Environment Artist (Regular/Senior) in Retford

About Dambuster Studios

Originally founded in 1999 as Free Radical Design, our ambition and passion comes through as strongly now as when we first began. We are always seeking individuals who can emulate our values - passion, quality, and teamwork - which are embodied in our diverse and inclusive culture. Even if you’re not sure that you meet all the criteria for a role, don’t be put off from applying - we want to hear from you. Our only requirement is that you work from the UK, and if you’re not here right now we can discuss relocation if the role requires you on-site frequently.

Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment in our city centre studio.

Dambuster Studios - creators of the number one BAFTA-nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 - has an exciting opportunity for an Environment Artist to join our highly talented Environment Art team. The Environment Artist will play a pivotal role in the development and creation of art assets and game environments that meet the artistic, functional, and technical needs of projects at Dambuster Studios. You will work closely with the Lead Environment Artist and Art Director to maintain high-quality benchmarks and support gameplay needs through your work.

Please note: We can only offer this role on a fully studio-based or hybrid basis. If hybrid, you must live within 50 miles of our studio or be willing to relocate to within 50 miles and be able to come into the studio every Tuesday and Thursday as a minimum. You must submit an accessible portfolio link as part of your application. Failure to do so will result in your application not being reviewed. If we receive a high number of strong applications, we reserve the right to close the role earlier than anticipated.

Role overview

As an Environment Artist at Dambuster Studios, you will need to bring creativity, attention to detail, and strong teamwork skills to the role. This position offers the chance to work on industry-leading game art, allowing you to showcase your artistic talents while ensuring that the environments you create are functional and enhance gameplay. You will collaborate closely with the design team, technical artists, and occasionally manage tasks assigned to other artists or external partners. The key to success in this role is a strong expertise in tools like 3D Studio Max, Unreal Engine, and other industry-standard software. This position offers hybrid work options, with flexibility for remote working, which can be discussed depending on your needs.

What we can offer you:

• Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly
• Relocation support to Nottingham, UK (if required)
• Holiday allowance that increases with service (to a maximum of 30 days plus statutory public holidays)
• Annual pay reviews
• Company pension contribution that increases with service
• Company enhanced full pay for maternity leave for the first 26 weeks (to qualifying expectant mothers)
• Clear career progression within Dambuster Studios
• Studio funded learning and development opportunities
• Modern game development environment with the latest technologies
• Vibrant, modern city centre location with good transport links
• Fully subsidised gym membership with Virgin gym (Nottingham)
• Annual Christmas party and Summer Family BBQ
• Quarterly company funded cross-team events
• Free financial advice
• Employee referral bonus scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Weekly office treats, including breakfast on Monday and pastries on Friday

Responsibilities:

• Create environment artwork of industry-leading quality aligned with the artistic direction of the project.
• Collaborate with design teams to ensure environments support gameplay functionality.
• Work on greybox environments in preparation for outsourcing.
• Follow and help maintain best practices for art asset organization.
• Attend daily scrums and participate in project management meetings.
• Plan and communicate art expectations to other artists and outsourcing vendors.
• Coach and mentor other artists when required.
• Document processes, techniques, and guidelines for environment art creation.

Requirements:

• Proficiency in 3D Studio Max.
• Proficiency in Unreal Engine and industry-standard tools like Substance, Quixel, ZBrush, Photoshop.
• Strong understanding of game environment art production (modelling, mapping, texturing, world-building).
• Strong art fundamentals (proportion, composition, colour).
• Experience in creating art for video games.
• Experience with the latest Unreal Engine techniques. (Desirable)

Equal Opportunities Statement

Dambuster Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone considering their next step in their career journey with Dambuster will receive consideration without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity or paternity, or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to apply. We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for those who require reasonable adjustments. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or onboarding process, or if you are successful in securing a position with us, please let us know what we can do to ensure your success.