Hard Cops is an over-the-top VR on-rails shooter inspired by Time Crisis and other arcade shooter classics, with a heavy dose of Kojima weirdness, 90s cop films, anime, and Stephen Chow-style comedy. It’s been in development 5+ years in free time — levels and characters are ~75% complete, a strong gameplay base is there, but it needs real polish and finish to push it across the line. It’s very story/character-driven, heavy on cinematic cutscenes (stereoscopic, in-engine, and VR first-person sequences, similar to my last Oculus release Kingdom City Drowning). Goal: make the greatest VR shooter of all time, equal parts John Woo action epic and sincere anime pastiche.
What I’m Looking For:
Starting early next year— part-time Unreal programmer who can basically take over gameplay for 3–6 months, ~15 hrs/week, using whatever tools/language you prefer, and help me actually finish this thing. Ideally an industry vet (someone who’s shipped games before), who loves arcade shooters and understands game feel— impact, pacing, enemy reactions, all the stuff that makes shooting satisfying even without gore (we’re aiming for Teen rating, so no blood, but still darkly comical/edgy). VR experience a huge plus that is the main platform we’re developing for, but eventually we want to get this game on every console/platform we can.
Want to find that special someone I can begin a long term working relationship with.
Compensation:
Approx. $2K/month for ~15 hrs/week, plus % of sales depending on your involvement. Best suited for someone who wants steady side income on a passion project.
About Me:
Background is film and video production and animation. 10+ years in Unreal (this isn’t my first VR release), but I’m still green when it comes to finishing a full game A-Z. It’s just me and 2 other guys building the game in ue5 and putting together the story and script.
How to Apply:
Send portfolio, shipped titles (if any), and your rate to wgerardi@gmail.com
HARD COPS 2025 Status Update Video:
https://youtu.be/80mcD4wkWCk?si=QrGyEnwgoHoZeSic
Thanks!
Kyle