About

Project: Burned Horizons — Unreal Engine 5 Tactical Strategy Vertical Slice We’re building Burned Horizons, a tactical strategy game that challenges the genre’s norms: no XP grind, no class rails, no buy-your-way skill trees. Operators grow through scars, trust, and survival. Every decision carries weight. The game is set in an alternate-history early 2000s, centered on Ukraine. It’s inspired by the real scars of conflict and endurance — told through a grounded, consequence-driven vision meant to respect what people in Ukraine have endured, even while presenting it in an alternate timeline. Traction so far: 2,000+ Steam wishlists in just 2½ weeks (before any trailer, gameplay footage, or ads). Kickstarter launch planned for January 2026. First private Alpha test scheduled for early December 2025 — this build must be finished, stable, and playable for testers. Scope of this contract (Oct–Dec 2025): Deliver a vertical slice that doubles as our first Alpha test. Implement core tactical loop (turn/AP system, cover, line of sight). AI behaviors (enemy patrols, combat, reinforcements). Persistence hooks (operators carry scars/progression between missions). Simple UI flow to track squad/ops state. Weekly playable builds, with clean C++ + Blueprint handoff. What we provide: Large test environment map already in place. Operator assets and early art direction. Clear milestones and weekly check-ins. Compensation: $25–$45/hr depending on experience. Reduced-rate hours covered Oct–Dec, with deferred balance (or agreed bonus) paid as soon as Kickstarter funds are released — expected between mid-January and mid-March 2026, depending on campaign length and payout timing. Open to long-term contract if collaboration is a good fit. Preferred location: Ukraine and Eastern Europe (UTC+2/+3), but open to nearby regions. What to include in your application: 1–2 Unreal samples (videos or code snippets). Hourly rate and availability through December. Brief note on how you’d structure a vertical slice to demonstrate persistence and campaign flow.