Technical Artist, Performance - Unannounced Game | Irvine, CA or Albany, NY

Team Name:

Unannounced Project

Job Title:

Technical Artist, Performance - Unannounced Game | Irvine, CA or Albany, NY

Requisition ID:

R024841

Job Description:

At Blizzard, we craft genre-defining games and legendary worlds for all to share. Through unparalleled creativity and storytelling, we create immersive universes and iconic characters that are beloved across platforms, borders, backgrounds, and generations -- only made possible by building a work environment that cultivates the artistry of game development and unleashes the aspirations of our people.

 

We are looking for a Technical Artist to help us craft a new, unannounced game for Blizzard. As a key member of the development team, you will be responsible for supporting and optimizing art production through technical and artistic expertise. You understand how to effectively problem-solve, innovate, and collaborate to monitor and address performance problems that arise. You are comfortable operating in a dynamic environment, navigating fluid deadlines and changing priorities with purpose.

 

This role is anticipated to be a hybrid work position, with some work on-site and some work from home. The potential home studio for this role is 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:

• Work alongside programmers to validate asset creation practices and monitor game performance metrics through profiling, captures, and pipelines.

• Address all aspects of performance in a hands-on manner such as: collision, texture practices, mesh construction and UVs, shader performance, overdraw issues, and more.

• Mentor the team around you to ensure art is technically compliant and performant.

• Directly contribute to establishing and improving artist workflows. 

• Be a force multiplier providing technical support for a small team of artists and designers.  

• Remain current on industry trends including advancement in commercial game engines and workflow efficiencies.

• Proactively identify risks and propose solutions that bridge the gap between engineering and art.

 

Minimum Requirements

Experience

• 5 + years of experience in AAA tech art game teams.

• Confirmed experience, having shipped at least one major title in a relevant role.

 

Knowledge & Skills

• In-depth knowledge of AAA game engines with an understanding of art implementation and integration methods.

• Comprehensive understanding of art pipelines and good practice, including proficiency in industry-standard 3D and 2D creation software.

• A portfolio with examples and detailed breakdowns showcasing your practical work.

• Strong understanding of physically based rendering.

• Knowledge and experience working in Houdini and other procedural content approaches.

 

Key Attributes

• A team-oriented approach to your work, understanding the importance of collaboration and partnering with all departments.

• The ability to inspire others with an enthusiastic approach to game development and improving core skills.

• Self-motivated and able to solve problems proactively.

  

Extra Points

• Experience working through early development R&D phases of a project is a plus.

• Solid understanding of game development outside of technical art (e.g. lighting, VFX, characters, animation, audio, rendering, systems).

• Understanding of scripting languages.

• Passion for playing a wide variety of video games.
   

Your Platform

 

Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, and StarCraft®, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), 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 industry’s most critically acclaimed and genre-d