Lead Character Artist

Who We Are

At 2K, we create some of the most iconic and culture-shaping video games in entertainment, including NBA® 2K, one of the top-selling franchises in the world, and legendary titles like BioShock®, Borderlands®, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization®, and XCOM®, as well as fan favorites WWE® 2K, TopSpin®, and PGA TOUR® 2K. We build unforgettable experiences by pushing the boundaries of creativity, authenticity and innovation across every genre.

Our portfolio is brought to life by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games, 31st Union, Cloud Chamber, Gearbox, HB Studios, and 2K SportsLab create world-class experiences across platforms.

But what truly powers 2K is our people.

We believe the best ideas come from teams that feel empowered, supported, and inspired. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace where people are encouraged to come as they are and do their best work.

What We Need

As Lead Character Artist, you'll drive the craft of exceptional characters across our diverse 2K titles and styles. You’re here to push our visual bar, mentor the team, and make sure our artists thrive while creating world-class characters. The ideal candidate brings a people-first approach. They love building teams and adapt easily to challenges in a constantly evolving industry. This role will be key in shaping the next generation of game development at 2K Shared Development Studios. What You’ll Do Drive our Character Artists across multiple 2K projects and styles to bring stunning characters to life, holding a high quality bar with a strong game-first approach.

What You’ll Do

• Build and grow our Character Artists through career development, performance reviews, and hiring, always setting the right conditions for our artists to succeed.
• Work closely with Production and Directors to align on schedules and project priorities, structuring the work so our teams own their craft.
• Partner with Tech Art, Animation, Concept Art and other teams to address challenges, making sure everything remains technically sound without compromising the vision.
• Drive the adoption of new Character Art technologies, pipelines, and workflows by challenging what isn't working.
• Partner with fellow Character Art Leads to unify the broader art team, bringing internal and external together as one cohesive team.
• Stay hands-on when needed, stepping into the craft to uphold our highest quality bar.

What Will Make You A Great Fit

• 4+ years leading Character Art teams through full development cycles with shipped games in their portfolio.
• Enjoys growing and mentoring others, helping artists level up and take full ownership of their craft. Brings a deep game-dev experience, from early concept stages through shipping.
• Clear and effective communicator, able to navigate challenges with different teams.
• A natural problem solver, questions what is not working. If something can be improved, steps in, refines it, and looks for the next opportunity to make it better.
• Sees the bigger picture within a production. Has senior level craft, a great sense of how Character Art impacts gameplay, task prioritization and proven Engine knowledge.
• Brings a builder's vision to help us shape our team's future.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts. 

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