Senior Game Environment Artist & Level Designer

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 860,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contribution

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Game Environment Artist & Level Designer to lead visually stunning 3D environments and compelling level layouts for upcoming titles. You will craft art assets, mentor junior artists, and collaborate with designers to ensure a cohesive player experience.

The role supports fully remote work with a distributed team, offering creative input, growth opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge game development technologies.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years in game development as Environment Artist or Level Designer.
• Strong 3D environment art portfolio with solid lighting and composition.
• Proficiency in Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter or ZBrush.
• Experience with Unreal Engine or Unity.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and construct visually stunning and technically optimized 3D game environments from concept art to final implementation.
• Develop compelling level layouts that facilitate engaging gameplay, considering pacing, flow, and player navigation.
• Create high-quality 3D assets, including props, architecture, and terrain, adhering to project art style and technical constraints.
• Implement environments within the chosen game engine, ensuring seamless integration of art and gameplay mechanics.
• Collaborate closely with designers, programmers, and art directors to achieve the project's vision.
• Optimize environments for performance across target platforms, resolving graphical and spatial issues.
• Mentor junior environment artists and contribute to best practices for environment art and level design.
• Participate in playtesting and iteration cycles to refine the player experience.

Skills

5+ years experience

Strong portfolio

3D environment art

Level design principles

Communication & teamwork

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Substance Painter

ZBrush

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking game development studio located in Rustenburg, North West , is searching for a highly talented Senior Game Environment Artist & Level Designer. This position is central to shaping the visual identity and player experience of our upcoming titles. You will be instrumental in conceptualizing, designing, and implementing immersive and engaging game environments. The ideal candidate possesses a unique blend of artistic skill in 3D environment creation and a strategic understanding of level design principles to create compelling gameplay spaces. This is an exciting chance to join a passionate team and leave your mark on innovative interactive entertainment projects. The role offers substantial creative input and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies in a collaborative and growth-oriented setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and construct visually stunning and technically optimized 3D game environments from concept art to final implementation.
• Develop compelling level layouts that facilitate engaging gameplay, considering pacing, flow, and player navigation.
• Create high-quality 3D assets, including props, architecture, and terrain, adhering to project art style and technical constraints.
• Implement environments within the chosen game engine (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity), ensuring seamless integration of art and gameplay mechanics.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, programmers, and art directors to achieve the project's vision.
• Optimize environments for performance across target platforms, identifying and resolving graphical and spatial issues.
• Mentor junior environment artists and contribute to establishing best practices for environment art and level design.
• Participate in playtesting and iteration cycles to refine the player experience.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5+ years of professional experience in game development as an Environment Artist and/or Level Designer.
• Strong portfolio showcasing exceptional 3D environment art skills and a keen eye for composition, lighting, and detail.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling and texturing software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, ZBrush).
• Expertise in at least one major game engine (Unreal Engine or Unity).
• Solid understanding of level design principles, including spatial design, player guidance, and gameplay flow.
• Ability to create optimized assets and environments for real-time rendering.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to provide and receive constructive feedback.
• Experience working remotely or within a distributed team is a plus, given the location of Rustenburg, North West .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, tailored to reflect the candidate's experience and expertise. We provide a comprehensive health insurance plan, including medical and dental coverage, and contribute to a retirement savings fund. Opportunities for continuous professional development are available, including access to training, workshops, and industry conferences. The company fosters a creative, collaborative, and inclusive work environment that values innovation and employee growth. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to work from anywhere, though the studio is conceptually rooted in Rustenburg, North West .