Game UI Artist (Unity 2D) (f/m/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Game UI Artist (Unity 2D) (f/m/d)
Company: GameDuell
Location: Berlin, Germany
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Game Development / Art & Design
Date Posted: October 14, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2+ years)
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and implement aesthetic and functional user interfaces (UI) for mobile and social games, focusing on 2D elements within the Unity engine.
• Develop and animate UI assets, including menus, icons, buttons, and typography, ensuring a creative and playful user experience.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including artists, UX designers, game designers, and developers, to integrate UI assets seamlessly and maintain design consistency.
• Contribute to the visual identity and overall player experience of GameDuell's diverse game portfolio, impacting a global audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Game UI Artist, emphasizing 2D UI within the Unity engine. The focus is on creating engaging and functional interfaces for mobile and social games, requiring a blend of artistic talent and technical implementation skills. The "f/m/d" designation indicates an inclusive approach to gender across all roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and create visually appealing and user-friendly 2D UI elements, graphics, and animations for new and existing mobile and social game applications.
• Develop a wide range of UI assets, including menus, icons, buttons, typography, and other visual components, adhering to established style guides or co-creating them for new projects.
• Integrate and animate UI assets directly within the Unity game engine, ensuring smooth performance and responsiveness.
• Maintain stylistic consistency across existing game titles and contribute to the development of new visual styles for upcoming games.
• Collaborate effectively with fellow artists, UX/UI designers, game designers, and software developers to ensure seamless integration of UI elements and a cohesive game experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role requiring both creative design skills and practical implementation within Unity. The emphasis on "creative and playful" interfaces suggests a need for an artist who can balance aesthetics with functional usability in a gaming context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Background in art, design, digital media, or a similar relevant field.
Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience specifically in designing 2D UI for mobile games and implementing these designs within the Unity game engine.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in designing 2D UI game screens for mobile applications.
• Proficiency in integrating and animating UI assets within the Unity game engine.
• Strong command of design software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
• Demonstrated ability to create clean, well-organized files that facilitate rapid iteration and final asset production.
• Solid understanding of fundamental design principles, usability, user flows, and effective UI design practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a cross-functional team environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other relevant design or animation tools.
• Familiarity with game design principles and player psychology.
• A keen eye for detail and a passion for creating engaging player experiences.
• Experience in contributing to style guides or visual design documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirements center on practical experience with 2D UI design for mobile games and direct implementation in Unity. Proficiency in industry-standard design tools like Photoshop and Illustrator is critical, as is the ability to produce clean, iterative assets. The emphasis on fundamental design principles and usability underscores the need for a candidate who understands player interaction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of mobile game interfaces with a focus on 2D UI design.
• Examples demonstrating the creation of interactive UI elements, including menus, buttons, icons, and animations.
• Case studies or project examples that highlight the integration and animation of UI assets within the Unity engine.
• Visuals that convey an understanding of fundamental design principles, usability, and user flows in a gaming context.
• Examples of clean file organization and asset creation workflows, demonstrating efficiency in iterative design processes.

Process Documentation:

• The ability to articulate the design process from concept to implementation for UI elements.
• Documentation or examples showcasing how design decisions were made based on usability, player feedback, or game design requirements.
• Evidence of collaborative processes, such as working with developers to integrate assets or with UX designers to refine flows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role, serving as the primary demonstration of skills. It should not only showcase aesthetic ability but also practical application within Unity and an understanding of the design process and its iterative nature.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Mid-Level Game UI Artist with 2+ years of experience in Berlin, Germany, the estimated annual salary range is approximately €45,000 - €60,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Berlin and typical compensation for similar roles in the German game development industry.

Benefits:

• Creative Freedom: Opportunity to influence the UI style for millions of players and realize artistic visions.
• Collaborative Environment: Membership in a friendly, international art team focused on innovation and creativity.
• Inspiring Office Space: Work in a vibrant office in Berlin Mitte, featuring amenities like free drinks, fresh fruit, a pool table, table tennis, and weekly "Art Hours."
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid work model with schedule flexibility.
• Team Engagement: Participation in company events such as BBQs, game nights, and summer parties.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Involvement in the "Green Team" for environmental and charity projects, with matching donations for charity.
• Social Responsibility: Contribution to a corporate culture of mutual trust, respect, and diversity.

