Character Artist - StarCraft | Irvine, CA

Team Name: StarCraft Job Title: Character Artist - StarCraft | Irvine, CA Requisition ID: R028136 Job Description: 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). 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-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