Do you like to work on innovative projects in a motivating, friendly atmosphere? Would you agree that games can engage and inspire?
If you answered “YES!” to both questions, you might be a fit for our studio!
[Schell Games] is a highly talented group of artists, programmers, producers, and game designers led by game industry veteran Jesse Schell. We’re the largest full-service education and entertainment game development company in the United States. Since 2002, we’ve worked with world-class clients and partners to create interactive experiences that engage and inspire players of all ages across all platforms. Presently, we are focused on virtual reality, augmented reality, location-based experiences, and social games.
VFX GAME ARTIST POSITION
Our artists honor the unique aesthetic vision of each project and work to make all aspects of the experience beautiful. The team is comprised of 2D/conceptual artists, 3D modelers, technical and effects artists, and animators. We are seeking a talented VFX Game Artist to work on projects ranging from VR worlds and handheld games to virtual reality experiences and themed interactive attractions.
You must demonstrate the ability to collaborate well with a multi-disciplined team, communicating constructively, both verbally and in writing, in order to create engaging and visually compelling game assets. The ideal candidate will have to be self-motivated and a collaborative team player who is able to work closely with the Art Director to be responsible for VFX direction and leadership. The candidate should harbor a desire to continue growing and learning- as well as participating in studio VFX education.
You should have the ability to handle both technical and artistic issues during game development, as well as be able to work quickly in a team atmosphere with schedules and reliable milestone delivery, all while demonstrating the ability to respond professionally to feedback and art direction. This candidate should be highly creative, able to conceptualize, and possess an eye for motion. Passion for effects work and game visuals, experience and understanding in a range of VFX styles (realistic, simulation, stylized) is necessary. The ability to work efficiently for VFX used in virtual reality platforms is a requirement.
You will design, create and implement dynamic and dramatic in-game special effects in-engine (explosions, pyro, UI effects, magic, environmental effects, etc). You will work closely with designers, engineers, artists, and audio to inspire gameplay ideas and ensure that the effects meet design needs and stunning visuals. Our candidate should be comfortable using Maya, Photoshop, Unreal and/or Unity to create and implement VFX. The ability to use other engines such as Houndini, Cinema4D, or Embergen is desired.
We’re looking for someone excited about cross-disciplined collaboration and making great games with us!
Expectations of Advanced Level Role:
You consistently seek out best practices from experts within and outside of the studio and incorporate them into your work. Your craft skills allow you to deliver on the team’s vision. You clearly understand how your work affects your colleagues and the experience you are building. Although you are still learning how to be an expert, your teams benefit greatly from your growing expertise.
You communicate effectively with colleagues and clients. You build relationships, communication channels, and efficiency within your team. You seek feedback, and address it consistently and effectively.
You excel in your project role. You advocate on behalf of the guest and understand how that translates to project goals and constraints. You’re comfortable working within our development methodologies and explore different ways to make your team more effective.
Others look to you to help make decisions on the team. You are able to constructively work through conflict with members of your team.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 3+ Years of experience creating VFX for game platforms or interactive experiences
- Portfolio of work must be available for review, displaying the use of particle systems, shaders, and mesh effects
- Understanding of optimization limitations and methodology
- Display excellent communication skills, both verbal and visual
- Understanding of various methodologies for VFX creation
- Experience in Unreal and/or Unity engine for the creation of VFX
- Understanding of VFX/PostFX integration and performance impacts
DESIRED SKILLS:
- Concept art foundational skills
- Houdini experience is a bonus, but not requirement
- Knowledge of shader creation or shader based workflows
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
- BS/BA/BFA degree in fine arts, animation, visual communication, or similar
DEI COMMITMENT:
Our studio is committed to providing an equitable and inclusive work environment that ensures that all applicants and team members are treated with dignity and respect. We will not tolerate any type of discrimination or harassment directed at any applicant or employee because of their gender, race, religion, age, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, veteran, family or parental status or any other protected group characteristic. This equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.
Prohibiting discrimination and harassment is only one part of the equation. “Diversity makes us strong” is more than just something we say. We value diversity in all forms because it is essential to our success, and we want every member of our team to feel their best creative self. Our development environment and social culture are based on welcoming, respecting, and celebrating differences among our team members and our players. We rely on each person to add their own unique skills and perspective to our culture. Every member of our team is responsible for making the studio as inclusive and equitable as possible.