Hire the Best RPG (OS/400) Specialists

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Stephen John G.

Himamaylan, Philippines

$15/hr
5.0
13 jobs

I build responsive, polished gameplay systems in Unity—focused on mechanics, AI, and performance. If your game feels “almost there” but lacks smooth mechanics, smart AI, or optimization—I can help turn it into a complete, playable experience. I’m a mid-level Unity developer with 2+ years of experience, specializing in 2D and 3D gameplay systems using C#. I focus on building mechanics that feel good to play, not just systems that work. 🎮 What I can do for your project: Gameplay mechanics (movement, combat, abilities, physics-based systems) AI systems (state machines, behaviors, enemy logic) Full game systems (core loops, progression, interactions) Optimization (fix FPS drops, improve performance for mobile/PC) UI & animation integration (including Spine) Debugging and fixing broken Unity projects 🚀 Featured Projects 🕸️ Swingfall (Rogue-like 2D Platformer) A unique side-scrolling game built around a physics-based swinging mechanic. Developed custom swinging system using Unity physics Implemented enemy AI (state-based behavior) Integrated VFX, Spine animations, and gameplay systems Focused on responsive movement and performance 🎣 Angler’s Journey A complete game built from scratch, showing my ability to design, implement, and finish core gameplay systems independently. Designed and implemented full gameplay systems independently Built core mechanics without prior professional experience Demonstrates strong problem-solving and self-learning ability 🌌 Take Me To Elysium (Capstone Project) A fully developed game created without AI assistance—pure engineering and research. Built complete system architecture Integrated UI, animations, and VFX Focused on clean implementation using Unity documentation 💡 Why clients work with me: I focus on game feel, not just code I can take a system from idea → fully working feature I understand both technical implementation and player experience I communicate clearly and can work long-term 🤝 Let’s work together I’m open to indie projects, startups, and long-term collaborations. If you need a developer who can build solid gameplay systems and make your game actually feel good, send me a message. *Unity *C# *Game Development *Gameplay Programming *Artificial Intelligence (Game AI) *2D Game Development *3D Game Development *Mobile Game Development *Game Mechanics *Debugging *Performance Optimization *Spine Animation *UI Development (Unity) *Physics Systems *Animation Integration I don’t just write code—I make sure your game feels good to play.

  • Video Game
  • C#
  • Java
  • Python
  • Unreal Engine
  • Unity
  • Game
  • Drawing
  • Poetry
  • Programming Bug Fix
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • C4D
  • Audacity
Bill C.

Wakayama, Japan

$50/hr
4.6
6 jobs

I have been developing software for Linux for over twenty years, both professionally and personally, in a broad range of fields. My primary programming language is C, but I do a lot of work in Python and C#, and I use or have used many other languages in a variety of environments and operating systems. Game engine, tools and logic development is my main focus, but all aspects of programming interest me. I very much enjoy problem solving, and I am quite skilled at finding and fixing tenacious bugs. General areas of work include graphics programming, physics simulation, 2D and 3D math, high performance multi-threaded programming, debugging, compiler development, model import, export and processing tools. Languages: C, C#, Python, GLSL/HLSL, C++, Objective-C, Ruamoko (Objective-QuakeC (I wrote the compiler)), 80x86 assembly Tools: gcc, git, autoconf, automake, make, Blender, Unity, DJGPP, OpenGL, bash, sed Operating Systems: Linux, MS-DOS

  • C++
  • Python
  • C
  • 3D Modeling
  • Blender
  • OpenGL Shading Language
  • Linux
  • C#
  • Multithreaded Programming
  • Unity
Jose Daniel A.

Medellin, Colombia

$22/hr
4.2
18 jobs

Im a game developer working with unity3d since 2012. ive worked with videogames for pc, Vr using oculus and htc vive (including mobile like oculus quest or GearVr or cardboar), and interactive applications like ArchViz and product presentation. (Programming and final render involving lighting, postprocessing and asset integration) my secondary skill is lowpoly 3d modelling and texturing for videogames using pbr, and assets optimization.

  • Unity
  • Virtual Reality
  • C#
  • Video Game
  • Autodesk 3ds Max
  • Game Design
  • Pixologic Zbrush
  • 3D Modeling
  • Substance Painter
  • Game Development
Oleg F.

