Austin Chapter

Edge of Reality is Hiring

Edge of Reality is currently hiring for the positions of:

• Art Director
• Lead Designer
• (Intern) Scripter

Edge of Reality is an independent studio focused on the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and the Nintendo Wii. We are working on an original action title which will break new ground with technology and gameplay, and on a high profile action film title based on a popular license.

We have been fortunate enough to be part of multiple hit commercial titles. As a result, the studio has a stable future. Edge of Reality is completely independent. As such, we are free to work with any publisher, on any platform.

Edge of Reality, founded in 1998, got its modest start with N64 ports. The ports we have done include Monster Truck Madness N64, Tony Hawk ProSkater 1, 2 & 3 N64, and Spiderman N64. These ports capitalized the studio and allowed us to grow our development capability to take on full game development. We have developed a number of cross platform titles for the PS2, Xbox & GameCube including The Sims, Pitfall: The Lost Expedition, DreamWork's Shark Tale, and DreamWork's Over The Hedge. Publishers we have worked with include EA, Activision and Take Two.

The vast majority of our studio is comprised of highly skilled veteran talent. There are no ego battles at Edge of Reality. Everyone works hard together for the common purpose of making the best games possible. Our tools and engine are proprietary and thus, highly customizable. We have comprehensive Maya based world-building tools that enable the designer and artist to run with their vision. It is a proprietary toolset that gives simple access to sophisticated systems like AI, cinemas, and scenario design. This system removes the barriers between the designer and the implementation of their goals.

We offer competitive financial packages, a friendly work environment, and the chance to work on hit games. Benefits include health, dental, vision, 401k matching, paid time off, and paid company holidays. Company social functions include boat parties, holiday parties, launch parties, movie nights, and picnics. We have fully stocked kitchens available to everyone. Austin provides a high quality of life with affordable housing, good healthcare, and a wide variety of entertainment. The studio is located in the beautiful hill country. We are only 20 minutes from downtown Austin.

Art Director

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the management and other departmental directors to define and ensure the artistic and stylistic goals for the game.
• Oversees the work of the art team on a daily basis, effectively communicating art direction and delivering constructive feedback to work in progress.
• Represent and act as the main liaison between the art department and studio management.
• Manage the recruiting, hiring, mentoring and performance reviews of artists.
• Lead the art team to manage all aspects of game including art direction, modeling, texturing, lighting, SFX, tuning, data optimization and debugging to achieve aesthetic, stylistic, and technical quality results and deliver the game on time and within budgets.
• Effectively problem solves and consistently presents sound solutions to technical issues related to art creation and implementation into the game engine.

• Strong technical aptitude and background related to 3D modeling tools (Maya preferred, Photoshop), Z brush, After Effects, Premiere and game engine technologies.
• Experience in many of the skill sets of artistic game development, including concept creation, pitch work, modeling, texturing, animation, particle effects and animation.
• Proven leadership and management skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to create a stimulating team environment that encourages the ideas of all artists on the project.
• Intimate knowledge of the development process from concept to final product release.
• At least seven years experience in the game industry.
• At least three published games credited as an artist.
• At least one published game credited in a lead or art director role.
• Significant management experience leading a team of artists.
• Familiarity with industry standard tools and software.
• Experience working with outsourced art teams and art integration pipelines helpful.
• Demonstrated excellence as a artist.