UE5 Level / Lighting / VFX Generalist

We are a small independent game team building an unannounced rock-horror story-driven game in Unreal Engine 5.

The project sits at the intersection of games, horror, and rock / metal culture, with creative input from world-class music talent.

The project is currently in prototype / vertical slice stage. This means the work is practical, hands-on, and visible quickly in the build. We are looking for people who like early-stage projects, can work from rough direction, and can help turn a prototype into a stronger pitch demo.

You will work directly with the project leads, with fast feedback and clear short-term goals. The team is small, so good work has real impact.

What are you working on?

• The name of the project(s): Unannounced rock-horror story-driven game
• At what stage of the project(s)? Early prototype. Story and vision are defined, but core art, characters, animation, and UE5 vertical slice are still being built.
• Genres: Adventure, Action
• Platforms: PC, Console

Team size and structure?

Small independent team with project leads, writer/story support, Unreal development support, character art, and external freelancers/studios as needed

For which tasks (responsibilities)?

Target:

Help improve the visual quality and presentation of a short Unreal Engine 5 vertical slice for a rock-horror story-driven game.

Tasks:

• Improve existing UE5 scenes with better lighting, dressing, atmosphere, and mood.

• Work on concert, backstage, green-room, ritual, and horror street / alley-style scenes.

• Add or integrate Niagara VFX such as fog, smoke, sparks, supernatural effects, glow, sigils, and ritual effects.

• Improve materials, decals, emissive elements, post-process, and scene readability.

• Set up short Sequencer moments and camera framing where needed.

• Kitbash and optimize Marketplace / Fab assets for a stable pitch demo.

• Integrate with existing Blueprint triggers, scene flow, dialogue, or QTE only where needed.

What kind of professional are we looking for?

• Strong Unreal Engine 5 editor experience.

• Good eye for lighting, mood, composition, and cinematic scene presentation.

• Experience with level dressing / kitbashing.

• Practical Sequencer knowledge.

• Niagara or real-time VFX experience.

• Basic Blueprint knowledge.

• Ability to work inside a rough prototype and improve it step by step.

Nice to have:

• Horror, cinematic, narrative, or third-person game experience.

• Stylized / comic-inspired rendering experience.

• MetaHuman, Control Rig, mocap, or animation integration experience.

• Experience optimizing purchased asset packs.

What is important for us in a person?

• Clear communication.

• Comfortable with fast iteration and practical feedback.

• Able to work from rough direction without waiting for perfect specs.

• Good judgment about what improves a pitch demo quickly.

• Reliable with updates and delivery.

Why do we enjoy working here?

• Real impact on the look and feel of an early-stage game.

• Creative input on atmosphere, scene mood, and presentation.

• Direct feedback from project leads.

• Good portfolio material if the trial goes well.

What are the conditions and bonuses?

• Remote work.

• Freelance / contract setup.

• Short paid trial task first.

• Flexible schedule by agreement.