Atyrau, Kazakhstan

$24/hr
4.9
8 jobs

10+ years of experience in C++, 8+ years of experience in game development. I also have a good knowledge of how to organize work process for team of 2-5 programmers, I been working in Lead Programmer position for last 2 years. I have a game engine of my own development, it used in game projects of Ironclads game series. Also I worked with Unreal Engine 4, Unity 5, but most experience I have in render APIs like DirectX 9, 11 and OpenGL plus shaders languages HLSL, GLSL and visual effects.

  • C++
  • Virtual Reality
  • C#
  • Microsoft Visual C++
  • Qt Framework
  • Unity
  • Unreal Engine
  • DirectX
  • OpenGL
  • Game Development
Daniel W.

Jambi, Indonesia

$30/hr
5.0
41 jobs

Hi there! I'm Daniel! Construct 3 Expert here! Since 2014, I've led Arcadesindo Games, a fully remote Indonesian game studio with an 8-person production team through 10M+ combined downloads across shipped titles and gamification projects for global brands including Pizza Hut Middle East, CD One Price Cleaners, and a leading Australian university. This profile is where I take on development work directly: builds, fixes, customization, and technical integration, bringing that same studio-level process to individual contracts. What We've Shipped: ✅ PC/Steam: Hotelnomaly (2024) & Rail of Sorrows (2025, WIP) — Unity titles on Steam ✅ IP Adaptations: Developed mobile games with 10+ YouTube animators across Indonesia and Malaysia since 2020, with flagship titles hitting 5M+ and 3M+ downloads ✅ EdTech Platform: Built 20+ original games for 22Media's Nininana.sk, adapted into a scalable template framework powering 100+ product variations ✅ Portal Integration: Large-scale API integration connecting B3's arcade portal to a live library of 70+ games ✅ Engine Mastery: 80+ Construct 2/3 projects across Web/HTML5, Android, iOS, and Desktop ✅ Interactive Marketing: Gamification campaigns and microsites for Global Brands like Pizza Hut, and VTB Bank. ✅ Backend & Monetization: Multiplayer systems (Photon Realtime, Colyseus), Firebase/PlayFab integration, and full ad-network/IAP setups (AdMob, AppLovin, Unity Ads, IronSource, Meta) ✅ Art & Animation: In-house 2D character art and Spine 2D skeletal animation, used across our original titles Recognition: 🏆 Intel Top Developer (Intel Innovation Day 2015) 🏆 6x Dicoding Game Competition Winner (Ooredoo/Indosat, Intel Indonesia, Samsung Indonesia, DBS Bank Indonesia — 2015-2018) Why Clients Keep Me Long-Term: ✅ 100% Job Success Score | Upwork Top Rated | $70K+ earned, 39 contracts ✅ 100% Fast response time ✅ I integrate directly with your existing dev/backend/creative team ✅ Focused on ongoing partnerships, not just one-off deliveries Who I Work Best With: Whether you need a full game built from concept to public release, a broken or abandoned build fixed and finished, an existing game ported across platforms, or gamification built for a marketing campaign or IP, I bring the same studio-level process to each engagement. 📩 Send me your project scope, target platform, and timeline. Let's figure out how to get it shipped. Best regards, Daniel William Founder & CEO, Arcadesindo Games

  • Construct 3
  • HTML5
  • Game Development
  • JavaScript
  • Mobile Game
  • Game Prototype
  • Game Customization
  • Unity
  • Phaser
  • Roblox Studio
  • Third-Party Integration
  • In-Game Advertising
  • Game Design
  • Android App Development
  • iOS Development
  • UI/UX Prototyping
  • Prototype
Maksym Z.

