Contract
VFX Artist
Multiple Teams
Posted on 9/26/2025
Insomniac Games
501-1,000 employees
Develops award-winning video game franchises
Compensation Overview
$75 - $90/hr
Remote in USA
Remote
 Art, Graphics & Animation (1) |
|---|
- Possesses at least an intermediate ability to navigate and use DCC software such as Maya, Houdini, or equivalent
- Possesses an intermediate foundation in computer graphics fundamentals and artistic analysis
- Proficient in Maya, competent working with joints and locators, keyframing, rigid body simulations, hard surface modeling, and UV mapping
- Proficient in Photoshop for painting and editing textures
- Proficient with node-based shader networks
- Creates, designs, and implements real-time particle effects using both static and animating 2D/3D elements
- Placing of visual FX across all areas of the game, including environmental and gameplay FX, and cinematics
- create FX textures (color, normal, specular, ambient occlusion, height, and incandescent maps.)
- Creates FX shaders with node-based shader networks
- Creates simple geometry and UV sets
- Optimizes FX for framerate and memory
- Collaborates with other development departments to ensure that FX are implemented appropriately in the game engine
- Understand and adds to the overall art style of game
- Orchestrates FX events involving layering and timing of different FX to create a believable scene
- Demonstrated professionalism in attendance, communication, reading comprehension, receiving feedback and working in a production setting
- Good team skills, collaborative attitude, and good observation skills and ability to use reference materials
- Ability to work independently
- Proficient Animation and timing skills
- Solid traditional arts background a plus
- Knowledge of other visual effects software is a plus
What does the company do? Insomniac Games creates and develops award-winning video games for multiple platforms, building iconic franchises such as Spider-Man, Spyro the Dragon, Ratchet & Clank, and Resistance over a 25-year period. How does its product work? Its games are interactive experiences where players control characters in immersive worlds—exploring, combat, puzzle-solving, and progressing through stories, with high-quality visuals and polished gameplay across platforms (notably PlayStation). How is it different from competitors? It combines long-running, beloved franchises with strong workplace culture recognition and a history of multiplatform releases, along with close collaboration with console makers to deliver notable first-party titles. What is the goal? To continue delivering engaging, character-driven adventures and expand its portfolio of enduring franchises while maintaining a positive, award-winning workplace and attracting top talent.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Acquired
Total Funding
$229M
Headquarters
Burbank, California
Founded
1994
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Marvel's Wolverine launches September 15, 2026, boosting PS5 sales.
- Spider-Man 3 mocap by Ben Jordan signals early franchise expansion.
- Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble mobile F2P opens new revenue streams.
What critics are saying
- Overloaded pipeline delays Wolverine beyond 2026 due to Spider-Man 3.
- Mobile Ranger Rumble by OhBibi dilutes Ratchet brand, alienates fans.
- PS5 exclusivity blocks PC revenue until post-2026 Wolverine port.
What makes Insomniac Games unique
- Insomniac excels in blending platforming with superhero action in Spider-Man series.
- Ratchet & Clank pioneered 3D platformers with innovative weapons since 2002.
- Marvel's Wolverine advances bloody narrative-driven gameplay for PS5 exclusivity.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Company Match
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Wellness Program
Employee Discounts
Company News
Marvel's Wolverine secures September 2026 release, and no, it is not coming to PC yet. By BossMac Suba February 25, 2026 Updated:February 25, 2026 4 Comments 2 Mins Read The wait is finally coming to an end. Insomniac Games has officially announced that Marvel's Wolverine will launch on September 15, 2026. The studio made the brief, four-second teaser announcement via social media, telling fans to "cut to the chase" and wishlist the highly anticipated title. However, the announcement has sparked some familiar complaints from certain corners of the PC gaming community. Several tech media outlets have been quick to point out the total absence of a PC release date in sight, framing it as a disappointment. But acting surprised by this completely ignores the reality of Sony's business model. The PS5 bottom line. At its core, Marvel's Wolverine is a marquee first-party title. Sony's immediate priority is to drive hardware sales and lock players into the PlayStation 5 ecosystem. A massive superhero game developed by Insomniac is a guaranteed system-seller. Releasing it simultaneously on PC would directly cannibalize those potential console sales. Sony has an established and highly successful playbook for this exact scenario. Flagship single-player narrative experiences are designed to launch exclusively on PlayStation consoles to bolster the hardware's bottom line. Only after that initial primary sales window closes do these titles eventually make their way to PC platforms. Expecting a day-one PC port goes against everything Sony has built this generation. For now, if you want to play Marvel's Wolverine on September 15, you are going to need a PS5. Developer Insomniac Games Publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment Released September 15, 2026 Platforms PS5
