VFX Artist

Role Overview

As a Senior VFX Artist on the Riot Discovery Studio (RDS) team, you will report to the Sr. VFX Manager and play a key role on a small VFX team delivering high-spectacle gameplay experiences. Under the direction of the VFX Lead, you will use your creative and technical expertise to design, execute, and implement a wide range of gameplay and environmental visual effects. You will partner closely with VFX, Design, and other disciplines to establish best practices, champion visual quality and gameplay clarity, and translate your expertise into scalable solutions as the team transitions into production. Beyond asset creation, you will help strengthen the VFX discipline by sharing craft expertise, leading discipline initiatives, and serving as a bridge between VFX and cross-functional partners. You will also support team leadership with operational and discipline-development efforts that help the team work effectively and sustainably. RDS operates in a highly iterative environment, requiring the navigation of ambiguity and the ability to respond to frequent shifts in content, creative direction, and priorities.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver polished, dynamic visual effects that enhance atmosphere, depth, and gameplay while aligning with the project’s creative and stylistic goals.
• Balance visual impact with gameplay clarity, ensuring effects accurately communicate actions, states, and player-facing information.
• Autonomously create high-quality VFX by applying a broad range of craft skills, including painting, drawing, animation, and modeling as needed.
• Establish and apply VFX best practices and scalable solutions, such as VFX theme kits, that support a broad range of production and product goals.
• Represent the VFX discipline across cross-functional teams, providing subject matter expertise and advocating for the needs, capabilities, and opportunities of visual effects to have maximum player impact.
• Uphold VFX craft quality standards through mentorship, constructive feedback, documentation, and accountability within the discipline.
• Collaborate closely and proactively with VFX teammates, balancing complementary expertise and contributing to the ongoing development of the team and discipline.
• Contribute to the broader Riot VFX community by shaping initiatives, sharing expertise, and advancing discipline-wide goals.
• Support healthy and effective team operations by participating in team rituals, meeting commitments and deadlines, identifying opportunities for improvement, and assisting product leadership with operational needs when necessary.
• Take ownership of professional growth by maintaining and regularly engaging with a development plan in partnership with your manager.

Required Skills

• BA in Game Art Development (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of games industry experience as a real-time VFX Artist
• 5+ years of professional experience and use of Unreal, Unity, or any relevant game engine
• Proficiency with relevant DCC tools such as Maya, Photoshop, or Substance Designer, and implementation of this work into a game engine.
• Professional experience working on immersive, fast-paced, VFX that informs visual choices while maintaining clean, crisp gameplay readability
• Experience mentoring and supporting other artists, providing thoughtful feedback and guidance, and collaborating effectively across disciplines.

Desired Skills

• Developing VFX for various platforms (i.e. PC, console, etc.)
• Proficiency using Adobe Animate, AfterEffects, Houdini, FumeFX, Embergen, and Substance Painter

Perks and Compensation

• Base salary range: $150,000.00 - $209,600.00 USD (Los Angeles and Mercer Island locations)
• Additional compensation: Incentive compensation, equity, and 401k with company match
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; short and long-term disability
• Work/life balance: Open paid time off policy and flexible work schedules
• Parental leave: Provided for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children

Additional Information

• Candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio or demo reel of their work and may be asked to complete an art test.
• This role requires individuals with a personal relationship with games who embody player empathy.
• Core duties related to safety, trust, and compliance:
  • Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
  • Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
  • Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
  • Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters