VFX Artist (Bellevue)

About KOMODO

KOMODO is a 100% privately-owned company that has published over 120 games globally. We are now building our first fully in-house title, a competitive PVP action game focused on modernizing the shoot ‘em up genre. Alongside this, we continue to expand Steam Deck sales across Asia, including the introduction of new Steam and other gaming hardware. 

Supported by experienced mentors from across the industry, we are building a small and powerful team where every individual has the freedom and creative agency to make a meaningful impact. This is an opportunity to join at an early stage, where your work will directly influence core gameplay, visual identity, and overall player experience. 

If you’re looking for a role where your ideas matter, your contributions are visible, and you can help build something from the ground up, KOMODO offers a rare opportunity to do exactly that! 

The Opportunity

KOMODO is seeking a VFX Artist to define the visual identity of Nanos, the codename for a competitive PvP game built in Unreal Engine.

You will create high-quality, stylized real-time visual effects that enhance gameplay, communicate impact, and bring clarity to fast-paced action. This includes crafting particle systems, materials, and visual feedback that make abilities feel responsive, readable, and satisfying.

Your focus will be on creating effects that are both visually striking and performant, with a strong emphasis on timing, motion, color, and shape language. You will work closely with designers, artists, and engineers to ensure VFX supports gameplay clarity and elevates the overall player experience.

The ideal candidate has a strong artistic eye and a passion for real-time effects, with the ability to balance visual quality and performance. You enjoy collaborating across disciplines and take pride in creating effects that not only look great, but also enhance how the game feels to play.

Requirements

Requirements

• Strong proficiency creating real-time VFX in Unreal Engine (Niagara, Materials)
• Strong sense of timing, motion, color, and visual readability
• Ability to create stylized effects that support gameplay clarity
• Understanding of performance considerations for real-time effects
• A portfolio or reel demonstrating real-time VFX work
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• High proficiency in English communication. The ability to clearly explain technical concepts and creative ideas is strongly preferred

Tools and Technologies

• Unreal Engine (Niagara, Materials, Blueprints)
• Version control (Git)

Preferred Qualifications

• HLSL
• Deep profiling tools
• Low-level optimization (RenderDoc, Unreal Insights)

• Experience creating effects for stylized or anime-inspired games
• Familiarity with lighting, post-processing, and real-time rendering optimization
• Background in both technical implementation and creative problem-solving
• Japanese communication ability is a plus

Benefits

• Performance-based Profit Sharing 

• KOMODO Special Holidays ( 5-business day Summer holiday, 7 business Winter holiday, 1-day Birthday holiday, and 1 day Game Launch Day ) 
• 15 days PTO
• Full Medical, Vision, Dental
• 401(k)
• Group Life, AD&D
• Free language learning classes (Japanese, English)
• Company Events
• A Steam Deck will be provided to employees for their employment.
• Free Games and Manga

Some benefits will be available after the completion of the probationary period.