VFX Artist

Activision Publishing is hiring a VFX Artist for a full-time position based in Middleton, WI. This role sits within the VFX department and focuses on the design, creation, and implementation of real-time particle effects for gameplay and cinematics in a multiplayer shooting game. It suits a mid-level effects artist who is comfortable working across both 2D and 3D elements within a live game production pipeline.

About the Role

This position works directly alongside a VFX Lead and Art Directors, contributing to both gameplay moments and cinematic sequences throughout the game development cycle. Day-to-day work involves building and optimizing particle systems, prototyping effects to establish tone and pacing, and creating ambient VFX that support world-building and set dressing. The role demands someone who can move between creative development and technical execution without losing either.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement real-time particle effects using static and animating 2D and 3D elements within a proprietary VFX pipeline.
• Prototype VFX and materials to define the visual tone and pacing of in-game events during pre-production and production phases.
• Create realistic ambient VFX and set dressing using proprietary studio tools in alignment with the art direction.
• Optimize effects for performance targets specific to a multiplayer environment, balancing visual quality against frame budget constraints.
• Follow and maintain established VFX workflows and technical requirements across the production.
• Stay current with developments in real-time VFX tools, techniques, and game engine capabilities as they apply to the production slate.

What You Bring

• A bachelor’s degree in Animation, Media Studies, Entertainment Technology, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience creating real-time particle effects within a game engine or interactive media production environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a structured VFX pipeline alongside leads and art directors.
• Proficiency with both 2D and 3D element creation as part of an effects workflow.
• A portfolio showing shipped titles or production credits in games, animation, or related interactive media.

Why This Role

Activision Publishing is one of the most established names in game production, with a long track record of shipping large-scale multiplayer titles. This role offers direct involvement in a production with significant scope, working within a structured VFX department that supports both creative and technical growth. The salary range for this position is $80,995 per year to $90,000 per year.

Apply now for the VFX Artist role at Activision Publishing and bring your real-time effects work to a team building at scale in Middleton, WI.