Leave a reply. The Game Awards delivered a lot of exciting announcements, but when a show is this focused on the future, it's hard not to notice what wasn't there. Some of these absences were expected, some were wishful thinking, and a few genuinely felt like missed opportunities. Here's my list of no-shows below. Grand theft auto 6. Let's be real, Rockstar was never going to debut GTA 6 at The Game Awards. Anything they do is big enough to live on its own, and I fully expect them to shadow-drop a gameplay trailer when it suits them. Still, it was worth hoping. Whether ConsoleCreatures get gameplay in 2026 or another delay, this is one wait everyone has accepted. Gears of war: E-Day. After the initial reveal, I really expected something from The Coalition Studio at The Game Awards. I know Microsoft likes to save big moments for its own showcases, but this would have been the perfect stage for a gritty gameplay teaser. Gears is one of my favourite franchises of all time, and E-Day feels like a chance to do something special. The silence was noticeable. Marvel's Wolverine. Insomniac Games going quiet at The Game Awards definitely stood out. The last trailer was visceral, bloody, and honestly got me hyped for how far they might push this version of Wolverine. Sony is clearly keeping it close to the chest, but even a short appearance would've been a massive moment at the show. This one's starting to worry me a bit. I loved the original Fable games, but the first trailer didn't really click for me. With so much attention on 2026 releases, I was hoping Playground Games would show something that reassured fans about the tone and charm. Right now, I'm still unsure what this Fable is supposed to feel like. State of Decay 3. I'll be honest, I haven't played the earlier State of Decay games, but that first trailer for SOD3 genuinely caught my interest. Since then, it's been pretty quiet. Given how much the studio has talked about evolving the world and its systems, I was hoping to see how that plays out finally. At this point, I might need to go back and try the older games while ConsoleCreatures wait. Half-Life 3. This is the eternal long shot. A teaser alone would have broken the internet. A modern Half-Life sequel would keep gamers talking for years, but for now it stays firmly in dream territory. Until then, ConsoleCreatures'll keep revisiting Black Mesa and pretending this is totally fine. Yes, I'm combining both of cd's next projekts (pun intended) here. CD projekt red has been on a real redemption arc after the cyberpunk 2077 launch. Between the updates, continued support, and an excellent expansion, it feels like they've earned back some trust. That's why I was hoping for even a small tease of either the witcher 4 or cyberpunk 2. That last witcher 4 trailer left me wanting more, so maybe I'm just being selfish. I'm genuinely curious which one people want first. The Elder Scrolls VI. ConsoleCreatures saw Todd Howard...but no ES6. No one realistically expected gameplay, but even something concrete like a setting tease, tone trailer, or clearer sense of where the game is headed would've gone a long way. For now, ConsoleCreatures is back to waiting and replaying older Elder Scrolls games until it finally reappears. Assassin's creed Black Flag remake. This one has been rumoured forever and is constantly brought up by fans. A confirmation would have landed hard and might be precisely what Ubisoft needs right now. The studio feels like it's lost a bit of its shine, and Black Flag could be the reminder of why people fell in love with the series in the first place. The Game Awards 2025 had plenty to celebrate, but the games that weren't there sparked just as much conversation. Whether these updates show up at dedicated showcases or stay in wishful thinking territory, these are some of the titles I'll be watching closely heading into 2026.
New Ratchet & Clank game announced, but it's A mobile shooter thing. Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble is a free-to-play 'multiplayer platformer arena shooter' Good news: Sony just announced a new Ratchet & Clank game. Bad news: It's some free-to-play mobile arena shooter thing. On November 12, PlayStation Studios and Insomniac announced Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble. The game is being created by OhBibi, a mobile game developer located in France which has previously created cartoony, colorful action-focused third-person shooters. And what do you know, that's exactly what Ranger Rumble appears to be in the game's first trailer. According to the upcoming game's website, Ranger Rumble will feature "iconic characters from the Ratchet & Clank franchise" as well as big guns and explosions, which are hallmarks of the long-running series that started back on the PS2. PlayStation Studios describes Ranger Rumble as a "fast-paced multiplayer platformer arena shooter," which, yeah, seems accurate. "Experience the humor, action, and energy of the iconic universe in a bold new real-time multiplayer format," says the game's website. "Play as a Legendary Hero from the past, now with unique abilities. Go solo or team up with other Rangers online in thrilling multiplayer games built for every kind of player." No release date was announced, but it is supposedly coming to mobile platforms "soon." You can pre-register now. I think visually, Ranger Rumble looks great. It feels like a Saturday morning cartoon spin on the Ratchet & Clank universe, and I'm here for that. However, I've tried multiple times to enjoy multiplayer shooters on mobile phones using touch controls, and I hate it. And sure, many of them let you plug in a controller and play that way, but at that point, I'd rather just play a game on PC or console. Perhaps Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble will eventually make the leap to PS4/PS5 and PC, but for now, I'm not sure I'll play it. At least Sony hasn't forgotten about Ratchet & Clank. So that's nice! This also lines up with past comments from former PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan, who in 2021 explained in investor relations documents that Sony was looking to invest more in mobile games based on famous franchises. I can't wait for the Sly Cooper match-three game. Level up your inbox.
