UI Artist

This role is a 12-month full-time contract and also open to candidate remote in Australia.

Who is PlaySide Studios?

PlaySide Studios is a dynamic and innovative company that employs individuals across Australia, New Zealand and the UK. As Australia's largest publicly listed independent video game developer, PlaySide is committed to delivering cutting-edge interactive experiences across mobile, VR, AR, and PC platforms. With a diverse portfolio of more than 60 titles and collaborations with industry giants like Netflix and Activision Blizzard, working at PlaySide is not just a job but an opportunity to be part innovating the gaming industry.

Position Overview:

Join our team to design and develop engaging 2D UI elements for our exciting new game. You'll create everything from intuitive menus to immersive HUDs, ensuring they align with our artistic vision and enhance player experience. You'll collaborate closely with design and engineering, bring your designs to life in-engine, and ensure a polished, user-friendly interface. If you have a strong understanding of UI/UX principles and proficiency in industry-standard software, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Design and develop high-quality 2D UI elements (menus, buttons, icons, HUDs) that align with the game's artistic vision and enhance the player experience.
• Create detailed wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes to visualize UI layouts and effectively communicate design concepts to the team.
• Produce, optimize, and export final UI assets for seamless in-game implementation, ensuring visual consistency and optimal performance.
• Collaborate with game designers, UX designers, and engineers to ensure UI design supports gameplay mechanics and overall functionality.
• Integrate UI elements with the game's broader visual style in partnership with the art team.
• Receive and incorporate feedback from art directors, lead designers, and team members, iterating on designs to meet requirements.
• Implement and refine UI elements within the game engine, ensuring a smooth and intuitive user experience.
• Ensure UI elements adhere to established visual style guides and branding principles.
• Tackle complex UI challenges related to usability and technical implementation.

What You Bring to the Table:

• Competent skills in design and illustration software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, or Sketch
• Strong knowledge of Unity and UI systems (Canvas).
• A strong understanding of UX/UI principles, including usability, player interaction, and information architecture.
• Ability to produce polished, detailed interface designs that balance functionality with visual appeal.
• Experience with motion graphics or animation for UI transitions and feedback.
• Familiarity with conducting usability testing and gathering feedback to improve UI designs.
• Experience working on UI for various platforms (PC, console, mobile) and understanding the unique challenges of each.

Bonus Points!

• Experience with design UI for console.
• PFX / VFX / Animation experience is an advantage

What We Offer Here at PlaySide:

• Playdays - an additional 5 paid days off per year to do something you love.
• Incredible studios based in gorgeous Port Melbourne, right next to the city and many public transport options.
• Industry-leading Parental Leave benefits.
• Relocation Assistance.
• Employee Assistance Program to support mental well-being.
• Mentoring opportunities to help you grow in your role.
• Half-price state-of-the-art Gym access! (right next door) - you can wear your free PlaySide swag!
• Social events including Games night, karaoke nights, Movie Nights (We hire out the cinema!), group activities, and food trucks! Just as some examples!