Working Hours: Full-time position, with a hybrid work model offering flexibility in structuring the work schedule. The standard working hours are estimated at 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimate is based on available data for similar roles in Berlin, Germany. Benefits emphasize a combination of creative empowerment, work-life balance, team engagement, and the company's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Entertainment / Social & Mobile Gaming. GameDuell operates within the competitive online gaming market, specializing in mobile and social games, with a particular emphasis on card and board games. This industry demands continuous innovation, engaging player experiences, and strong community building.
Company Size: GameDuell is a mid-sized company, likely employing between 50-250 individuals. This size typically allows for a balance between structured processes and a more intimate, collaborative team environment where individual contributions are highly visible.
Founded: GameDuell was founded in 2003. With nearly two decades of experience, the company has established a strong presence and a deep understanding of the gaming market, fostering a culture of expertise and continuous evolution.

Team Structure:

• The UI Artist will join a dedicated Art team, characterized as "friendly, international, and creative."
• Collaboration is expected across departments, including UX/UI Designers, Game Designers, and Developers, indicating a cross-functional and integrated workflow.
• Reporting likely falls within a traditional art hierarchy, potentially to an Art Director or Lead Artist.

Methodology:

• GameDuell emphasizes creativity combined with gameplay, suggesting a methodology that balances artistic vision with player engagement and usability.
• The role requires direct integration in Unity, pointing towards agile development practices and iterative design processes.
• A strong focus on user experience and player satisfaction is evident through the emphasis on functional and aesthetic UI.

Company Website: https://inside.gameduell.com/jobs/

📝 Enhancement Note: GameDuell's long history and focus on social/mobile card and board games suggest a company culture that values both established expertise and modern engagement strategies. The emphasis on a collaborative, international team within a mid-sized structure implies opportunities for direct impact and shared success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring 2+ years of specific experience. It offers a solid foundation for specializing in game UI art. The responsibilities involve both creative design and technical implementation, providing a comprehensive skill development path within the game art domain.
Reporting Structure: The Game UI Artist will report to a Lead Artist or Art Director, working within a dedicated art team that collaborates closely with design and development teams. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance while also fostering independent contribution.
Operations Impact: The UI Artist's work directly influences the player's interaction with the game, impacting engagement, retention, and overall user satisfaction. By creating intuitive and visually appealing interfaces, the role contributes significantly to the game's success and GameDuell's brand perception in the competitive gaming market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in 2D UI art for games, potentially exploring advanced animation techniques or different game genres.
• Skill Expansion: Develop proficiency in additional art tools, game engines, or even basic game design principles through cross-functional collaboration.
• Leadership Potential: With continued growth and success, opportunities may arise to mentor junior artists, take ownership of UI style for entire projects, or move into Lead Artist positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within the specialized field of game UI art. The emphasis on collaboration and direct impact suggests that successful candidates can look forward to expanding their skillset and potentially taking on more responsibility within the art team.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates a modern office environment in Berlin Mitte, described as having a "vibrant atmosphere." This suggests a dynamic and engaging workspace.
Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Berlin, Germany. This central location in a major European capital offers excellent accessibility and a rich cultural environment.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration and creativity, featuring amenities like a pool table and table tennis for informal interaction and team building.
• The availability of free drinks and fresh fruit contributes to a comfortable and productive work atmosphere.
• Regular "Art Hours" and social events like BBQs and game nights reinforce a strong sense of community and camaraderie among team members.