On this day in 2002, Insomniac released a PS2 game that redefined the 3D platformer. On November 4, 2002, Ratchet & Clank debuted on PS2 and forever changed platform gaming. The Insomniac Games classic redefined PlayStation. On November 4, 2002, Ratchet & Clank made its debut on the PS2 in North America. The groundbreaking title helped put PlayStation on the map for platformers and solidified Insomniac Games as one of the best developers in the industry. A historic day for platformers. For many of Bamboo '90s kids, Nintendo had a chokehold on platformers, as games like Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie completely dominated the genre. However, Insomniac Games' Spyro the Dragon in 1998 was, for many of Bamboo, the first time Bamboo considered PlayStation an actual alternative to Nintendo's tight grip on console gaming. So when Ratchet & Clank made its debut in 2002, many were excited to see how the PS2 would continue to evolve platformers - and Insomniac Games did not disappoint. The new title was ahead of its time with its Pixar-style characters and mind-bending gameplay elements. In my opinion, Ratchet & Clank was the first time many recognized Insomniac Games as a truly unique voice in the gaming space. Groundbreaking gameplay that defined a generation. Without a doubt, one of the most defining aspects of Ratchet & Clank was its varied weapons and gadgets. The platformer had a total of 36 items you could collect, which was a lot for a 2002 game. One of my favorite weapons was the Suck Cannon, which essentially turned you into Kirby and allowed you to swallow smaller enemies and turn them into projectiles to save ammunition. Then there's the iconic Devastator rocket launcher. The gold upgrade version had missiles that automatically targeted enemies and even bounced off them. However, what really made Ratchet & Clank stand out was its impressive mashup of being a third-person shooter with platforming elements. At the time, games like Banjo-Kazooie had shooting mechanics, but they were very clunky, as the N64 wasn't the best when it came to entering first-person mode. Insomniac Games blended the two genres seamlessly without losing the fun of its platforming gameplay. Beautiful worlds that still impress in 2025. While many PS2 graphics don't hold up as well today, this isn't the case with Ratchet & Clank. One of Insomniac Games' signature qualities as a studio was established in the series, and that is beautifully diverse worlds with striking color palettes. As a child, I just remember being blown away by all the various levels you got to explore in Ratchet & Clank. And again, when compared to other platformers at the time, it truly stood out. Planet Rilgar, for example, is a dystopian metropolis with looming skyscrapers and factories. But then, in contrast, you're thrown into Orxon, a dirty swampland dominated by a bright green color scheme. My personal favorite, however, is Kerwan, a futuristic city in the sky. I still can't believe this level was able to exist during the PS2 era. Its intricate level design is still impressive even in 2025. Critical praise and lasting legacy. When Ratchet & Clank made its debut, it made a huge splash in the industry. GamePro, for example, gave Insomniac Games' platformer a 90 and wrote: "R & C's innovation comes in the form of all those crazy, non-gimmicky weapons and tools. This is a complex, polished platform gaming machine." Game Informer magazine gave it similar praise, specifically citing Ratchet & Clank's impressive level design. "The detail that went into the worlds and fluidity of the character movements are towering achievements that have no rival." All this to say, players knew the game was special when it debuted in 2002, and the game's legacy has since solidified Insomniac Games' place as one of the premier developers in the industry. From Ratchet & Clank to Marvel's Spider-Man and beyond. In 2019, Sony purchased Insomniac Games to make them an exclusive PlayStation Studios team. Unsurprisingly, the studio made another groundbreaking title with Marvel's Spider-Man. Just like Ratchet & Clank defined platformers, their take on Peter Parker showed the industry how superhero games can be done right. A lot of Ratchet & Clank's DNA can still be found in that series as well. For example, 2023's Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has you switching between multiple characters while exploring a beautiful and colorful open world. While Spider-Man isn't a platformer, a lot of its fun combat and gameplay has a direct lineage to Ratchet & Clank. In 2026, Insomniac Games is now setting its sights on Wolverine. It will be interesting to see how the studio continues the legacy of Ratchet & Clank in its latest Marvel title. But based on their incredible history as a studio, it's almost guaranteed to be fun.
Insomniac Games unveiled the first gameplay trailer for Marvel's Wolverine during the showcase.