Native Android Developer Needed for Educational Puzzle Game

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced native Android developer to build a complete educational puzzle game using native Android technologies (Kotlin preferred, Java acceptable).

This is not a Unity project and not a hybrid framework (no Flutter, React Native, etc.).

The game must be implemented with native Android architecture, clean game logic, and optimized performance.

A full technical specification is already defined, including gameplay rules, equation validation logic, level structure, economy, and UI requirements.

Project Overview

Platform:

Android (native)

Technology:

Kotlin (preferred) / Java

Genre:

Educational Puzzle Game

Core Concept:

Players swap adjacent grid cells containing numbers, math operators, and "=" symbols to form valid arithmetic equations. Correct equations pop, reward coins, apply gravity, and clear shaded objective cells to reveal hidden background images.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

Grid System

8×8 grid (configurable)

Each cell contains numbers (1–9), operators (+, −, *), or an equal sign (=)

Only orthogonal swaps allowed

Invalid swaps must automatically revert

Game Loop

Player swaps two adjacent cells

System scans the full grid for valid equations

Valid equations trigger pop animations and rewards

Cells are removed

Gravity collapses columns

New symbols spawn from the top

Grid re-scans until no valid equations remain

Multiple equations in one move must be supported (combo logic).

Equation Validation Requirements

The system must dynamically evaluate expressions on both sides of the "=" sign.

Supported patterns (MVP):

1 = 1

A + B = C

C = A + B

A + B = C + D

Rules:

Equations can be horizontal or vertical only

Linear sequences only (no branching)

Equation length between 3 and 7 cells

Architecture must allow future expansion (e.g. A − B + C = D)

Levels, Tutorial & Progression

Tutorial

Step-by-step guided tutorial introducing swapping

Equation formation

Help button usage

Timer mechanics

Shaded objective cells

Main Levels

Each level contains three difficulty modes:

Easy

Numbers 1–5

Operators +, −

Time limit 2 minutes

Medium

Numbers 1–9

Operators +, −

Time limit 3 minutes

Hard

Numbers 1–9

Operators +, −,

Time limit 4 minutes

Completing all difficulties reveals the full background image and unlocks the next level.

Win / Lose System

Player starts with 3 hearts

Failing to clear shaded objective cells within the time limit removes 1 heart

Game over after 3 failures

Abilities & Economy

Abilities

Help ability highlights a valid swap

Freeze Timer pauses the countdown for 10 seconds (upgradeable)

Architecture must support future abilities such as shuffle, remove symbol, double points

Economy

Coins earned based on equation complexity

Combo equations grant bonus coins

Coins used for upgrades

Freeze duration

Extra help uses

Extra hearts

UI & UX Requirements

Main Menu

Play

Settings

Shop

Coin and heart display

Dark geometric visual style

In-Game UI

Timer displayed at top center

Hearts at top left

Coins at top right

Help and Freeze buttons

Cell highlight animations

Pop animations

Shaded objective indicators

Technical Expectations

Architecture

Clean, modular, maintainable native Android architecture

Clear separation between game logic, UI, and state management

Recommended components:

Grid or Board Manager

Equation Validator

Game State Controller

Ability Manager

UI Controller

Board Generation

The board must always generate at least one valid move

Gravity and refill logic must be stable and deterministic

Deliverables

Fully working native Android game

Well-structured Kotlin or Java code

Playable APK or AAB

Clean, documented logic ready for future expansion

Ideal Candidate

Strong experience in native Android development

Comfortable building game logic without Unity

Experience with grid-based games or complex state machines

Performance-focused and detail-oriented

Able to follow a technical specification precisely

Contract duration of 1 to 3 months. with None hours per week.

Mandatory skills:

Android, Game Design, Game Development, Mathematics, UX & UI, Native App Development, Kotlin, Java, Mobile Game, Mobile App Development