Careers

Nihilistic Software is continuing over 10 years of stable growth to become one of the largest independent studios in North America. Located in idyllic Marin County, California, we focus exclusively on creating AAA titles for PS3 and XBOX 360 in action, adventure, and RPG genres for the core gamer. We offer benefits no corporate studio can match, like royalty-sharing and equity ownership. We believe in hiring creative, dedicated, talented people and letting them do their job.

These positions are full-time, on-site in the Marin County / San Francisco Bay Area. We offer competitive salaries, full employer-paid benefits, and direct royalty profit sharing. We also offer team members direct equity in our company after completing their first full project cycle.

Artist/Environment

• Excellent 3D modeling skills (architectural and organic).
• Excellent painting skills (traditional and digital).
• Excellent Maya skills.
• Excellent ZBrush skills.
• Preferably have at least 5 to 8 years experience working in games.
• A thorough understanding of technical issues.
• Ability to take concept art and execute vision in game.
• Open to art critiques and feedback.
• Shipped at least 1 Next Gen title (PS3 or Xbox 360).
• Passion for video games.
• Willing to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Willing to work closely with a small group of people in an open environment.
• Must be self motivated, creative, and flexible.
• Ability to multi task and adapt to changes.
• Bachelor's (BA) degree from accredited 4 year college or university.

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Gameplay Programmer

• Work closely with a small crack team of gameplay programmers throughout an entire project life cycle.
• Architect and/or implement Gameplay systems in C++, AI system, Player Control system, Scripting System, or other Gameplay systems.
• Develop and/or maintain tools that provide data for runtime Gameplay systems.
• Implement PS3 and Xbox360 networking/online play feature sets.
• Collaborate effectively in a self-motivated, fast paced, and open atmosphere.
• Write and maintain accurate technical design documentation as needed.

• 1 1/2+ years game development experience on shipped titles for major publishers.
• C++ programming and debugging expertise.
• Self starter with strong drive to create great things.
• Strong 3D math skills.
• B.S. degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience.
• Have a passion for creating and playing video games.
• Previous network layer coding experience a plus.
• XBLA or PSN Network / TRC/TCR experience a plus.

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Senior Producer

• Delivers content of the highest quality from initial concept to final ship.
• Responsible for all necessary project management documentation including Project Schedules, Milestone descriptions, and feature documentation.
• Ensures that milestone deadlines are met in terms of quality and schedule.
• Define scope by assessing internal and external content.
• Maintain close communication with development team to ensure they meet contractual requirements.
• Provide Outsource Companies with material and technical support as needed.
• Deliver product demonstrations and presentations to peers, management, and press as needed.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 5 years console game experience with three or more complete development cycles in a project management role.
• High achievement in leading creative talent in a fast paced production environment required.
• Must have successfully developed and managed people, resources and schedules with a world renowned software entertainment company.
• An affinity for action adventure games.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of the action adventure next gen console space and unique offerings to all age ranges.
• Exceptional project management and documentation skills.
• Exceptional organization, written and verbal communication skills.
• Passion for driving high quality product.
• Ability to excel as a team player and strive to maximize team/department performance.
• Self-directed, detail oriented, problem solver with a desire to contribute to a uniquely creative environment.
• Strong technical background desirable.

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UI Artist/Graphic Designer

• Excellent UI design skills.
• Excellent understanding of UI flow, mechanics and theory
• Excellent painting skills (traditional and digital).
• Excellent Flash/Flash Animation skills.
• Excellent Graphic Design sense.
• BA in art/graphic design preferred.
• After Effects or other "post" program knowledge a plus.
• Strong organization skills.
• At least 2 to 3 years experience working in games preferred; console experience a plus.
• Passion for video games.
• Some print/prepress knowledge a plus.
• Willing to work closely with a small group of people in an open environment.
• Creativity, motivation, enthusiasm, and flexibility.

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Character Animator

• Have excellent character animation skills.
• Be motivated, enthusiastic, and ready to work hard in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
• Be willing to work closely with a small group of people in an open environment.
• Experience working in game development a plus.
• Proficient with Maya animation tools (some Character Setup skills a plus).
• Experience working with Motion Capture and/or MotionBuilder a plus.
• Have a passion for video games.
• Be willing to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Willing to relocate or commute to the Marin/San Francisco Bay area.

Click here to apply for a position