We are looking for candidates who are domiciled in the UK - this is part of the UK Government funding initiative.

We are looking for a generalist 2D artist to work on our isometric pixel-art game, with an 80s ZX Spectrum aesthetic. This is a UK-only remote contract position available to start immediately, with a junior to mid-level focus. This contract will last for 4 months, with the possibility for extension.

We are not making a retro game, simply a game inspired by the 80s. Parliament of Hell is a narrative point and click adventure game made as an homage to the ZX style by using its rainbow palette. As our game is set in the 18th century, we want to start to bring in more period touches into our style as well.

Responsibilities:

• Create 2D pixel art characters, props, and environmental decor in aseprite
• Create animations in aseprite for your 2D sprites
• Be responsible for isometric perspective draftsmanship of environmental props
• Be responsible for background detail and design in isometric rooms
• Evoke games like Knight Lore, Head Over Heels, Fairlight, Underwurlde with 8-bit home computer style visuals

Requirements:

• Evidence of pixel art in portfolio
• Evidence of pixel animation work in portfolio
• Evidence of creating environmental designs in isometric perspective
• Worked previously within a game development team
• Evidence of previous collaborative game projects
• Abide by pixel art best-practice standards as laid out by Michael Azzi’s Pixel Logic
• Based in the UK - this is due to restrictions in our company unrelated to the role being remote

Plusses:

• Either has worked for 1+ years in the games industry, or has studied BA Game Art or similar
• Awareness of early British gaming influences - this project looks like games from the BBC Micro/Amstrad CPC and ZX Spectrum. It does not look like a Nintendo style.
• Understanding of 18th century artwork - we want to blend some elements of 18th century satirical cartoon visuals with our existing style.
• Experience working with source control, JIRA and Git
• Deep understanding of adventure games
• Appreciation for gothic literature
• Have shipped 1+ PC game
• Experience working with broad responsibilities within a small team

Our game is set in the Houses of Parliament in the 18th century, and involves the protagonist (a Gothic writer) summoning demons into Westminster. 

The tone is somewhere between Blackadder and Good Omens, with some genuine Gothic horror underneath. It is incredibly camp, with a forgotten LGBT+ historical figure as its protagonist.

This is how our project currently looks. Knight Lore is our strongest reference game.

We are essentially looking for animations evocative of classic adventure games, in an 8 bit ZX style, but with elements of 18th century satirical prints sprinkled in.

To apply:

Please send us an email with a message and portfolio link.