Senior Character Artist at Obsidian Entertainment, 2026

Obsidian Entertainment, a world-renowned developer of iconic RPGs such as The Outer Worlds, Pillars of Eternity, and Fallout: New Vegas, is seeking a veteran Senior Character Artist to join our ranks. As a subsidiary of Xbox Game Studios, Obsidian offers a stable, creative environment where artists can leave a lasting legacy on the role-playing game genre.

We are looking for a self-motivated expert who understands the unique intersection of AAA-quality aesthetics and the complex technical requirements of deep RPG systems. In this role, you will be responsible for bringing the diverse inhabitants of our worlds to life—from noble protagonists to grotesque creatures—using the cutting-edge power of Unreal Engine 5.

Core Opportunity Overview

Salary & Compensation Table

Obsidian Entertainment believes in transparent and competitive compensation for our industry veterans. The base pay range below reflects our commitment to attracting the highest level of talent in the California market.

Detailed Responsibilities: Crafting the Inhabitants of Great RPGs

As a Senior Character Artist at Obsidian Entertainment, you are a master of both the creative and the technical. You are responsible for the entire pipeline of character creation, ensuring that every asset is not only beautiful but also functional within a systemic RPG framework.

1. Asset Creation & Design

• High-Fidelity Sculpting: Use Z-Brush to create intricate, high-poly sculpts for heroes, NPCs, and creatures, focusing on anatomical accuracy and material definition.

• Full-Cycle Modeling: Execute the complete modeling process, including low-poly retopology, UV mapping, and baking of maps.

• Advanced Material Work: Create high-quality textures and PBR materials using Substance Painter and Photoshop to achieve the project’s visual targets.

• Cloth Simulation: Leverage Marvelous Designer to create realistic clothing and drapery that reacts convincingly to character movement.

2. Pipeline & Technical Leadership

• Workflow Evolution: Evolve and maintain an effective character asset pipeline tailored specifically for the needs of an expansive RPG.

• UE5 Integration: Implement and optimize character assets within Unreal Engine 5, ensuring they utilize the engine’s latest features (such as Nanite or Lumen) effectively.

• Technical Problem Solving: Participate in cross-departmental discussions to solve aesthetic and technical challenges for the entire project.

3. Mentorship & Collaboration

• Stylistic Consistency: Work closely with the Art Leads and Directors to ensure all assets are stylistically consistent with the established visual world.

• People Management: Manage and coach junior and mid-level artists, providing constructive feedback and career guidance.

• Production Awareness: Maintain a high value on the production schedule, understanding how to balance artistic perfection with project milestones and deadlines.

Requirements: The Obsidian Veteran

Obsidian Entertainment is looking for an industry expert with a proven track record of delivering high-quality characters in a professional production environment.

• Experience: 8+ years of professional game industry experience, including at least one shipped AAA title in a Character Artist role.

• Software Mastery: Proficiency in the industry-standard “Big Five”:

  • Maya (Modeling/Layout)

  • Z-Brush (Digital Sculpting)

  • Substance Painter (PBR Texturing)

  • Marvelous Designer (Clothing Creation)

  • Photoshop (Texture Work)

• Engine Expertise: Demonstrable experience using Unreal Engine 5.x at a senior level, including importing, material setup, and troubleshooting.

• Anatomical Foundation: A profound knowledge of human anatomy, animal anatomy, and the construction of realistic clothing.

• Leadership: Prior experience in managing, coaching, or mentoring other employees within an art department.

Plus Qualifications (Bonus Points):

• Technical Art: Knowledge of rig creation, skinning, and weight painting.

• Shader Work: Expertise in creating custom shaders and master materials within a PBR pipeline.

• Concept Skills: The ability to generate 2D or 3D character and prop conceptual designs.

• Hard Surface Mastery: Examples of high-quality hard surface modeling (armor, mechanical parts).

Portfolio Requirements

Your portfolio is the most critical part of your application. Obsidian Entertainment is looking for a web-based portfolio that demonstrates your range and depth as an artist.

• Asset Breakdowns: Clear examples of modeled, textured, and lit characters.

• Variety: A range of high-quality 3D art including both organic (characters/creatures) and hard surface assets.

• Industry Context: Samples of work from previous shipped titles or professional projects.

• Technical Samples: Real-time shader examples and advanced material/rendering samples are highly encouraged.

The Obsidian Culture: Inclusion & Innovation

Obsidian Entertainment is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of background. We believe that a diversity of perspectives leads to richer, more immersive RPGs that resonate with a global audience.

Based in Irvine, CA, our studio is located in one of the most vibrant tech and game development hubs in the world. We offer a culture that respects work-life balance while maintaining a high bar for excellence.

Application & Onboarding

• Hybrid Policy: This role requires you to be physically present in the Irvine office at least 3 days per week.

• No Drop-ins: Please do not visit the office or call regarding your application. We only accept electronic applications through our official portal.

• Project Confidentiality: Selected candidates will work on high-profile, unannounced, or upcoming RPG titles under strict NDA.

Summary Checklist for Applicants