Visual Designer - EA SPORTS™ UFC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Visual Designer - EA SPORTS™ UFC

Company: Electronic Arts

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Regular Employee

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: October 1, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop high-fidelity UI mockups and visual systems for the EA SPORTS™ UFC franchise, ensuring a cohesive and engaging player experience.

• Translate creative briefs into production-ready layouts, style guides, and refined graphics that meet brand standards and localization requirements.

• Collaborate closely with UX Designers, Game Designers, and Art Directors to integrate visual design principles into the game development pipeline.

• Contribute to the evolution of visual identity and user interface elements for a leading sports simulation game, impacting millions of players worldwide.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the EA SPORTS™ division, specifically focusing on the UFC franchise, indicating a need for designers familiar with sports-themed aesthetics and the fast-paced demands of AAA game development. The hybrid work model suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with UX and game designers to translate their concepts and wireframes into high-quality, visually appealing UI mockups and interactive prototypes.

• Develop comprehensive visual systems, including typography, color palettes, iconography, and layout guidelines, to ensure brand consistency and aesthetic appeal across the game.

• Create and refine production-ready graphics and assets, preparing them for implementation by the development team and for localization needs.

• Maintain and update style guides, ensuring they accurately reflect the game's visual direction and adhere to accessibility standards.

• Work with the Art Director to ensure visual designs align with the overall artistic vision and strategic goals of the EA SPORTS™ UFC franchise.

• Prepare and deliver assets for localization, ensuring cultural relevance and maintaining design integrity across different regions.

• Contribute to the iterative design process by incorporating feedback from cross-functional teams and conducting visual design reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and collaborative problem-solving, typical for a mid-level designer in a large gaming studio. The emphasis on "production-ready layouts" and "localization needs" suggests a practical, results-oriented approach to design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Digital Media, or a related field is typically expected or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in Graphic Design or Visual Design, with a demonstrated focus on UI design for video games.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A compelling portfolio showcasing strong Graphic Design and UI Design capabilities, with examples relevant to interactive media or video games.

• Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Figma and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects.

• UI/UX Fundamentals: Proven experience designing for User Interfaces in video games, understanding of UI/UX pipelines, and game development processes.

• Visual Design Principles: Strong mastery of layout, typography, and visual hierarchy to create intuitive and engaging user experiences.

• Asset Preparation: Experience preparing design assets for production and localization.

• Collaboration: Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, including UX designers, game designers, and art directors.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with 3D tools such as Blender, Cinema 4D, Maya, or 3ds Max.

• Motion Graphics skills for UI animations and visual effects.

• Experience designing UI for modern video game consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox).

• Wireframing experience for rapid prototyping and concept visualization.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices for digital interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software like Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud, along with game-specific UI/UX pipeline familiarity, signals the need for candidates who can hit the ground running. A strong portfolio is paramount, serving as the primary indicator of practical skill and creative output.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Detailed case studies demonstrating the end-to-end design process for at least 2-3 significant UI/visual design projects, preferably within the gaming or interactive entertainment industry.

• Visual Design Examples: A diverse range of high-quality UI mockups, style guides, and graphical assets that showcase mastery of layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Figma & Adobe CC Workflows: Examples or descriptions of how Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud were used to develop and iterate on designs, highlighting efficiency and collaboration.

• Game UI Focus: Specific examples of UI elements designed for video games, illustrating an understanding of player interaction, console conventions, and in-game visual language.

• Problem-Solving: Projects that clearly articulate a design challenge, the proposed solution, and the impact of the visual design on user experience or game objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Showcase how you approach translating concepts into actionable design specifications for development teams.

• Iteration & Feedback: Illustrate your process for incorporating feedback from UX, game design, and art direction, and how you iterate on designs.

• Asset Management: Demonstrate your understanding of preparing and organizing design assets for efficient integration into the game engine and for localization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to walk through their portfolio, explaining their design decisions, the tools used, and the impact of their work. The ability to articulate process is as important as the final output for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $86,600 - $118,600 CAD per year. This range is specific to British Columbia, Canada, and may vary based on the exact location within the province.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: 3 weeks of vacation per year to start, plus 10 days of sick time annually.

• Family Support: Up to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave and 4 weeks of paid parental/adoption leave, topping up EI/QPIP benefits to 100% of base salary.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive extended health coverage, dental coverage, and vision coverage.

• Insurance: Life insurance and disability insurance.

• Retirement: A retirement savings plan is available.

• Employee Well-being: Mental well-being support programs are provided.

