Character Artist - StarCraft | Irvine, CA

About the Role

Blizzard Entertainment is assembling a team to build the next chapter of StarCraft, returning to a universe forged in interstellar war. This mission offers something new: crafting an original story-driven, open-world shooter while honoring the legacy of one of Blizzard's most beloved games. We are here to reignite this universe alongside you. We are here to make StarCraft, and it's about damn time.

We are looking for a Character Artist to help craft this new game for Blizzard. As a key member of the development team, you will be responsible for delivering. As an essential part of the development team, you should have extensive experience working with modeling, sculpting, and texturing tools to achieve photorealistic characters, weapons, and props. Additionally, you should have expertise in human and creature anatomy, hard surface modeling, and Unreal Engine 5 paired with a strong technical background in game development and the character pipeline. This role offers a hybrid work week, with a mix of work-from-home and on-site days, based out of our Irvine studio.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the creation of high-quality, detailed 3D models from realistic humans and creatures to vehicles, weapons and props.
• Collaborate with the art director and team leads to ensure artistic consistency and quality.
• Work closely with the animation and technical teams to ensure models are optimized for performance.
• Provide occasional mentorship or feedback to junior team members.
• Stay current with and continually research trends, tools, and techniques within our industry to see how they can benefit our workflows and push innovation.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in game development as an artist specializing in character modeling using Maya, Photoshop, Substance Painter, Zbrush or Mudbox.
• Strong understanding of asset creation pipelines and tools.
• Strong 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 / 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.

Bonus Points

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

Benefits

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've 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;
• 401(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.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

Pay

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $30.47 - $56.35 Hourly. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role's range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.