Job Type: Full Time

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for defining the visual identity of one of the world’s most iconic tactical shooters? Riot Games is currently seeking a seasoned Associate Art Director for Characters to help shape the future of VALORANT. If you are an experienced art leader who thrives at the intersection of creative strategy, mentorship, and high-performance execution, this is an unparalleled opportunity to leave your mark on the industry. The Role: Defining the VALORANT Aesthetic In this pivotal role, you will be the creative steward for the agents that millions of players encounter every day. You will be responsible for ensuring that every character remains visually iconic, cohesive, and deeply resonant with the VALORANT player base. Partnering closely with character team leadership, you will define and execute the artistic vision for the game, ensuring that every design choice supports both gameplay mechanics and the broader narrative landscape. As an Associate Art Director, you are not just a manager; you are a force multiplier. You will mentor a high-performing, multi-discipline team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaborative innovation. You will also serve as a key bridge across the organization, collaborating with cross-functional departments to ensure that the art vision remains consistent, scalable, and aligned with Riot’s mission to be the most player-focused game company in the world. Job Summary: Associate Art Director – Characters Below is a quick overview of the core details for this leadership opportunity at Riot Games. Feature Details Role Title Associate Art Director – Characters Company Riot Games Location Hybrid (Los Angeles, CA or Mercer Island, WA) Experience Level 10+ Years (Industry) / 5+ Years (Leadership) Salary Range $185,200 – $258,000 USD (Base) Additional Pay Incentive compensation + Equity Employment Type Full Time Key Focus Character Art Strategy & Team Leadership   Key Responsibilities as Associate Art Director Your daily impact will revolve around high-level strategy, team empowerment, and cross-departmental alignment. Your primary duties include: Visionary Leadership: Driving the character art strategy in direct alignment with evolving product and design goals. Team Development: Leading, mentoring, and growing a talented team of artists. You will focus on cultivating individual strengths while building a cohesive unit that thrives on feedback and creative friction. Strategic Alignment: Working in lockstep with Art Leadership to identify cross-team opportunities, break down silos, and facilitate knowledge sharing across the studio. Stakeholder Management: Navigating complex projects and managing stakeholder expectations to ensure that the art direction consistently supports game-wide creative goals. Operational Excellence: Creating and maintaining comprehensive documentation and artifacts. These tools serve as the blueprint that empowers your team to consistently deliver character art that meets the rigorous “VALORANT style.”   What We’re Looking For We are looking for a veteran who has “been there and done that,” but who remains deeply curious about the craft of character design. To be considered, you should possess: Industry Experience: A minimum of 10+ years of professional experience in the game industry, with at least 5 of those years spent in a leadership role specifically focused on character art teams. FPS Expertise: Proven, hands-on experience shipping characters for at least one first-person shooter (FPS) title. You understand the unique challenges of designing characters that must look and perform perfectly from the first-person perspective. Strategic Mindset: A demonstrable ability to establish a long-term art vision and the strategy required to execute it across large-scale projects. Design Intuition: A profound, deep-seated understanding of character design, stylistic consistency, and what makes a character truly resonate with an audience.   Bonus points if you have prior experience managing other art leads or have a deep familiarity with the existing VALORANT IP. Perks & Benefits Riot Games is committed to taking care of our employees. We provide a robust compensation package designed to support you and your family both inside and outside of the studio. This includes: Industry-Leading Compensation: A competitive base salary range of $185,200 – $258,000 USD, supplemented by incentive compensation and equity. Financial Wellness: A 401k plan with a generous company match. Comprehensive Health: Full coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life insurance and short/long-term disability. Flexibility & Balance: We offer an open PTO policy and flexible work schedules. This role is a hybrid position with a physical presence required in either Los Angeles, CA, or Mercer Island, WA. Family Support: Industry-leading parental leave and a suite of additional benefits to support your personal life.   How to Apply This is your chance to lead the visual development of a game that defines a generation. Are you ready to inspire players and set new standards in the industry? Apply now to join the Riot Games team! We look forward to seeing how your leadership and artistic vision will evolve the world of VALORANT. Do you have experience managing other art leads, or is there a specific project in your portfolio that best demonstrates your approach to cohesive character design?