3D Character Art Lead

3D Character Art Lead

Azra Games is recapturing the childhood thrill of storytelling with your entire toy box for modern AAA gaming. We are dedicated to one genre, role-playing games, and led by veteran designer Mark Otero (Zero-to-one director of Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, EA’s most successful mobile game of all time, with $1.5B lifetime revenue). Azra has assembled an expert team with decades of experience building blockbuster games. Our debut release, code named ‘Project: Legends,’ will be Mark’s ninth RPG. And his best. Azra Games believes in harnessing the power of technology, with a focus on generative AI, to radically disrupt & transform game development.

Overview

Azra Games is seeking a 3D Character Art Lead to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for creating visually stunning characters that closely capture the “look” and artistic direction of our game. You will work closely with the Art Director, Game Designers, and Concept Artists to create appealing, beautiful and engaging characters that our Players will love to collect!

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality, detailed character models from concept art, reference materials, and design specifications
• Work with the Art Director and Game Designers to develop the artistic direction for game characters
• Optimize character models for performance and functionality in-game, ensuring compatibility with various platforms and devices beginning with Mobile
• Collaborate with Character Designers and Animators to develop character concepts and refine character designs
• Lead and mentor other artists on the team, guiding their day-to-day and helping them develop their skills
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices in character modeling, animation, and rigging techniques
• Work closely with other departments, including animation, rigging, and technical art, to ensure seamless integration of character models into the game engine
• Iterate on character models based on feedback from Art Directors and other stakeholders, ensuring alignment with project goals and artistic vision
• Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and techniques

Requirements

• Impressive portfolio demonstrating high quality 3D Character Modeling, sculpture, and Texture Creation with good use of UV space optimized for Mobile Games
• Proficiency in industry-standard 3D modeling and texturing software such as Maya, 3dsMax, Blender, Z-Brush, Substance Painter/Designer
• Strong understanding of anatomy, form, shape, and silhouette, with the ability to create realistic and stylized character models
• Experience with mobile game development
• Leadership experience and excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines

Pluses

• Familiarity and/or hands-on experience with generative AI technology
• Experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine
• Experience with basic character rigging and skinning is a plus

The perks of working at Azra:

• Competitive salary & equity
• Platinum healthcare plan for you and your family 100% paid for by Azra Games. Including health, vision, and dental!
• Parental leave
• Unlimited paid time off
• Work that fits your lifestyle – Work from our studio office in Sacramento, CA, hybrid, or fully remote.
• Occasional catered lunches and dinners
• Office social events including happy hours, parties, and community service projects.
• A generous technology budget to provide the best gear you need to be your most productive and happy self.
• A packed snack room and loaded fridge
• Dedicated Game Room for "Market Research"
• An authentic office environment where you get to be YOU

Azra Games is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Azra Games is an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome and employee differences are celebrated.

Base Salary Range: $127,000-$190,000. The final salary offered for this position may take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, location, skills, education, and experience.