Environment Artist required at Cloud Imperium Games

Cloud Imperium Games Job Overview

• Company: Cloud Imperium Games (CIG)
• Project Focus: Star Citizen & Squadron 42
• Role Title: Environment Artist
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
• Work Model: Hybrid / On-site (Manchester City Centre Hub)
• Art Pillar: Cinematic Sci-Fi Realism

Cloud Imperium Games (CIG), the world-renowned independent studio founded by legendary developer Chris Roberts, is seeking a visionary Environment Artist to join our Manchester hub.

As a crowdfunded company, CIG is uniquely beholden to a dedicated community of backers who share our goal of creating the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever.” We are a studio that prides itself on thinking outside the box, developing ground-breaking technology like our proprietary StarEngine, and maintaining a commitment to “Cinematic Sci-Fi Realism” that is unmatched in the AAA industry.

At Cloud Imperium Games, you won’t just be making “levels”; you will be building the sprawling cityscapes, orbiting space stations, and remote research outposts of the Star Citizen universe. If you are an artist who thrives on wild growth and enjoys working alongside happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, your next career-defining mission starts here.

Executive Compensation & Total Rewards

At CIG, we believe in the value of exceptional, diverse talent. Our compensation packages are designed to reward the technical precision and creative flair required to build the most detailed universe in gaming history.

The Role: Architect of the Stars

As an Environment Artist at Cloud Imperium Games, you are responsible for the immersion of millions of players. Star Citizen operates at a scale never before seen—where a player can pilot a ship through a massive cityscape stretching to the horizon, land seamlessly, and explore a shadowy underground facility on foot.

Your primary mission is to create high-quality, hard-surface locations that ground the player in a believable reality. You will be designing the “Cinematic Sci-Fi” spaces that take a player’s breath away, ranging from huge space stations in low orbit to remote, atmospheric outposts.

Key Responsibilities

• Asset Creation: Design and execute high-quality, photorealistic sci-fi assets. This includes the creation of architectural kits and “hero” assets designed for modular reuse and visual consistency across the star system.

• Mid-Poly Workflow: Master and implement CIG’s signature mid-poly workflow, utilizing advanced weighted normals and trim sheets to achieve incredible detail without compromising engine performance.

• World Building & Set Dressing: Assemble and dress massive environments within StarEngine. You will ensure that every location meets our rigorous visual, technical, and performance standards.

• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with Art Leads and Directors to interpret the high-level vision. You will also coordinate with Design, VFX, and Lighting teams to ensure that art serves gameplay and player immersion.

• Mentorship: Provide guidance, feedback, and technical support to more junior members of the environment team, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Requirements: The Professional Standard

Cloud Imperium Games is looking for artists who have a passion for creating inspirational spaces and who are not afraid of technical challenges.

• Artistic Excellence: A strong portfolio demonstrating a mastery of photorealistic artwork, specifically focused on hard-surface modeling and environmental storytelling.

• Technical Discipline: A deep understanding of the core pillars of environment art: modeling, shading, UV layout, and world-building logic.

• Team Synergy: A desire to be part of a close-knit, highly collaborative team. Effective communication is the lifeblood of our distributed global production.

• Professional Tenure: Proven experience in a game development environment, specifically creating “game-ready” assets for modern AAA engines.

• Passion: A genuine interest in sci-fi is a bonus, but we primarily value an artist’s ability to create believable, high-fidelity spaces regardless of the genre.

Global Diversity & Inclusion Statement

Cloud Imperium Games is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives.

• The Vast Universe: We believe the universe is as vast and varied as the people in it. Our goal is to build a team that represents all walks of life.

• Authentic Recognition: Together, we are creating a space where the understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone, from the top down.

• Equal Opportunity: As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team where every employee can bring the things that make them unique to the work environment.

Anti-Fraud & Security Notice

Cloud Imperium Games is aware of fraudulent job offers alleging to be from our company. To protect yourself, please note:

• Official communication will only come from a @cloudimperiumgames.com email address.

• We never ask for personal info like bank account numbers or identification via social media or chat-based apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram).

• We never request money or send money for the purchase of business equipment during the recruitment process.

• If you suspect fraud, report it to info@cloudimperiumgames.com.

Life in Manchester: The UK Tech Hub

Our Manchester studio is located in the vibrant heart of one of the UK’s most significant technology and creative hubs. Joining the Manchester team means:

1. A Thriving Community: Work alongside hundreds of passionate developers in a state-of-the-art office designed for collaboration.

2. Technological Innovation: Gain hands-on experience with StarEngine, pushing the limits of procedural planet generation and seamless atmospheric entry.

3. Collaborative Spirit: Communicate daily with our sister studios in Frankfurt, Austin, and Los Angeles to maintain a unified vision for the “Verse.”

Summary Checklist for Applicants

Final Thoughts

Cloud Imperium Games offers more than just a job; it offers the chance to build a legacy. We are raising the bar for the entire gaming industry, and we need the world’s best Environment Artists to help us reach the stars. If you are excited by the challenge of creating vast, immersive worlds and want to collaborate with a team that values your unique perspective, we’d love to see your work.