Expert Character Artist - Sledgehammer Games

Sledgehammer Games is a leading developer in the video game industry, best known for its work on the Call of Duty franchise. Since its founding in 2009, the studio has delivered iconic titles like "Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare," "Call of Duty: WWII," and most recently, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.” We combine cutting-edge technology with creative vision to produce games that resonate with players worldwide. With a focus on creating high-quality multiplayer experiences and captivating single-player campaigns, we continue to shape the future of first-person shooters.

We are looking for a talented developer to join us as a Character Artist within our Toronto team. In this role you will partner closely with our teams at our other studio locations in the United States and Australia in the creation of epic content for some of the biggest games in the world. If you're ready to be part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where your skills can make a real impact, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us.

Sledgehammer Games is wholly owned by Activision. To learn more about our studio, please visit us at or search for Sledgehammer Games on your favorite social media platform. Want to hear what it’s like at the studio directly from current employees? Check out our #LifeatSHG developer profiles:     

Your Mission

Your mission is to develop, implement and tune player-first experiences that will be enjoyed by millions of gamers across the globe. You must thrive in a challenging and often ambiguous environment.  An agile and flexible mindset is also necessary since this position must deal with a wide variety of internal and external partners.  Excellent and persuasive communication skills are a must. 

• Creating top-quality 3D character models and textures for AAA games.

• Sharing your passion and knowledge about the art of character creation.

• Collaborate with Art Directors, Producers, Animators, and Tech Artists to deliver realistic characters and meet deadlines.

• Be a proactive, self-starter who can independently implement high-level direction.

• Mentoring Junior Character Artist.

• Working with Outsource Manager to help feedback to Vendors.

• Support and strive to improve tools and processes.

• Provide creative and original ideas in all aspects of game production and development.

• Collaborate with other teams to ensure understanding of requirements and artistic plans.

• Be able to trouble shoot or work with other team members to trouble shoot.

Player Profile

Minimum Requirements

• An excellent portfolio demonstrating strong modeling and texturing of game-res characters

• At least 5 years of experience working in game development, modeling and texturing characters using a combination of common software: Max/Maya, Zbrush, Substance Painter, Marvelous Designer etc.

• Good sense of human ,animal/ creature anatomy weight and proportions.

• Knowledge of game engine, preferably Unreal.

• A desire to work with cutting edge scan technology to make photorealistic character skins.

• Understanding of the technical constrains in the game development and engine while creating characters, while pushing the quality at the same time.

• Excellent understanding of PBR pipeline.

• Strong communication skills.

• Ability to work close with Concept Artist, Lead Character Artist and Art Director to bring the character to life.

• Ability and desire to work in a creative and collaborative team environment

• Ability to manage one’s own time and work within deadlines

• Ability to mentor less experienced artists

Extra Points

• Previous experience working on and shipping a AAA title as an artist

• Passionate gamer

• Artistic background