Senior Technical Artist (TEMP), Hearthstone | Irvine, CA or Remote at Activision-Blizzard

Irvine, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Gaming, Video GamesIndustries

Requirements

Minimum of 8 years of experience as a technical artist in a professional game dev environment
Experience in a live game environment
Experience with game art optimization
Experience as a digital artist, with extensive knowledge of digital art tools such as Maya, Photoshop, or similar applications
Ability to create add-ons and extensions for art tools and Unity; comfortable developing in C#, Python, HLSL
Fundamental understanding of game development and how the art pipeline can support the development process
Experience supporting a 3D art pipeline with rigging, animation, shader development, and implementation of assets
Proficiency in technical problem-solving and debugging game content and process, with a focus on optimizing 2D and 3D assets for performance on a variety of platforms
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a service-oriented, support-focused approach
Ability to illustrate a results-oriented and collaborative approach to tools development, problem-solving, and challenges of scale

Responsibilities

Supporting the creative development process with technical expertise such as prototyping, R&D and active development of new visual features
Acting as a bridge between Art and Engineering, ensuring Hearthstone’s unique visual style and technical requirements are met throughout the development pipeline
Supporting the Art team through any technical issues they may encounter while using content creation tools or when integrating their assets into the Hearthstone engine, with an eye toward mobile and desktop compatibility
Developing and maintaining art pipelines and processes that are tailored for Hearthstone’s frequent content releases, card expansions, and cosmetics
Identifying potential and recurring workflow problems specific to Hearthstone’s production and collaborating with other developers to find viable solutions through communication, mentorship, and both custom and off-the-shelf tools solutions
Testing new tools and vetting workflows before deployment to production, ensuring compatibility with Hearthstone’s asset requirements and performance goals
Helping to promote performance optimization for art assets by creating clear standards, performance monitoring tools, and building a maintainable process for reviewing and optimizing game assets in line with Hearthstone’s style and technical constraints
Championing the creation of accessible, inclusive, and engaging visual content that resonates with Hearthstone’s diverse player base

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Technical ArtPrototypingR&DArt PipelineShader DevelopmentTool DevelopmentUnityUnreal EngineMayaSubstance PainterMobile OptimizationDesktop OptimizationGame Engine Integration

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Is this position remote or hybrid, and what's the location?

This is a temporary 12-month contract role anticipated to be hybrid with some on-site work in Irvine, CA and some work-from-home, but they are also open to a remote agreement.

What experience is required for this Senior Technical Artist role?

Candidates need a minimum of 8 years of experience as a technical artist in a professional game dev environment, experience in a live game environment, and experience with game art optimization.

What is the salary or compensation for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the team culture like for the Hearthstone team?

The team values open-minded collaboration, direct feedback, and works in a fast-paced, highly iterative environment.

What makes a strong candidate for this Senior Technical Artist position?

A strong candidate will have 8+ years as a technical artist in game dev, live game experience, art optimization skills, and the ability to bridge art and engineering while solving technical issues in a fast-paced setting.

Activision-Blizzard

Develops and publishes interactive video games

About Activision-Blizzard

Activision Blizzard develops and publishes video games, creating popular franchises like World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, and Candy Crush. Their games are available on various platforms and cater to a wide range of players, from casual mobile users to serious console and PC gamers. The company generates revenue through game sales, in-game purchases, subscriptions for games like World of Warcraft, and advertising through Activision Blizzard Media. They also profit from merchandise and esports events. What sets Activision Blizzard apart from competitors is its focus on high-quality gaming experiences that promote community and social interaction among players. The company's goal is to provide engaging and immersive entertainment that connects gamers worldwide.

Santa Monica, CaliforniaHeadquarters

1979Year Founded

$975MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Entertainment, GamingIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Parental Leave

Mental Health Support

Wellness Program

Relocation Assistance

Risks

Employee morale issues due to layoffs could affect productivity and innovation.

Backlash from the Microsoft acquisition may impact game development and community trust.

Loss of key talent to competitors could weaken strategic capabilities.

Differentiation

Activision Blizzard boasts iconic franchises like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft.

The company excels in cross-platform play, enhancing player engagement and retention.

Activision Blizzard's esports division capitalizes on growing viewership and sponsorships.

Upsides

Microsoft's acquisition could provide resources for innovation and expansion.

Cloud gaming services offer a broader audience without high-end hardware needs.

Augmented reality gaming experiences present new opportunities for franchise expansion.

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