System * Real-time day/night cycle * Dynamic lighting updates * Skybox changes * Sun/moon movement * Event triggers based on time UI & Controls * Keyboard and controller support * Custom navigation system * Grid menu navigation * Panel management * Input locking/unlocking Additional Systems Completed * Fishing system * Seasonal cycle system (currently needs additional polishing/fixes) * Insect catching mode: (needs verification) * Net tool * Animation integration * Attack cooldown synced with animations ⸻ Responsibilities You will help continue development by: Gameplay Systems * Expanding and improving existing systems * Creating new gameplay mechanics * Improving system architecture as the game grows * Implementing additional life-sim features: * Farming improvements * Crafting systems * Quests/tasks * NPC behaviors and schedules * Player progression * More interactions and activities * Others Technical Development * Maintain clean, scalable C# code * Optimize systems for future content expansion * Debug and improve existing features * Refactor where needed * Ensure PC and Nintendo Switch performance considerations Content Integration * Integrate Unity-ready 3D assets (FBX), animations, and prefabs * Connect assets with gameplay systems * Create efficient workflows for future content creation Development Tools * Build helpful Unity editor tools/workflows when needed * Improve development efficiency ⸻ Requirements ✅ Strong Unity + C# experience ✅ Experience working on complete gameplay systems ✅ Ability to understand and extend existing codebases ✅ Strong knowledge of Unity architecture and best practices ✅ Experience with Git/version control ✅ Good communication and documentation skills Preferred experience: * Life simulation games * Farming games * Cozy games * Management/simulation systems * Nintendo Switch optimization ⸻ Nice to Have ⭐ Experience with: * Unity URP * Addressables * AI/NPC schedules * Dialogue tools * Inventory/building systems * Save/load architecture * Optimization for lower-end hardware * Steam release preparation ⸻ Collaboration This is a long-term role for the right developer. The goal is to continue building Oakleaf from the existing prototype toward a complete commercial release. Budget: 100$ per months If we work well together, there will be ongoing opportunities throughout production. Please include: * Unity projects you have worked on * Your specific responsibilities * Experience with simulation/life-sim mechanics * Availability and preferred working arrangement