It has been announced today that Dark Water's DogFighter project has been listed as one of DETI's exemplar projects for their "Broadband Content Initiative".

DETI stated...

"The Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment wants to show the world that our creative sector can produce broadband content second to none.

In order to get exemplars of what Northern Ireland companies can produce the department launched the "Broadband Content Initiative" in April 2006. This £1.75m initiative is part of the Secretary of State's Skills and Science Fund. It has also received widespread support from the communications industry including BBC, BT, BYTEL, Cable and Wireless and the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission. ..."

Lead Technical Artist

Please refer to "Application Guidelines" for information before applying for this post.

Description

With art teams growing in size exponentially over recent years, it has been all too apparent that time saved in the production pipeline is highly beneficial to both product and budget. Your role is to work with the Technical Manager to re-design, maintain and evaluate our asset pipeline toolset, to ensure optimum flexibility and productivity, and to mentor and provide technical solutions to the art team.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and co-develop tools, processes, and technology to improve workflow
• Maintains and communicates a strong knowledge of innovative game production technologies and the capabilities/limitations of these technologies as they relate to the project goals
• Develops and escalates ongoing feedback and debugging for improvements of process and tools
• Work closely with the Art Director and Technical Manager to establish the aesthetic and technical standards for environment art on the project
• Troubleshoot and consistently present solutions to technical issues related to Art Asset Production
• Participate in coordinating the technical and aesthetic processes in order to realize the visual and gameplay goals
• Demonstrate and communicate clear expectations for quality of work, productivity, communication and professionalism to the art team
• Oversees a team of Artists on a daily basis, effectively communicating art direction and delivering constructive feedback to work in progress
• To create and manage the art production that conforms to the technical guidelines of the target platform
• Will capably and consistently meet project deadlines and milestones set by project leads and Art Director
• The Lead Technical Artist is responsible to follow direction from their Art Director

Requirements

• The candidate must be technically astute and have broad and deep familiarisation with all the latest art packages including but not limited to 3D Studio Max, Maya, Photoshop, Mudbox and Z-Brush
• Must have experience with multiple in-house asset pipeline toolsets
• Must have strong problem solving skills
• A minimum of 7+ years experience as an Artist in a video game development environment
• You have shipped and been credited on current generation High Definition Console games
• Excellent understanding of the production and development cycle and experience in cross platform development
• Experience in team leading
• Diplomatic and inspirational communicator, open to feedback and constructive evaluation
• Seasoned listening skills
• Team player with a positive attitude and influence on others
• Drive and high motivation to be the best
• Degree/diploma/certificate or demonstrated skills in art discipline
• Genuine enthusiasm and interest in playing and creating video games

Apply online or send a cover mail with a current CV attachment and a link to your demo reel to:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Art Director

Please refer to "Application Guidelines" for information before applying for this post.

Description

Reporting to the Executive Producer, the Art Director will supervise both internal and outsourced art team members, leading the team to on-time completion of projects in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate should have strong management skills and substantial prior experience developing games with strong visual appeal, for console, PC or web platforms. Your experience must include Art Direction for titles which have sold well and were developed through leading game developers. You must also have experience developing games for licensed properties.

You will work with the producer, designer, and development team within production. Your responsibilities will include leadership of overall design quality and concepts, and building and maintaining an art team (whether direct or outsourced) which optimizes creative output while meeting tight deadlines and budgets. You must have superior artistic skills and background, and an ability to create conceptual art which speaks to a diverse audience. You must have strong teambuilding skills and the ability to communicate and collaborate with other core studio disciplines and executive management. You must ensure consistency and quality with the look and feel of the game design.

Responsibilities

• Is responsible for creating and driving the “look and feel” vision of the game design
• Define the game’s graphic style and mood in collaboration with the creative director
• Able to produce concept art of the highest standard for all art assets
• Provide quality visual references for the team
• Ensure that visual elements are consistent with one another and with the vision of the game
• Direct and mentor the art team to ensure overall look and feel is of the highest quality
• Validate the game content for aforementioned objectives within the game itself
• To specify content creation guidelines for art production
• Work closely with the Producer to ensure that the defined goals are manageable within the context of the overall project schedule and budget
• Deliver performance evaluations of the art department
• Deliver on the game’s quality standard with a player centric approach
• Know the platforms limits and engine limits in order to maximize quality and manage risks

Requirements

• Strong proven artistic skill
• Experience as an art director in the video game industry or in another media combined with experience as an artist in the video game industry
• In depth knowledge of the graphical aspects involved in game development (modeling, environment art, special effects, lighting, texturing, etc)
• Knows how to create an artistic document and apply it
• Knowledge of 2D and 3D computer graphics software
• Drawing talent is essential
• Knowledge of anatomy/object design/architecture is highly desirable

Apply online or send a cover mail with a current CV attachment and a link to your demo reel to:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it