Lead VFX Artist

Infinity Ward Inc.; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Activision's Barcelona studio is seeking a Lead VFX Artist to lead real-time VFX development for AAA titles, collaborating across art, design and engineering to create impactful particle effects. You will guide the VFX team, optimize effects for console and PC, and push the boundaries of what is technically possible to bring cinematic visuals to life.

This role requires strong leadership, a portfolio of real-time VFX work, and fluency in English, within a studio focused on delivering

Qualifications

• Senior/Expert level with VFX lead experience.
• Strong English communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience leading a VFX team in a video game studio.

Responsibilities

• Design, create and implement particle effects and systems.
• Collaborate with artists, designers and programmers to ensure high-quality VFX.
• Lead and mentor VFX artists, fostering growth and collaboration.
• Optimize effects for console and PC platforms.
• Proactively improve tools and workflows.

Skills

Real-time VFX

Team leadership

English proficiency

Communication skills

VFX pipelines

AAA experience

Tools

Shuriken

Niagara

Cascade

Particle Graph

Job description

Job Title

Lead VFX Artist

Requisition ID

R026554

Job Description

Digital Legends is an Activision studio based in Barcelona, contributing to multiple titles within the Call of Duty franchise.

Founded in 2001, we push the boundaries of AAA gaming through creativity, innovation, and cutting-edge technology. Since we are part of the Activision and Microsoft Gaming family, our legacy includes acclaimed titles like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.

Powered by a legendary team of diverse talent, a mix of industry veterans and rising stars we believe our people are our greatest asset, turning passion into unforgettable gaming experiences.

We are now looking for a Lead VFX Artist to have a crucial role in supporting our AAA games.

Ready to Activate Your Future in Barcelona, a leading gaming hub with Mediterranean lifestyle?

Your Responsibilities

• Design, create and implement particle effects and systems.
• Create astounding visual effects that communicate essential game information.
• Push the boundaries of what is technically possible to implement AAA worthy VFX that will breathe life onto the games you work on.
• Work closely with artists, designers and programmers to ensure that visual effects are of high quality and enhance the overall game experience.
• Actively seek to improve the current tools by proposing new features or giving feedback on usability.
• Guide, provide constructive feedback, and create development opportunities for team members, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration.
• Offer artistic feedback and ensure consistent visual effects quality.
• Clearly communicate risks, mitigations, and updates while maintaining effective working relationships across the studio.

Your Skills

• Experience with real-time VFX with Shuriken, Particle Graph, Cascade or Niagara.
• Experience with console titles.
• Good portfolio of effects/projects with any engine.
• Know how to optimize (for console and PC) and push boundaries to achieve excellence in every aspect of visual effects creation.
• Able to work well as part of a team.
• Organized, particularly with VFX management and naming system.
• Proactive in finding creative and effective solutions to eliminate difficult problems.
• Excellent communication skills.
• High level of spoken and written English.
• Led and managed a team of VFX artists.
• Excellent at organizing and delegating, balancing operations and management effectively.
• Experience in a video game studio (Senior or Expert Level)

It’s Always a Plus

• Knowledge about simulation, post-processing and shaders are good for debug, solving issues or understanding how volumetric could be translated into 2D billboards and similar tasks.
• Basic knowledge of 3D.
• Basic knowledge of textures and spritesheets.
• Having worked with a proprietary engine.

Not sure if you meet every single requirement? That’s okay!

At Activision, we know that great talent comes in many forms, and we believe in the potential of passionate people with diverse experiences.

Our World

At Activision, we strive to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment. We’re driven by our mission to deliver unrivalled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy, together. We’re home to one of the most beloved entertainment franchises Call of Duty®. As a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and products, our “press start” is simple: delight hundreds of millions of players around the world with innovative, fun, thrilling, and engaging entertainment experiences.

We’re not just looking back at our decades-long legacy; we’re forging ahead to keep advancing gameplay with some of the most popular titles and sophisticated technology in the world. We have bold ambitions to create the most inclusive company as we know our success comes from the passionate, creative, and diverse teams within our organization.

We’re in the business of delivering fun and unforgettable entertainment for our player community to enjoy. And our future opportunities have never been greater, this could be your opportunity to level up.