Senior Character Artist (Gamedev)

TL;DR

Senior Character Artist (Gamedev): Producing high-quality character models for an upcoming 3rd person tactical shooter with an accent on anatomical accuracy and technical optimization. Focus on creating realistic character assets, implementing advanced cloth and hair pipelines, and coordinating with outsourcing partners to maintain AAA quality.

Location: On-site in Oxford, UK. Must have permanent right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship provided). Relocation package available.

Company

Independent developer and publisher of video games, films, and comics with a 30-year history.

What you will do

• Produce high-quality character models and assets, including hair, armor, and weapons, based on concept art.
• Collaborate with technical animators to integrate models into the engine and test gameplay intentions.
• Deliver clean, optimized low-polygon models and efficient UV layouts according to technical requirements.
• Coordinate with outsourcing companies by providing asset packs and delivering detailed feedback.
• Perform texture touch-ups after engine integration to optimize visual quality.
• Support the Lead Character Artist in various ad hoc tasks and duties.

Requirements

• Strong portfolio of realistic characters featuring high-poly, low-poly, UVs, baking, and texturing.
• Solid proficiency with the Marvelous Designer cloth pipeline.
• Proven experience creating real-time hair for realistic male and female characters.
• Expert understanding of character budgets and optimization for AAA-quality projects.
• Excellent knowledge of human anatomy, joint movement, and muscle structure.
• Permanent right to work in the UK is mandatory.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of scanning pipelines for clothing, heads, and props.
• Comfortable using Blender for daily production work.
• Experience with major game engines such as Unreal Engine, Unity, or CryEngine.
• Understanding of rigging and skinning for humans and creatures.
• Knowledge of Facial Action Coding System (FACS) and blendshape creation.

Culture & Benefits

• Generous leave: 22 days holidays plus Christmas and Bank holidays.
• Comprehensive health package including Private Medical Insurance, dental, and vision.
• Financial security via Life Assurance, Income Protection, and Critical Illness Cover.
• Enhanced Pension Scheme and interest-free, tax-free loans.
• Creative and relaxed riverside HQ in Oxford with free parking and a supportive, inclusive culture.