Work Schedule: A hybrid work model is offered, providing flexibility. This allows employees to balance on-site collaboration with remote work, catering to individual work styles and improving work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The office environment is highlighted as a key benefit, emphasizing not just the physical space but also the social and collaborative aspects. The hybrid model indicates a modern approach to work flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess suitability for the role.
• Portfolio Presentation: An opportunity to walk through your portfolio, discussing your design process, key projects, and how your skills align with GameDuell's needs. Expect questions about your approach to UI design, Unity implementation, and problem-solving.
• Technical/Creative Assessment: Potentially a small creative task or discussion focused on UI design principles, Unity UI integration, or a specific design challenge.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: A conversation with potential team members (artists, designers, developers) to evaluate collaboration style and cultural alignment.
• Final Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or department head to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase your strongest, most relevant 2D UI work for mobile games. Highlight projects where you had significant creative input and implementation responsibility in Unity.
• Demonstrate Process: For each project, briefly explain your thought process, design challenges, solutions, and the tools used (especially Unity, Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Highlight Unity Integration: Clearly show examples of your UI implemented within Unity, including any animations or interactive elements you created.
• Showcase Design Principles: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of usability, user flows, typography, and visual hierarchy in your designs.
• Tell a Story: Frame your portfolio pieces as mini case studies that demonstrate problem-solving and impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you approach designing for different player demographics and game genres.
• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, especially regarding usability and aesthetic choices.
• Familiarize yourself with GameDuell's current game portfolio to understand their existing UI styles and target audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a strong portfolio and the ability to articulate design process and Unity implementation is critical. Candidates should prepare to not just show their work but also explain the 'why' behind their creative and technical decisions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Unity: Essential for UI integration and animation. Proficiency is expected for direct implementation.
• Adobe Photoshop: Primary tool for creating 2D UI assets, graphics, and textures.
• Adobe Illustrator: Used for vector-based UI elements, icons, and typography.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this role, understanding how UI impacts player metrics (engagement, retention) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms used in game development would be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core responsibilities of a UI Artist, but awareness of how UI fits into the broader game development pipeline is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is clearly defined around the core tools for 2D game UI art and implementation in Unity. Proficiency here is non-negotiable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraged to bring artistic visions to life and explore new design solutions.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong emphasis on working together across disciplines to achieve common goals.
• Player-Centricity: Focus on creating enjoyable and accessible experiences for a global player base.
• Sustainability & Social Responsibility: Commitment to environmental consciousness and charitable initiatives, reflecting a broader company ethos.
• Mutual Trust & Respect: Fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is valued and every team member is respected.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The UI Artist will work closely with artists, UX designers, game designers, and developers, requiring strong communication and an ability to translate artistic concepts into technical requirements.
• Iterative Feedback: Expect a dynamic workflow involving feedback loops with various team members to refine designs and ensure seamless integration.
• Knowledge Sharing: The "Art Hours" and collaborative environment suggest a culture where sharing insights and learning from peers is encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: GameDuell's culture appears to foster a blend of creative autonomy, collaborative effort, and a strong sense of community and social responsibility. Successful candidates will thrive in an environment that values both individual contribution and collective success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Usability: Creating interfaces that are both visually appealing and highly functional for a diverse global audience, often under tight deadlines.
• Cross-Platform Consistency: Ensuring UI designs translate effectively and maintain quality across different mobile devices and screen resolutions.
• Technical Implementation in Unity: Successfully integrating and animating UI assets within Unity, requiring a strong understanding of the engine's UI system and potential performance considerations.
• Evolving Game Design Trends: Staying abreast of current UI design trends in the competitive mobile gaming market and adapting designs accordingly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced 2D UI animation, responsive design techniques, or specific Unity UI features.
• Industry Exposure: Potential to learn from experienced game designers and developers, gaining insights into broader game development processes.
• Mentorship: Guidance from senior artists or Art Directors, aiding in career progression and skill refinement.
• Participation in Art Initiatives: Engaging in "Art Hours" and other team activities can provide exposure to new techniques and creative problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to the game UI art role, requiring a candidate who is adept at creative problem-solving, technically proficient, and adaptable to industry trends. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening specialization within game art.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new UI element, from initial concept to final implementation in Unity." (Focus on your workflow, decision-making, and collaboration.)
• "How do you ensure your UI designs are both aesthetically pleasing and highly usable for players?" (Discuss your understanding of design principles, user flows, and player psychology.)
• "Walk us through a challenging UI project you worked on. What were the obstacles, and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio.)
• "How do you approach integrating UI assets into Unity, and what are some common challenges you've faced?" (Be ready to discuss your practical Unity experience.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about GameDuell and our game portfolio?" (Research their games and mention specific aspects that appeal to you.)
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and creative team environment?" (Provide examples of your teamwork and communication skills.)
• "What are your thoughts on the company's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility?" (Show you've read about their initiatives.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project or by skill type. Start with your strongest, most relevant work.
• Narrative: For each piece, tell a concise story: the goal, your role, the process, the tools used (especially Unity), and the outcome.
• Visuals: Use high-quality images and, if possible, short video clips or GIFs to showcase animations and interactivity.
• Unity Focus: Clearly highlight your Unity implementation skills; be prepared to discuss specific Unity UI features you utilized.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and focus on key aspects that demonstrate your suitability for the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their visual work but also articulate their design philosophy, technical implementation skills in Unity, and how they collaborate within a team, all while demonstrating an understanding of GameDuell's specific context and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Game UI Artist position:

• Submit your CV and portfolio through the provided application link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your best 2D UI work for mobile games, with specific examples of Unity integration and animation. Tailor your presentation to highlight how your skills align with GameDuell's game genres and aesthetic.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your proficiency in Unity, Photoshop, Illustrator, and your years of experience in mobile 2D UI design. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, your approach to usability, and your experience with Unity implementation. Be ready to discuss specific projects and challenges.
• Research GameDuell: Familiarize yourself with GameDuell's current game offerings, their target audience, and their overall brand aesthetic to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions to provide a comprehensive overview. Candidates are strongly advised to verify all details directly with GameDuell during the application and interview process.