making art for video games, since PC DVD was a thing
Claire Roberts Senior VFX Artist
Multi-disciplinary artist with 20+ years in game development, specializing in real-time visual effects. Collaborates cross-discipline to unravel complex technical challenges and implement solutions that support creative vision. Focused on gameplay clarity, environmental storytelling, and optimal performance, with strong emphasis on visual language and player experience.
Skills
Real-Time Particle Effects, Shader Development & Material Authoring
Visual Language & Gameplay Readability
Performance Optimization & Scalability, Pipeline Development & Documentation
Cross-discipline Collaboration, Training & Mentorship
Tools & Platforms
Unreal Engine, Unity, Maya, 3DS Max, Photoshop
PC, Console, Mobile, Switch, XR/VR
Highlight reel of VFX, environments, and characters made for various video games I've worked on since 2004. Featuring clips from The Long Dark: Episode 5, many Warhammer titles, Awaken (VR), and a smattering of mobile games.
Experience
VFX Artist - Hinterland Studio, Nov 2022-April 2026
The Long Dark: Episode 5: elemental FX (fire, water, electricity), for gameplay and cinematics, VFX pipeline documentation and tutorials
The Long Dark: Visual Enhancements Update: conditional effects for weather and time of day (snow, fog, electricity), proximity-triggered gameplay VFX
Blackfrost: The Long Dark II: pre-production concept exploration and development
VFX Artist - Gasket Games Corp. May 2019-Nov 2022
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Storm Ground: VFX for environment, combat, gameplay and non-interactive sequences
Unreleased Title: VFX research & development, collaboration with Engineers/Technical Artists
Mentorship for Junior VFX artist: iterative feedback, direction, weekly 1-on-1 meetings
Lead Artist - Banging Rocks Feb 2018-May 2019
VR concept development & prototyping - VFX, 3D assets, support for junior artists
Lead Artist - Fire-Point Interactive Mar-Jul 2017
Tooth and Claw [VR] - 3D assets and VFX for gameplay and environment, supported remote art team
VFX Mentor - Vancouver Film School May 2015-Jul 2017
Game Design Program - VFX critique, iterative feedback, career guidance
VFX Artist - Blueprint Reality Oct 2016-Feb 2017
Awaken [VR] - VFX and VFX-driven UX design for intuitive interface
VFX Artist - Roadhouse Interactive Dec 2014-Aug 2016
Snowboarding: The Fourth Phase - FX for environment and gameplay, 3D assets
VFX Artist - Blackbird Interactive Apr 2012-Aug 2013
Pre-production for Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak - R&D for FX prototypes and terrain creation
VFX Artist - Relic Entertainment 2010-Apr 2012
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II: Retribution - FX for gameplay, VFX pipeline documentation
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine - FX optimization
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II: Chaos Rising - FX for gameplay, 3D environment assets
Art Generalist - Relic Entertainment Mar 2005-2010
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - 3D environment assets, damage state creation and Havok implementation, outsource management support
Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts - 3D environment assets, level dressing
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War: Dark Crusade - 3D character models & textures
The Outfit - 3D models and textures for characters and environment assets
Projects
Adventurer Wanted, Hat Provided, book by Edd Macdonald - cover & 30 illustrations 2026
Séance Engine, multimedia project - 4 illustrations, sound responsive particle system 2025
Donal Óg, music video by ZenCentric - Sound responsive particle system, vocals 2025
Echoes of Movement, locative media project with StoryCloud - concept, narration 2021
Migration, digital short film with Digital Stories Canada - writer, director, producer 2018
The Inspiration Project, interactive art installation & short film - director, producer 2010
Education
User Interface Design - Brainstation, Vancouver, BC 2021
Introduction to Software Development - BCIT, Vancouver, BC 2010
3D Animation & Digital Effects - Vancouver Film School, Vancouver, BC 2003
Fine Arts - Dawson College, Montreal, PQ 1992-1995