IT System Administrator at Gameforge AG | Career Opportunity

IT System Administrator at Gameforge AG, Do you want to be part of a dynamic and international team working on some of the most exciting online games? If so, Gameforge AG has the perfect opportunity for you!

Based in Karlsruhe, Germany, Gameforge is a leader in the world of free-to-play online games. The company is looking for a talented IT System Administrator to join their team and help support and improve their robust server infrastructure that powers globally popular games.

In this article, we’ll break down what this role involves, the skills required, and why you should consider joining the Gameforge team. Let’s dive in!

About Gameforge AG: A Global Gaming Leader

Founded in 2003, Gameforge AG has become one of the leading publishers of massively multiplayer online (MMO) games. Known for popular titles like AION Classic, Runes of Magic, Metin2, and more, Gameforge has created a space where millions of players around the world can connect, explore, and play together.

Gameforge’s diverse portfolio includes games for players of all tastes, from anime MMOs like Elsword to strategy-focused browser games like OGame. Their commitment to high-quality game operations and constant updates makes them a recognized name in the gaming industry.

Your Role: IT System Administrator at Gameforge

As an IT System Administrator at Gameforge, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted operation of their online games. Your primary focus will be on managing the server infrastructure that supports browser- and client-based online games.

Key Responsibilities

Here are some of the main responsibilities you’ll have in this role:

Responsibility	Details
Server Infrastructure Management	You will manage the automated server infrastructure, using tools like Ansible, to ensure smooth game operations.
Collaboration with Developers	Work closely with internal developers and external game studios to plan and implement game updates and maintenance.
Game Maintenance and Updates	Independently manage game maintenance, content updates, test installations, and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
Automation and Scripting	You will develop and optimize automation scripts using tools like Ansible, Perl, Bash, or Python to simplify operations and improve efficiency.
On-call Service	Participate in the 24/7 on-call service rotation, ensuring the availability and stability of systems at all times.
System Monitoring & Troubleshooting	Actively monitor game systems using tools like Icinga, Grafana, and Graylog and troubleshoot any performance or infrastructure issues.

The Tech Stack You’ll Be Using

At Gameforge, you’ll work with a variety of tools and technologies to ensure smooth game operations. Here’s a list of the core technologies you’ll encounter:

Technology	Description
Linux (Ubuntu & CentOS)	Administration of Linux-based server systems, crucial for online game operation.
FreeBSD	Open-source Unix-like operating system for specific tasks within the infrastructure.
Ansible	Automation tool for managing servers and deploying applications, making tasks more efficient.
Ceph	Distributed storage system used for scaling and managing data across servers.
Proxmox & KVM	Virtualization tools that allow for running virtual machines on physical hardware.
MySQL & Cassandra	Database management systems used for storing and managing game-related data.
Kubernetes	Open-source system for automating the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications.
Icinga, Grafana, Graylog	Monitoring tools for system health, performance metrics, and troubleshooting log data.
Git & GitLab	Version control and repository management tools for code and script collaboration.
Jira & Confluence	Project management and documentation tools used for team collaboration and workflow.

The Skills You Need for Success

To excel as an IT System Administrator at Gameforge, you’ll need a strong technical background and the ability to manage complex systems. Here’s a breakdown of the skills and experience that will set you up for success:

Required Skills

Skill	Why It’s Important
Linux Administration	You’ll need strong experience managing Linux server systems, as they form the backbone of Gameforge’s infrastructure.
Scripting (Bash, Python, Perl)	Automating tasks is a big part of this role, so being comfortable with scripting languages is essential.
Ansible Automation	Familiarity with Ansible is crucial for deploying and managing the infrastructure efficiently.
Database Knowledge	Understanding databases like MySQL and Cassandra ensures optimal performance and data management for online games.
System Monitoring & Troubleshooting	You’ll need to proactively monitor systems and troubleshoot to prevent downtime or performance issues.
High Availability Systems	Knowledge of clusters, web servers, and firewalls ensures that Gameforge’s games are always available to players.

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Desirable Skills

• Experience with Cloud Infrastructure: Knowledge of cloud systems can be a plus for scaling operations.
• Knowledge of Kubernetes: This tool is becoming an industry standard for managing containerized applications, and familiarity with it would be beneficial.
• Problem-Solving: A proactive, “think outside the box” attitude is necessary for resolving unexpected issues efficiently.

Why Gameforge is the Right Place for You

Gameforge offers a great work environment with many benefits for its employees. Here’s why you’ll love working here:

Key Benefits of the Role

• Hybrid Working: You’ll enjoy a flexible work arrangement, balancing time between working from home and collaborating in the office.
• International Team: Gameforge’s global team includes employees from over 35 nations, giving you a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Continuous Learning: Gameforge values professional growth and provides access to language courses, team-building activities, and seminars.
• Transparency & Collaboration: Open communication is encouraged. Everyone at Gameforge is encouraged to share ideas and improve processes.
• Comprehensive Onboarding: Starting a new role can be challenging, but Gameforge ensures a smooth transition with a structured onboarding process.

Work-Life Balance

• With hybrid work options and a culture that emphasizes work-life balance, you can maintain a healthy mix of personal time and work commitments.
• You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in fun team-building activities that strengthen your bonds with coworkers.

Gameforge: The Company with a Future

With over 20 years in the gaming industry, Gameforge continues to grow and push boundaries in game publishing and online gaming experiences. Their focus on community engagement and continuous content updates ensures that players have a rich and lasting experience in their games. As an IT System Administrator, you’ll be an essential part of keeping these experiences smooth and enjoyable for players worldwide.

Conclusion: Is This the Role for You?

If you’re passionate about gaming and systems administration, the IT System Administrator position at Gameforge AG offers an exciting opportunity to work on high-impact projects and be part of an innovative and creative team. With a great work environment, professional development opportunities, and flexible working conditions, Gameforge is the place to grow your career while making a meaningful contribution to the gaming world.

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