Kropyvnytskyy, Ukraine

$30/hr
5.0
16 jobs

I started my C# career writing diagnostic software for nuclear power plants. Reliability there wasn't a feature. It was the baseline. That habit never left me, and these days it goes into my Unity work: small, focused tasks, full games, and everything in between. 7 years of C#. PC, mobile, VR. I can jump into an existing project, own a standalone system, or take your idea or GDD all the way to a working MVP: planning, architecture, gameplay, UI, integrations, optimization, testing, and builds you can actually play. 🔹 SOME THINGS I'VE BUILT • Godly Survivors, an action roguelite released on Steam. I designed and developed it solo, including custom progression, enemy AI with dynamic difficulty, and runtime world generation. I owned its design and development from first concept to launch. • Expanded a 12-level 3D educational game for kids with new arcade mechanics, story progression, and supporting systems. • Developed VR/XR apps for Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro with live 360° video, streamed content, and backend integration. • Built mobile games and simulators featuring boat physics with water dynamics, time-stop puzzle mechanics, REST APIs, Firebase, and monetization. • On one optimization job, I cut an app's build size by 5x. I genuinely enjoy profiling and hunting down CPU/GPU bottlenecks. 🔹 WHAT I CAN DO FOR YOU • Build your game from start to finish: indie titles, MVPs, and vertical slices. • Design and code gameplay systems: combat that feels right, enemy AI, abilities, inventory, economy, progression, and save systems. I lean on data-driven configs so designers can tune things without touching code. • Help on the design side too: core loops, balance models, docs a team can implement without guessing, and custom Unity Editor tools when a workflow needs one. • Take over or extend an existing project: new features, bug fixes, refactoring, third-party integrations, and gameplay or UI polish. • Profile and optimize for PC, mobile, and VR. • Handle backend and platform integrations: Firebase, REST APIs, Addressables, IAP, ads, and the SDKs your project needs. 🔹 HOW I WORK Clear milestones, risks raised early, and playable builds throughout instead of one big reveal at the end. AI speeds up implementation and testing; I do the thinking, shape the architecture, and make the final call. You get honest progress updates, documented changes, and code the next developer won't curse at. I care about the product, not just the paycheck. Details matter to me. Whether it's a focused fix, an indie MVP, or something bigger (AAA too, assuming you bring the studio 🙂), send me your idea, GDD, current build, or task description, and I'll help turn it into a working result.

  • C#
  • Unity
  • Game Development
  • Mobile Game Development
  • Game Development Bug Fix
  • Game Design
  • Git
  • REST API
  • Steam
  • Virtual Reality Game
  • Software Architecture

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What does an RPG (OS/400) specialist do?

An RPG (OS/400) specialist writes, compiles, and debugs business application code for the IBM i operating system. This developer maintains legacy systems by updating source members in RPG IV format and converting older procedural logic into modern Integrated Language Environment structures. They use specific IBM i commands to turn source code into executable program objects that run on midrange servers. Their work keeps critical enterprise data processing tasks running without interruption.

  • Authors and updates RPG IV source members using an integrated development environment such as IBM Rational Developer for i. The specialist edits code directly within the IDE to add new business logic or fix existing errors in the application flow. This process involves writing clean, structured code that follows current ILE standards rather than outdated fixed-format styles. Each change is saved as a distinct source member ready for compilation into the target library.
  • Compiles RPG source code into executable program objects and modules using native IBM i commands like CRTBNDRPG or CRTSQLRPGI. The specialist reviews compiler listings and diagnostic outputs to identify syntax errors or warning messages before promoting the code. They resolve these issues by adjusting the source code and recompiling until the build succeeds without critical errors. This step ensures the resulting object runs correctly within the specific version of the operating system.
  • Debugs runtime errors and logic faults in IBM i applications using the integrated debugger tools within RDi. The specialist sets breakpoints, inspects variable values, and steps through code execution to find the root cause of a failure. They apply fixes to the source code and retest the application to confirm the issue is resolved. This workflow minimizes downtime for users who depend on these backend systems for daily operations.
  • Modernizes legacy RPG and Cobol applications by refactoring old code into modular, maintainable structures. The specialist analyzes existing programs to understand their function and then rewrites them using contemporary language features. This work improves performance and makes future updates easier for other developers to handle. It also helps organizations reduce technical debt associated with aging software architectures.

How to hire an RPG (OS/400) specialist on Upwork

Step 1: Post a job

Define your IBM i modernization or maintenance needs clearly to attract qualified candidates. Use the Job Post Generator powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI to draft a precise description in seconds. Describe your requirements in a few sentences and Uma creates a tailored post for this role. You can write a new post, update a saved draft, or reuse an existing post.

