Principal 3D Character Artist - Unannounced Game | Irvine, CA or Albany, NY

Responsibilities

Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities :

Lead the creation of high-quality, detailed 3D models from realistic humans and creatures to vehicles, weapons and props.

Collaborate with the art director and other team leads to ensure artistic consistency and quality.

Mentor and provide guidance to junior modelers and artists.

Work closely with the animation and technical teams to ensure models are optimized for performance.

Stay current with and continually research trends, tools, and techniques within our industry to see how they can benefit our workflows and push innovation.

Assist with the recruitment and training of new team members.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years experience in game development as an artist specializing in character modeling using Maya, Photoshop, Substance Painter, Zbrush, or Mudbox.

Exceptional understanding of next-generation asset creation pipelines and tools.

An exceptional understanding of sculpting form, shape, structure, and silhouette.

Demonstrated proficiency in traditional hard-surface poly modeling techniques.

Great eye for light, shading, color, and detail in creating texture maps.

Self-motivation, outstanding communication skills, and a great team-player attitude.

Able to work creatively as part of a large or small group.

Proven problem-solving and prototyping ability.

Able to effectively collaborate with every department of a game development team (game designers, programmers, tech art, animation, etc.).

Passion for video games.

Pluses

Extensive experience working with a AAA game engine, e.g. Unreal, Unity, etc.

Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python or MEL.

Experience with photogrammetry and scanning techniques.

Experience using Marvelous Designer and hair systems.

Understanding of rigging and deformation.

Familiarity with Blizzard games and cinematics.

Submission / Portfolio requirements

Portfolio and / or reel demonstrating relevant artistic skills required.

Only online artwork submissions will be accepted (e.g. website, blog or online album).

Your Platform

Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, and StarCraft®, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. ( a division of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft (NASDAQ : MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industrys most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years, with a track record that includes multiple Game of the Year awards. Blizzard Entertainment engages tens of millions of players around the world with titles available on PC via Battle.net®, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.

Our World

Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, Candy Crush and Bubble Witch. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet!

Our ability to build immersive and innovative worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for Every World - weve got our employees covered!

The video game industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all the qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.

Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for Every World - weve got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including :

• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
• k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
• If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.