Lead VFX ARtist
Stoke Games is a new independent game studio dedicated to crafting enduring multiplayer games that challenge and bring players together. Formed by veterans with experience on some of the most beloved games in the industry, we believe game development is not a factory process but a creative endeavor and a love letter to an audience.
Our first game is what we call “shooter-adjacent” and focuses on competitive PvP with innovative twists and heavy doses of strategic, deliberate action.
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We’re looking for a Lead VFX Artist that has a deep understanding of real-time VFX techniques and be able to create visually stunning and performant effects that enhance the gameplay experience. As our main VFX Artist, you would bring life and excitement to our vehicles, Characters, and Environments; as well as helping establish the look and feel of the game.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead the creation and implementation of all VFX for the game, working closely with the Art Director and other departments to ensure that effects are aligned with the game's overall visual and technical goals.
Develop and maintain the game's VFX pipeline, ensuring effects are created and implemented efficiently and effectively.
Build and mentor a team of VFX artists, providing guidance and feedback on their work.
Stay up-to-date on the latest VFX techniques and technologies and incorporate them into the team's workflow.
Collaborate with other departments, such as design, animation, and programming, to ensure that VFX are integrated seamlessly into the game.
Review and approve all VFX work before it is shipped.
Be a positive, proactive problem-solver who leads by example while helping build a high-performing, creative, and stoked studio culture.
QUALIFICATIONS:
6+ years of professional experience as a VFX artist or art lead working on AAA games for major platforms
Experienced in developing stylized, dynamic, handcrafted VFX that enhance gameplay clarity and immersion
Excellent understanding of next generation asset creation and VFX pipelines and tools.
Superior understanding of VFX Clarity and Fundamentals and the role it plays in gameplay (color theory, shape, timing, rhythm, readability)
Exceptional knowledge of 3D rendering engines and experience designing VFX shaders, particle systems, physics, ribbons, shaders, materials, etc.
Proven problem-solving/prototyping ability needed for the early game development process, as well as an eye for polish, detail, and performance required for final production.
You have shipped a game as an art lead, where you helped oversee the quality, scheduling, and implementation of a large portion of the VFX development on a game art team.
PLUSES:
Experience developing Unreal Blueprints.
Experience with modeling, rigging, and animating.
Experience making complex materials for use on characters/vehicles/environments .
Experience creating stylized real-time VFX.
Passionate about playing and making great games.
As a part of the application process, you will be expected to provide a portfolio or demo reel of your work and may be asked to complete an art test.
OUR BENEFITS:
Fully Remote: We don't have a central office and don't plan to. We believe the flexibility of remote enables people to do their best work and the studio to bring together the best talent.
Studio Ownership: We want everyone on the team to have a meaningful ownership stake in the studio and offer outsized equity grants
Health Benefits: We offer excellent and fully covered medical plans with a $0 deductible.
Stoke Fund: An annual stipend for pursuing peak experiences, whatever that means for each person — whether it's traveling with your partner, a board game weekend with friends, F1 Miami, Larping, or something as mundane as sky diving.
Take what you need PTO: In addition to team-wide breaks scheduled into our roadmap, we support team members taking whatever time they need to recharge.
401k: We offer a 401k plan for tax advantaged savings for everyone.