Technical Artist (Temp) - NBA 2K

📋 Description

• • Are you a skilled Technical Artist with a passion for bringing digital characters to life through realistic and performant cloth simulation? Visual Concepts, a leading game development studio renowned for its critically acclaimed titles, is seeking a talented Technical Artist (Temporary) to join our NBA 2K team in Novato, CA. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the most beloved sports franchises in the world, working within a dynamic and innovative environment.
• • As a Technical Artist specializing in cloth simulation, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the virtual athletes in NBA 2K look and move with unparalleled realism. Your expertise will directly impact the visual fidelity and player experience of our game. You will be responsible for setting up, refining, and optimizing complex clothing simulations using industry-leading software, ensuring they meet both aesthetic and technical performance targets.
• • The NBA Tech Art team at Visual Concepts is a collaborative and dedicated group of professionals who tackle a diverse range of tasks. We are the bridge between art and technology, developing essential tools for the art department, meticulously rigging characters, props, and clothing, and relentlessly solving complex problems to achieve our visual goals. You will be an integral part of this team, contributing your specialized skills to elevate the quality of our game.
• • Your primary responsibility will be to leverage your expertise with Havok Cloth software to create highly realistic and dynamic simulations for character clothing. This involves a deep understanding of physics-based simulation, including the effective use of proxy meshes, colliders, backstop settings, and other critical physics parameters within Havok. You will meticulously test and iterate on these simulations within our proprietary game engine, ensuring they not only look visually convincing but also adhere to strict performance requirements, maintaining a smooth and immersive gameplay experience.
• • Collaboration is key to success in this role. You will work closely with our talented Character Artists to refine 3D meshes, ensuring they are optimized for simulation and contribute to the most visually appealing outcomes. You will also engage with Art Direction, interpreting and implementing feedback to meet and exceed the established visual expectations for character attire. Your ability to translate artistic vision into technical solutions will be paramount.
• • Beyond direct simulation work, you will be encouraged to identify and propose improvements to our existing cloth simulation pipeline. This includes exploring new techniques, tools, and workflows that can enhance efficiency, quality, and performance. Your insights and contributions to pipeline development will have a lasting impact on the art team's capabilities.
• • You will be an active participant in a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with fellow technical artists, providing direct support to various art teams, and working hand-in-hand with engineers to integrate your solutions seamlessly into the game engine. This cross-functional collaboration ensures that artistic goals are met within the technical constraints of game development.
• • This temporary position offers a chance to immerse yourself in the high-stakes world of AAA game development, contributing to a franchise that is at the forefront of sports gaming. You will gain invaluable experience working with cutting-edge technology and alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry. Your work will be seen and appreciated by millions of players worldwide, making a tangible difference in their gaming experience.
• • We are looking for an individual who possesses a strong foundation in the principles of physics and anatomy, which are crucial for understanding how fabric behaves and interacts with the human form. A keen eye for the nuances of different fabric types – from the stiff drape of denim to the fluid movement of silk and the soft fall of cotton – is essential for achieving authentic results. Your ability to translate these observations into technical parameters will be a significant asset.
• • This role requires a proactive and problem-solving mindset. You should be adept at troubleshooting simulation issues, optimizing performance, and finding creative solutions to complex technical challenges. Your dedication to quality and your passion for creating visually stunning and technically sound assets will be highly valued.
• • As part of Visual Concepts, you'll be joining a studio that values diversity, empowerment, and a shared passion for play. We are committed to fostering an environment where talent can learn, grow, and thrive. This temporary role provides a fantastic stepping stone for aspiring or experienced Technical Artists looking to make their mark in the gaming industry.