Technical Artist, Performance - StarCraft | Irvine, CA

Team Name: StarCraft Job Title: Technical Artist, Performance - StarCraft | Irvine, CA Requisition ID: R028115 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 Technical Artist to help craft this new 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 offers a hybrid work week, with a mix of work-from-home and on-site days, based out of our Irvine studio. 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-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®