UI Designer

Description

ArenaNet, a software game development studio focused on creating outstanding innovative Massively Multiplayer Games (MMORPGs), is seeking a talented, experienced Graphic/User Interface Designer. This individual will be primarily responsible for designing, developing and maintaining the user interface for the award winning Guild Wars 2 franchise in our Bellevue, WA location. A strong design background in design and familiarity with a broad range of games at the UI level is required. The candidate will work closely with artists, designers and programmers to ensure the user interface is usable, attractive, clear, and efficient.

With multiple gaming awards such as: 2012 Time Magazine’s #1 Game of the year, Gamespot’s PC game of the year and countless other awards to their name, this multi-award winning business employs about 300 people and is taking the MMO gaming world by storm.  With 3 Million players and growing since launch, this is a fantastic opportunity to take the art team to the next level by growing Guild Wars 2 worldwide success. 

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of professional or related educational experience working as an interface or graphic designer in computer gaming or a related field
• Mastery of Photoshop  
• Superb digital/traditional and graphic design skills and techniques
• Thorough understanding of the principles of usability and UI flow
• Ability to conceptualize screens and interfaces based on game design documents
• Good verbal and written communication skills and ability to interact effectively
• A comprehensive knowledge of competitive products, their interfaces, conventions, and industry standards
• Excellent communication and team skills
• Self-motivated, with a strong work ethic

Preferred

• Avid MMO player, especially of Guild Wars 2
• Previous game industry experience, relevant undergraduate degree and/or equivalent experience preferred
• Prior usability testing experience
• Flash experience
• Scripting experience
• HTML / web design experience, including modern CSS and AJAX design

Added bonuses

• Experience working with scaleform
• Ability to generate motion prototypes using After Effects or similar software

What makes us a great place to work?

As a UI Artist you won’t just be handed some design specs and be told “go do it.”  You’ll be an active participant in the design process and really have a say in what the final product looks like.  You’ll truly be collaborating with game designers to create the best possible product for our players. 

We’re not just swords and dragons.

ArenaNet has made a name for itself by creating compelling online fantasy worlds unlike any others. The scope and variety of the online world in Guild Wars 2 means that the subject matter you’ll work on will range from medieval to mechanical to otherworldly—it's really anything we decide. Many would describe our particular UI style as “painterly” with a very strong illustration influence. Where else can you get that kind of experience?

We invest in you.

We’re serious about developing the talent and nurturing the interests of our staff, which is why we created ArenaNet University, an internal education program available to all employees of the company. Each quarter we run dozens of courses delivered by resident experts and guest speakers. We offer this curriculum at no cost, and you can take any course you like, such as life drawing, game design and writing, and even personal investing. Best of all, the ArenaNet U classes and lectures are held during work hours.

We support your passions.

While this particular opening is for a UI Artist, we understand that all artists have interests and aspirations that may fall outside their regular job description. With that in mind, if you want to sub-specialize in another area like Illustration or Concept Art, we’re going to do our best to facilitate your interests and professional growth.

What will you be doing?

You’ll work closely with the Art Director, Design and Programming Teams to conceptualize, design and create a cohesive, intuitive and high-end user interface.  We’re looking for the kind of person that sees design everywhere and can’t stand when something isn’t just right, (pull handles on push doors anyone? Uhh!)

Working with the creative team, the UI Artist will develop interface solutions that set the mood and aesthetic for the game, and that clearly communicate information from the game to a wide range of player skill levels.  You will also work within a broad range of detail; from thumbnails, refined sketches, to fully detailed designs that can be used to create functional user interfaces.

This is a full time on-site position at our studio in Bellevue, Washington. A casual, friendly work environment, comprehensive benefits package, a competitive salary, and more are all part of what makes ArenaNet a great place to work.