MERN Stack Developer

About the Role

We are seeking a talented MERN Stack Developer to architect and implement the backend infrastructure and APIs for a mobile multiplayer game. The focus will be on building real-time battling systems, matchmaking logic, and leaderboard functionality. You will be responsible for designing, coding, and optimizing APIs that ensure smooth player-versus-player (PvP) experiences, persistent progression tracking, and global ranking systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain RESTful and GraphQL APIs for multiplayer gameplay.
• Build real-time matchmaking and battle synchronization APIs using Node.js, Express, and Socket.io/WebSockets.
• Design and implement leaderboard APIs (global, regional, seasonal, friend-based).
• Manage player data persistence in MongoDB, including:
• Player profiles, teams, rosters
• Match history and battle outcomes
• Ranking and progression data
• Ensure low-latency communication between clients and server during battles.
• Create secure authentication and authorization APIs (JWT/OAuth2).
• Implement reward APIs tied to battle outcomes and leaderboard positions.
• Develop admin APIs for monitoring, analytics, and game balancing.
• Write detailed API documentation for mobile team integration.
• Monitor, scale, and optimize backend systems for high concurrent player loads.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of JavaScript/TypeScript.
• Hands-on expertise in MERN stack (MongoDB, Express, React/React Native, Node.js).
• Proven experience with Socket.io/WebSockets for real-time communication.
• Experience in designing scalable RESTful/GraphQL APIs.
• Understanding of game mechanics and multiplayer server architecture.
• Proficiency in MongoDB schema design and performance optimization.
• Strong grasp of security practices (rate limiting, API throttling, data validation, encryption).
• Familiarity with load balancing and cloud deployment (AWS, GCP, or Azure).

Preferred (Nice to Have)

• Experience with Elo/MMR ranking algorithms or custom matchmaking logic.
• Familiarity with microservices architecture and Docker/Kubernetes.
• Knowledge of reward systems, battle pass integrations, and seasonal events.
• Prior work on real-time multiplayer mobile games.

Here’s a comprehensive list of APIs the developer would be expected to build for such a game

1. Authentication & Player Profile APIs

2. Matchmaking APIs

3. Battle APIs

4. Leaderboard APIs

5. Ranking & Progression APIs

6. Rewards & Economy APIs

• 7. Admin & Analytics APIs