About the role
Role Overview
As a Senior VFX Artist on the Riot Discovery Studio team, you will report to the Sr. VFX Manager and play a key role on a small VFX team delivering high-spectacle gameplay experiences. You will design, execute, and implement a wide range of gameplay and environmental visual effects while partnering with VFX, Design, and other disciplines to establish best practices, champion visual quality, and translate expertise into scalable solutions. You will also strengthen the VFX discipline by sharing craft expertise, leading discipline initiatives, and serving as a bridge between VFX and cross-functional partners. This is a highly iterative environment requiring the ability to navigate ambiguity and respond to shifts in content and creative direction.
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.
- 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 using 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 (e.g., PC, console).
- Proficiency using Adobe Animate, AfterEffects, Houdini, FumeFX, Embergen, and Substance Painter.
Additional Application Requirements
- Portfolio or demo reel of work is required.
- May be asked to complete an art test.
- The role values craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and a personal relationship with games.
Compensation and Perks
- Base salary range: $150,000.00 - $209,600.00 USD.
- Additional compensation: Incentive compensation, equity, and 401k with company match.
- Insurance: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Disability: Short and long-term disability coverage.
- Time off: Open paid time off policy.
- Work-life balance: Flexible work schedules and parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children.
Company Values and Environment
- Mission: Put players first to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player.
- Structure: Collaborative teams where individuals are empowered to bring unique perspectives.
- Compliance: As a company, Riot Games provides equal employment opportunity and makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters.
- Safety and Operational Duties: Core duties include safeguarding confidential data, communicating with others (including vendors and minors), accessing secure digital systems, and ensuring a safe interactive environment.