About the role
Team Name: Cinematics
Role Overview
Blizzard Entertainment is looking for a talented Senior FX Artist to assist our Story and Franchise Development (SFD) team in creating the next generation of our award-winning cinematics.
This is roughly a 4-month temporary position starting mid-December or mid-January.
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 in partnership with modelers, animators, texture artists, lighters, compositors, and the various games teams to ensure FX are delivered to the highest standard.
- Create simulations and systems that mimic real life phenomena such as smoke, fire, and water.
- Use strong art skills to help design and implement abstract magical and technological effects.
- Perform basic compositing skills required for FX slap-comps for review by the supervision team.
- Utilize procedural tools, methodologies, and game engines as a strong plus.
Minimum Requirements
Experience
- 8+ years' experience working in a professional Gaming/Animation/VFX company producing feature film quality effects in Houdini.
- Extensive experience with particle systems, fluid dynamics, rigid body dynamics, and procedural systems.
Knowledge & Skills
- A good understanding of physical dynamics and natural phenomena as demonstrated by your portfolio.
- Familiar with feature film level pipelines and their respective issues.
- Proven track record creating effects such as smoke, fire, clouds, water, steam, explosions, magic, etc.
- A trained creative eye that is able to participate in conceptual and practical discussions about what is needed to achieve an effect – and what is important to communicate with it.
- Experience with node-based compositing software such as Nuke.
- Experience with real-time VFX within a modern Game Engine (ex: Unreal, and Unity).
- Experience using PDG to execute caching and rendering processes.
- Experience / familiar with USD FX deliverables.
Key Attributes
- Able to problem solve both technically and creatively in a collaborative environment with directors / art directors.
- Able to stay current with the latest tools, technologies, and techniques.
Extra Points
- Experience with VEX.
- Experience with C++ or Python.
- Working Knowledge of Houdini’s Solaris lighting context (LOPS) and Karma, Mantra, RenderMan or Redshift renderers.
- Shipped a AAA game title.
Working Conditions & Environment
This role is anticipated to be a hybrid work position, with some work on-site and some work-from-home. The home studio for this role is Irvine, CA. However, we understand each person’s circumstances may be unique and will work with you to explore other possible options, including remote work arrangements.
About Us
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.
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 home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, Candy Crush™ and Bubble Witch™. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet!
Our ability to build immersive and innovate worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered!
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.
Compensation & Rewards
In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $45.48 - $84.13 Hourly. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.
Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:
- Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance
- 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching
- Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave
- Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others
- Relocation assistance, if the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job
Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.