VFX Artist - RuneScape: Dragonwilds in Cambridge

Location: Cambridge, UK – (This position can accommodate flexible working options. However, candidates must be based (or be willing to relocate) within a comfortable commuting distance of our Cambridge office to be able to attend onsite as required). This role is a Fixed Term Contract anticipated to end mid-late 2027.

The Mid-Level VFX Artist is responsible for creating high-quality real-time visual effects that enhance gameplay, communicate game mechanics, and elevate the overall player experience. Working closely with art, design, animation, and engineering teams, you will design, build, and implement effects that are visually compelling, performant, and stylistically aligned with the project’s direction. This role balances creative artistry with technical problem-solving, contributing directly to the visual identity and moment-to-moment feel of the game.

What you’ll be doing:

• Create fantasy style visual effects including explosions, magic, weather, environment effects, UI effects, and character abilities.
• Develop and evolve the VFX style so that it fits the world and makes the game as attractive and exciting as possible.
• Collaborate closely with the wider team to ensure clarity, readability, and gameplay feedback through VFX.
• Work with the Art Director, TA Lead and VFX team to ensure effects match the style, tone, and technical constraints of the project.
• Implement real time gameplay and cinematic VFX, with an optimized from the start approach.
• Collaborate with Animators and Technical Artists to ensure smooth blending between animations, VFX timing, and character actions.
• Collaborate with Environment Artists to maximize mood, appeal and sense of life and movement in all environments in the game.
• Work with a high regard to implementation and performance costs and an active approach to profiling.
• Work within and establish a clean VFX pipeline, contributing creative ideas to improve the visual effects pipeline and overall presentation.
• Troubleshoot and fix issues related to VFX behaviour, rendering, lighting, or integration.
• Maintain clear documentation of VFX workflows, naming conventions, and implementation guidelines.
• Provide feedback and occasional mentoring to junior VFX artists.

What we’re looking for:

• 2–4+ years of experience as a VFX Artist in the games industry, in an Unreal-Engine real-time environment.
• Strong artistic fundamentals: colour theory, motion, timing, composition, shape language, and visual storytelling.
• Ability to take direction, give constructive feedback, and work independently when needed.
• Experience creating shaders and materials for VFX.
• Experience implementing VFX using blueprints.
• A curated reel showcasing:

• Gameplay effects (e.g., combat, abilities, impacts).
• Environmental or atmospheric effects (fog, rain, fire, smoke, leaves, dust).
• Use of shaders / materials created for VFX.
• Examples of in-engine implementation.
• Breakdown notes explaining your role, tools used, and any procedural workflows.

What we offer:

• Generous Perks & Benefits package including: Private Healthcare, including Dental Plan.
• Minimum 6% Pension contributions.
• Employee Assistance Programme & onsite Counselling.
• Life Insurance.
• Discretionary annual performance bonus.
• Enhanced family leave policies from day 1.
• Flexible working hours.
• 25 days annual leave + Bank holidays & the option to buy/sell holidays + so much more!

About Jagex:

Jagex is a leader in developing and publishing deep, engaging online games that connect millions of players worldwide. Best known for the RuneScape franchise, which includes two of the world’s longest running and most successful MMORPGs, in Old School Runescape and Runescape, and the open-world survival crafting game, Runescape: Dragonwilds; we have proven success in delivering immersive Forever Games and fostering strong player communities. We strive to foster an inclusive workplace built on trust, autonomy, and a shared passion for creating forever games. Our values guide everything we do: We Embrace Fellowship by collaborating and sharing openly; You Hone Your Craft by always learning and improving; Honour Your Vows by being honest and transparent; Be Your Customers’ Hero by striving to understand their needs and finally Seize The Day by making the most of every opportunity. With over two decades of experience, and over 400 people in our team, we continue to innovate in live game development, leveraging data-driven insights, and a commitment to player-first game design. We have a diverse and talented team where creativity, collaboration, and community-driven game development drives everything we do. As part of Jagex, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a globally successful franchise, contribute to exciting new projects, and be part of a company that hugely values both our employees and our players.