Halo Studios is the developer of the blockbuster Halo series of video games. As part of Xbox Game Studios, the Halo franchise encompasses games, television series, novels, comics, licensed collectibles, apparel and more. We are looking for new Spartans to join our team to build the next generation of games and experiences in our award-winning sci-fi universe. Do you understand modern console/PC games and have experience with live service games? Do you closely collaborate with teams to drive inspiring, cohesive gameplay experiences? Are you interested in Halo and want to preserve what makes it unique—while brimming with ideas to evolve an experience that millions of players love? If so, the Halo team would love to speak with you about becoming our next Lead Concept Artist!

The Lead Concept Artist is essential to establish the overall vision of the Halo universe. As a Lead Concept Artist, you will collaborate with the Art Director, development team, and our partner team to create imagery that will communicate the visual target and intended experience to the team. You’ll offer a first-class comprehension of composition and color, an exceptional ability to render exciting character/industrial/environment/graphic design and key art, a thorough understanding of and enthusiasm for science fiction aesthetics, and a firm grasp of the practical aspects of content creation to assist the team in bringing that vision to life.

In this role, you’ll provide insight on art direction and consult with our game team on working in Unreal and with other concept art DCCs. Our concept artists have a deep appreciation for the Halo legacy and, perhaps most importantly, a keen interest in helping our universe grow. Roles at our studio are flexible, and you can work from home up to two days a week (Thursday and Friday) in this role.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Work closely with the Art Director and the Concept team to define the look of the project - from the general vision to specific designs. 
Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the game universe and the constraints of the technology. 
Set clear design goals and deliverables, focusing the concept team on achieving a high-quality, cohesive experience for all players, on all platforms.
Create clear documentation and review concept team documentation for creative alignment, consistency, and completeness.
Create illustrations of scenes, environments, props, characters, vehicles, and weapons with an emphasis on compelling composition, atmosphere, lighting, and material.
Create key artwork and vision pieces, leveraging existing designs and turning them into world-class illustrations.
Assist the Art Director, in providing team and studio feedback during the course of production. 
Provide guidance and mentorship to earlier-in-career artists and assist in providing direction to external partners as necessary.
Participate in creative discussions, brainstorms, and reviews across teams to facilitate and strengthen cross-disciplinary collaboration.
This role requires 60% (Mon-Wed) onsite work.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor's Degree or Certificate in Design, Fine Arts, Human Computer Interaction, Visual Communications or related art field AND 4+ years experience in art design or a related art field working on computer games or entertainment
- OR equivalent experience.
2+ years people management experience (e.g., serving as a Lead Artist, Art Manager, Creative Director, etc.).
A high proficiency with anatomical structure, escorche, industrial/architectural/graphic design coupled with preofessional experience with art fundamentals. 
Experience working in Unreal or other game engines.

Other Requirements

Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements is required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following specialized security screenings:
Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications

5+ years of experience in the entertainment industry
2+ AAA titles shipped
4+ years’ experience using related software and packages (e.g., Photoshop, Blender, Unreal Engine, Maya, Substance Designer/Painter/Zbrush, SideFX Houdini, After Effects).
A collaborative growth mindset, open to giving and receiving constructive criticism on a daily basis.

Art M5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $117,200 - $229,200 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $153,600 - $250,200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until April 16, 2025

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Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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Lead Concept Artist