3D Character Artist

Who We Are

2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studios responsible for developing 2K’s portfolio of world-class games across multiple platforms, include Visual Concepts, Firaxis, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy, Cloud Chamber, 31st Union, HB Studios, and 2K Sports Lab. Our portfolio of titles is expanding due to our global strategic plan, building and acquiring exciting studios whose content continues to inspire all of us! 2K publishes titles in today’s most popular gaming genres, including sports, shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment.

Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers, are the professional publishing stewards of 2K’s portfolio currently includes several AAA, sports and entertainment brands, including global powerhouse NBA®️ 2K,  renowned BioShock®️, Borderlands®️, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization®️ and XCOM®️ brands; popular WWE®️ 2K and WWE®️ SuperCard franchises, TopSpin 2K25, as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR®️ 2K

At 2K, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment, which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We encourage ALL applicants to explore our global positions, even if they don’t meet every requirement for the role.  If you're interested in the job and think you have what it takes to work at 2K, we encourage you to apply!

What We Need

We are looking for an exceptionally skilled 3D Character Artist (Temporary) to join the team that specializes in 3D scanning and performance capture for our video games. The ideal candidate has strong foundational art skills, as well as experience with rigging pipelines and tools, someone who is driven by curiosity and inspired to chase the next breakthrough. We are at the crossroads of amazing advances in character art creation and photogrammetry technology, and we need someone who wants to build the next generation of 2K’s characters. 
This is a temporary position (12 month term), and is required to work onsite in San Rafael, California. 

What You'll Do

• Sculpt high-resolution characters from photogrammetry data 
• Create clean game retopology, UVs and textures 
• Collaborate with outsourcing partners as necessary
• Build expertise with in house tools and follow best practices for character rigs and hair grooming, working with internal teams to implement high quality finished character assets
• Interpret photographic reference and scan data to create convincing real-time 3D hair
• Assist the lead artist with the adaptation of new technology, tools, and workflows with a forward-looking goal of delivering industry-leading animation
• Assist the lead artist with QC-ing the character build process, identifying and fixing issues with model, texture, topology, rigging, animation, and rendering
• Produce animation ROM playblast movies for client asset review

What Will Make You A Great Fit

• 3+ years of experience with Maya
• Experience with organic modeling
• Ability to self-manage and meet deadlines while setting a professional and collaborative tone
• Excellent communication skills, coordinating and working with multiple departments to achieve set goals
• Willingness to accept direction and redo/reiterate work until it is right
• Active, passionate enthusiasm for AAA video games, and the technology that pushes character art to the next level
• Portfolio/website demonstrating art skills

Bonus Points

• Understanding of facial anatomy and facial rigging for video games
• Knowledge of the Facial Action Coding System 
• Experience with Wrap3D
• Been involved in a shipped title (AAA preferred)

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $38/hr and $56/hr. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an ~at-will position~ and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
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