Company: Hundred Star Games

Job Overview o provide a clear overview for prospective candidates, the following table summarizes the key logistical and compensatory details of this lighting artist position. Feature Details Company Name Hundred Star Games Primary Keyword Focus Lighting Artist / Game Development Position Title Senior Lighting Artist Employment Type Full-Time, Permanent Job Location Hackney Wick, East London (Hybrid) Work Model In-studio Tue–Thu; WFH Mon & Fri (UK based) Estimated Salary Range £70,000 – £95,000 (Based on seniority and experience) Founders Jamie Walker & Sefton Hill (Ex-Rocksteady) Key Specialization Real-time Lighting, Cinematics, PBR, & HDR In the modern gaming landscape, lighting is the bridge between a collection of digital assets and a living, breathing world. It is the silent storyteller that guides the player’s eye, sets the emotional tone of a scene, and defines the visual identity of a franchise. Hundred Star Games, an innovative independent studio founded by the visionary leadership behind the Batman Arkham series, is currently seeking a Senior Lighting Artist to join their ranks in East London. This is not just another lighting artist role; it is a chance to be a foundational member of a studio that prioritizes culture, autonomy, and artistic excellence. If you are a master of photons, shadows, and color theory, Hundred Star Games offers a creative sanctuary where your work will directly impact a high-profile, next-generation project. The Hundred Star Games Philosophy Joining Hundred Star Games means stepping into a studio built on the lessons of industry legends. Founded by Jamie Walker and Sefton Hill, the studio is designed to remain agile, with a maximum cap of 100 people. This “small-but-mighty” approach ensures that every lighting artist and developer has a voice that is heard and an impact that is felt. A Unique Company Culture The industry is often criticized for rigid hierarchies, but Hundred Star Games is doing things differently. The culture encourages: Leadership at All Levels: You are expected to be an owner of your craft, regardless of your title. Autonomy and Accountability: You are given the freedom to solve problems creatively while being supported by a world-class team. Human-Centric Values: The studio emphasizes “sharing vulnerability” and “treating people well,” creating a psychologically safe environment where the best art can flourish. The Hybrid Workflow Located in the creative hub of Hackney Wick, the studio operates on a hybrid model. This offers the best of both worlds: high-intensity collaborative energy during the mid-week in-studio days, and the focus and flexibility of remote work on Mondays and Fridays. Detailed Responsibilities of a Senior Lighting Artist In this role, you will be the custodian of the project’s visual mood. You will work under the guidance of the Lead Lighting Artist to ensure that every frame—whether during a frantic gameplay sequence or a poignant cinematic—is a masterpiece of digital cinematography. 1. Atmospheric and Real-Time Lighting Construction You will build stunning real-time lighting across environments, characters, and cinematics. The goal is a seamless transition between the player-controlled experience and scripted narrative moments. You must ensure artistic consistency, ensuring that the “world” feels unified under a singular creative vision. 2. Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration A lighting artist at Hundred Star Games acts as a central hub for multiple departments. You will work closely with: Environment Art: To accentuate the geometry and textures of the world. VFX: To ensure that magical or mechanical effects sit naturally within the lighting environment. Design: To use light as a gameplay tool—guiding players toward objectives and highlighting points of interest. 3. Prototyping and Visual Targets You won’t just follow a style guide; you will help create it. You will prototype and deliver visual targets that showcase how lighting can be used for gameplay readability and narrative intent. Whether it’s the oppressive gloom of a high-stakes combat zone or the warm, inviting light of a safe haven, you define the “feel.” 4. Optimization and Engineering Bridge Artistry must coexist with performance. You will balance visual excellence with technical constraints, optimizing lighting systems to meet the requirements of the engine and target platforms. You will also act as a bridge to the engineering team, helping to refine rendering features, shaders, and lighting pipelines. Who You Are: Qualifications and Craft We are looking for a lighting artist who views their work through the lens of a cinematographer as much as a game developer. Core Skills and Experience Expert Knowledge of Light: A deep understanding of value, color, shading, PBR (Physically Based Rendering), and HDR (High Dynamic Range). Cinematic Excellence: Proven experience in lighting high-fidelity character performances. You should be confident in creating lighting that makes characters feel alive and expressive during close-up dialogue or action sequences. Technical Proficiency: Strong knowledge of modern game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine 5) and professional color grading software like Davinci Resolve, Nuke, or Photoshop. Experience: A track record of shipping high-quality titles, ideally with experience in both gameplay spaces and cinematic sequences. The Artistic Mindset Communication: You aren’t just a technician; you are a collaborator who can articulate artistic choices and build strong relationships across the studio. Curiosity: You are a natural problem solver who is comfortable working independently and taking full responsibility for the visual quality of your assignments. Broad Interests: We value artists who draw inspiration from outside the bubble of gaming—whether it’s photography, classical painting, or architectural lighting. Benefits and Compensation: Investing in You Hundred Star Games understands that a world-class lighting artist deserves a world-class environment. Our benefits package is designed to support your life inside and outside the studio. Financial Security: A competitive salary and a discretionary annual bonus. Comprehensive Healthcare: Private Medical, Cash Plan, and Dental insurance through BUPA (medical history disregarded). Future Planning: Life insurance, Critical Illness cover, and Income Protection. Family First: Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave and Pay. Wellbeing Focus: Subsidised gym memberships, annual fitness grants, in-house yoga, and discounted massages to keep you feeling your best. Social & Community: From a Summer Wellness Retreat to monthly birthday celebrations, we prioritize connection. Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave to ensure you have … Read more