• Perks: Access to complimentary EA games and other potential incentive programs, depending on the role.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely aligning with the hybrid work model, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines. The specific number of days in-office per week for the hybrid arrangement is not detailed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to British Columbia and falls within the expected mid-level range for a Visual Designer in the video game industry in a major Canadian city like Vancouver. The comprehensive benefits package, including generous family leave and health coverage, reflects Electronic Arts' commitment to employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development, Digital Entertainment, Sports Technology. EA is a global leader in interactive entertainment, renowned for its diverse portfolio of sports titles, including the EA SPORTS™ UFC franchise.

Company Size: Electronic Arts is a large, publicly traded company with a global workforce, employing thousands of individuals across numerous studios worldwide. This scale offers significant resources, established processes, and opportunities for career advancement.

Founded: Electronic Arts was founded in 1982, bringing decades of experience and innovation to the gaming industry. This long history signifies stability, a deep understanding of the market, and a legacy of creating impactful gaming experiences.

Team Structure:

• The Visual Designer will be part of the EA SPORTS™ division, specifically the EA SPORTS™ UFC development team.

• This role reports to the Art Director for the EA SPORTS™ UFC franchise.

• The team is likely structured with specialized roles in Art, Design (UX/Game Design), Production, and Engineering, fostering a collaborative environment where design is integrated early and often.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with UX designers, game designers, technical artists, and QA teams. Methodology:

• Iterative Design: The team likely employs an agile and iterative design process, common in game development, involving frequent feedback loops and adjustments.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While creative vision is key, decisions may be informed by player feedback, playtesting data, and market trends within the fighting game genre.

• Tool Standardization: A commitment to using industry-standard tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud ensures efficient workflows and seamless integration across teams.

Company Website: https://www.ea.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: As part of a large, established company like EA, the operations and processes are likely well-defined. The "EA Studios - SPORTS" department indicates a dedicated focus on sports simulation games, suggesting a culture that values passion for sports and competitive gaming.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a mid-level Visual Designer, typically requiring 3-5 years of dedicated experience. It involves executing design tasks with a degree of autonomy under the guidance of an Art Director, contributing significantly to the visual output of a major game title.

Reporting Structure: The Visual Designer will report directly to the Art Director. This provides clear direction and mentorship, with opportunities to learn from experienced leadership in game art and design.

Operations Impact: The visual design of EA SPORTS™ UFC directly impacts player engagement, immersion, and the overall perception of the game's quality. Effective UI and visual design can enhance usability, convey crucial game information, and contribute to the game's aesthetic appeal, ultimately influencing player satisfaction and commercial success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in UI design for console games, potentially moving into senior or lead UI designer roles within the EA SPORTS™ umbrella.

• Skill Expansion: Potential to develop skills in areas like motion graphics, 3D integration, or even UI art direction through exposure to new tools and projects.

• Cross-Studio Mobility: As a large organization, EA offers opportunities to move to different studios or franchises, broadening experience across various game genres.

• Leadership Development: With proven performance, there may be pathways to team lead or Art Director roles within EA's creative departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Mid-Level" designation suggests that while independent execution is expected, mentorship and guidance from senior staff are available, facilitating professional development within the specialized field of game UI design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of in-office work and remote work. This typically involves a structured schedule where employees are expected to be in the office for a set number of days per week for collaboration and team engagement.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. EA has a significant presence in Vancouver, housing multiple development studios.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The EA Vancouver studio is known for its modern facilities, designed to foster collaboration. Expect open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project spaces.

• Tools & Technology: Access to high-performance workstations equipped with industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud) and potentially game development tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for in-person brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and informal interactions with colleagues across design, art, and development teams.

Work Schedule: The hybrid model implies a structured work schedule, likely consisting of standard business hours with the flexibility to adjust based on project needs. Employees will need to adhere to the specified in-office days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model in a major studio like EA Vancouver suggests a professional environment that balances focused individual work with essential team collaboration. Candidates should be prepared for both independent work and active participation in team meetings and critiques.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and creative fit.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (Art Director) and potentially other designers. This stage will focus on your portfolio, design process, problem-solving skills, and technical proficiency in required tools. Expect to discuss specific projects and your contributions.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Potentially an interview with UX designers or game designers to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of the broader game development pipeline.

• Final Interview: A conversation with senior leadership or a final panel to assess cultural fit, long-term potential, and alignment with EA's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those that showcase UI design for games or interactive media.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your design process, the tools you used, and the outcome or impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Process: Demonstrate your thought process, from initial concepts and wireframes to final polished UI mockups and style guides. Show iterations.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud, and how you leverage these tools for efficiency and collaboration.