  • Specify whether the work involves writing new RPG IV source code or debugging existing ILE programs on IBM i.
  • List required tools such as IBM Rational Developer for i (RDi) and compile commands like CRTBNDRPG.
  • Clarify if the project requires modernizing legacy applications or maintaining current RPGLE modules.

Step 2: Evaluate candidates

Look for portfolios that demonstrate hands-on experience with IBM i environments and RPG development workflows. Uma can run instant video interviews and build shortlists with side-by-side comparisons to help you assess technical fit.

  • Verify experience compiling RPG source into program objects and resolving compile-time diagnostics.
  • Check for examples of updated RPG source members and compiled ILE artifacts from past projects.
  • Confirm familiarity with debugging IBM i applications using integrated tools within RDi.

Step 3: Interview your top choices

Discuss specific technical challenges related to your IBM i system and RPG codebase. Schedule and conduct interviews within Upwork Messages to receive an immediate transcript and summary after each session.

  • Ask how they approach debugging runtime errors in complex ILE programs.
  • Discuss their process for promoting updated source and recompiled objects to target environments.
  • Explore their experience with SQL integration in RPG programs using commands like CRTSQLRPGI.

Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work

Set clear milestones for source updates, compilation, and testing within the contract workroom. Use Upwork Messages for communication and rely on identity verification, payment protection, hourly tracking, and project funds for security.

  • Define deliverables such as specific RPGLE source members and corresponding compiled modules.
  • Establish a timeline for debugging fixes and resolution of identified application issues.
  • Agree on standards for compiler listings and diagnostic outputs to verify code quality.

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The rates and information provided in this article are based on current data and industry sources available at the time of publication. Freelance rates can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, project scope, and market conditions. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research to confirm current rates and trends, as this information may change over time.

How much does hiring an RPG (OS/400) specialist cost?

$500-$1,500 per project is a typical range for focused RPG (OS/400) specialist work. Final pricing depends on scope, technical complexity, required integrations, source-material quality, revision needs, and the freelancer's experience level.

Legacy code review

$500-$1,200/project

Entry-level to mid-level
  • Identified compile errors and runtime issues in RPG IV source
  • Generated compiler outputs with line-by-line diagnostics
  • Documented steps to resolve identified bugs in IBM i applications

RPG module compilation

$1,200-$2,500/project

Mid-level
  • Built ILE program objects and modules using CRTBNDRPG commands
  • Refactored RPGLE source members for successful compilation
  • Recorded results from initial execution tests in the IBM i environment

Application debugging

$2,500-$4,500/project

Mid-level to senior-level
  • Resolved runtime errors using the IBM i debugger in RDi
  • Updated RPG source and recompiled program objects
  • Confirmed fixes resolve original issues without side effects

SQL integration

$4,500-$7,000/project

Senior-level
  • Wrote RPG programs with embedded SQL using CRTSQLRPGI
  • Established data retrieval and update logic within IBM i applications
  • Measured query execution times and optimized access paths

System modernization

$7,000-$12,000/project

Expert-level
  • Restructured legacy RPG/Cobol applications into modular ILE designs
  • Converted outdated code to current RPG IV standards in RDi
  • Prepared compiled objects and source for promotion to production

Frequently asked questions

Is hiring an RPG (OS/400) specialist worth it?

For most businesses, yes: hiring an RPG (OS/400) specialist is worthwhile. These experts maintain critical IBM i applications that drive core business operations. They compile source code into program objects and debug runtime errors to keep systems stable. Modernizing legacy RPG IV code prevents technical debt from slowing down your workflow.

How do I evaluate RPG (OS/400) specialist candidates?

Verify their ability to write and maintain RPG IV source using IBM Rational Developer for i. Ask them to describe how they use compile commands like CRTBNDRPG to build modules. A strong candidate explains how they diagnose issues with the integrated debugger before promoting objects to production.

What tools does an RPG (OS/400) specialist use daily?

They edit source code in IBM Rational Developer for i and compile programs using IBM i commands. They also use the integrated debugger to trace execution paths and fix logic errors.

Can an RPG (OS/400) specialist modernize legacy applications?

Yes, they refactor old RPG and Cobol code into modern RPG IV structures within the IBM i environment. This work updates source members and recompiles artifacts to improve maintainability.