Game Developer (Crosshair Overlay App/ PC game) - Part-time - EMEA/APAC

Project Overview

XEN Inc. is building a lightweight, low-latency crosshair overlay for PC gamers. The app must be Xbox Game Bar–compatible, run as a Windows system tray application, and include a web-based subscription (licensing) flow. You’ll lead the build across desktop + web, focusing on performance, precision, and simple but powerful customization.

What You’ll Build

• Windows Desktop App (System Tray):
  Transparent overlay rendering a customizable crosshair (dot, “X”, plus, circle, etc.)
  Reactive behaviors (e.g., pulse/animate on fire, color/opacity changes)
  In-app settings surfaced via system tray menu (profiles, hotkeys, size, color, thickness, opacity)
  Auto-start, minimal CPU/GPU footprint, low input/animation latency

• Xbox Game Bar Compatibility:
  Implement as a Game Bar widget/overlay where required; follow Game Bar APIs/UX constraints
  Handle focus, z-order, click-through, and full-screen game modes appropriately

• Web Subscription & Licensing:
  Simple web app for signup, billing, account management (monthly/annual)
  License validation within the desktop app (online/offline grace), secure token storage
  Admin view for support (license lookups, resets)

• Telemetry & Updates:
  Basic analytics/crash reporting; auto-update channel for the desktop app
  Error handling, logging, and diagnostics suitable for support

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end architecture and implementation for Windows desktop + web subscription.
• Choose pragmatic technologies that satisfy Xbox Game Bar compatibility (note: Electron is not acceptable for the desktop component).
• Build a performant overlay renderer (DirectX/Win32/WinUI/UWP/Game Bar SDK—tech to be proposed), and a clean React interface for settings/subscription web flows.
• Implement secure licensing (server validation, device binding rules), and protect against basic tampering.
• Create CI/CD pipelines, signing, and installer packaging (MSIX/exe) as needed.
• Deliver documentation: build/run, deployment, support playbook, and handoff notes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Proven experience shipping Windows desktop applications with real-time graphics/UI constraints.
• Hands-on work with Xbox Game Bar (widgets/overlays) or similar Windows gaming integrations.
• Strong full-stack capability (desktop + web). Front end in React for settings/subscription portal.
• Solid understanding of rendering pipelines (DirectX/Win32/WinUI/UWP) and transparent/click-through overlays.
• Experience with subscriptions/billing (Stripe or similar) and secure license enforcement.
• Performance mindset: profiling, frame timing, GPU/CPU budgeting; familiarity with low-latency animation.

Nice to Have

• Experience with anti-cheat–safe overlay patterns and compliance considerations.
• Packaging/signing (MSIX, code signing certs), auto-update (Squirrel/MSIX/App Installer).
• Familiarity with C#/.NET or C++/WinRT, Windows App SDK/WinUI 3, and Game Bar SDK specifics.
• Testing across DX11/DX12, windowed/borderless/full-screen modes, multi-monitor setups, and high-DPI.