• Game Context: If possible, include projects that demonstrate an understanding of game mechanics, player psychology, and console UI conventions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You may be given a small design challenge or a case study to complete within a set timeframe. This could involve redesigning a specific UI element or creating mockups for a given feature.

• Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical design challenges related to game UI and how you would approach them. Think about user flow, visual hierarchy, and accessibility.

• Articulation: Practice clearly articulating your design rationale, technical approach, and how your work aligns with business and player needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical. Candidates should be prepared to present and discuss their work in detail, demonstrating not just aesthetic skill but also a strategic understanding of UI design within the context of game development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is a must.

• Adobe Creative Cloud:

  • Photoshop: For image manipulation, asset creation, and texture work.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, icons, and scalable assets.
  • After Effects: For UI animations, motion graphics, and visual effects.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly listed as a requirement for the designer, understanding how UI performance is tracked (e.g., through analytics platforms used by the development team) could be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to the Visual Designer role, but familiarity with project management tools used in game development (e.g., Jira, Asana) might be helpful for workflow management.

Additional Tools (Nice to Have):

• 3D Software: Blender, Cinema 4D, Maya, 3ds Max for potential integration of 3D elements into UI or asset creation.

• Wireframing Tools: (e.g., Sketch, Adobe XD, Balsamiq) for early-stage conceptualization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirements are Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite. Candidates should highlight their experience and advanced techniques within these tools, especially as applied to game UI development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: EA fosters an environment that encourages new ideas and creative solutions to design challenges.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong emphasis on working together across disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Passion for Gaming: A deep appreciation for games and the player experience is a driving force.

• Player Focus: Designs are ultimately created to enhance the player experience and deliver engaging entertainment.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to producing high-quality products that meet industry standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The design team works closely with UX, game design, and art direction, requiring open communication and the ability to incorporate diverse perspectives.

• Feedback-Driven: An iterative process involving regular critiques and feedback sessions to refine designs.

• Shared Vision: All team members work towards a common artistic and gameplay vision for the EA SPORTS™ UFC franchise.

📝 Enhancement Note: EA's culture often emphasizes teamwork, passion for gaming, and a player-centric approach. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of these values and how they translate into collaborative design practices.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace of AAA Development: The fast-paced environment of AAA game development requires adaptability, efficient workflow management, and the ability to meet tight deadlines.

• Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: Creating visually stunning UI that is also highly functional, intuitive, and performant within game engine constraints.

• Evolving Player Expectations: Keeping up with current trends in game UI design and player preferences to ensure the game remains competitive and engaging.

• Technical Constraints: Designing within the technical limitations of game engines and console platforms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Exposure: Work on a leading sports simulation franchise with millions of players, gaining invaluable experience.

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to learn new design techniques, software, and potentially specialized areas like motion graphics or 3D integration.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced Art Directors and senior designers within EA's established creative departments.

• Conferences & Training: Potential for participation in industry events and specialized training to stay current with design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for the gaming industry and offer significant opportunities for growth. The role provides a platform to refine skills in a demanding yet rewarding creative field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a UX wireframe into a high-fidelity UI mockup for a game." (Focus on your steps, tools, and considerations for visual hierarchy and player interaction.)

• "How do you approach creating a style guide for a game UI? What elements are essential, and how do you ensure consistency?" (Emphasize typography, color, layout, and asset naming conventions.)

• "Discuss a time you had to incorporate difficult feedback from a game designer or Art Director. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your collaborative skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to compromise while maintaining design integrity.)

• "How do you balance aesthetic appeal with functional requirements and technical constraints in game UI design?" (Showcase your understanding of player experience, performance optimization, and platform limitations.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for EA SPORTS™ and specifically the UFC franchise?" (Connect your passion for gaming, sports, or the UFC brand to your career aspirations.)

• "How do you stay current with trends in visual design and UI/UX for video games?" (Mention industry publications, conferences, following other games, and continuous learning.)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you contribute to a positive team dynamic?" (Emphasize communication, respect, and a willingness to share and receive feedback.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be Concise: Focus on the most impactful projects and clearly articulate your role and contributions.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively to demonstrate your design skills. Walk through your process using mockups, wireframes, and final assets.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention any measurable outcomes or positive feedback received on your projects.

• Tailor to the Role: Highlight projects that are most relevant to game UI design, console interfaces, and the aesthetic of sports games.

• Engage with Questions: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design choices, technical challenges, and problem-solving strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing both creative talent and a strong understanding of game development processes and collaborative workflows. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to prove your capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Electronic Arts careers portal link provided.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features UI design projects, ideally for games or interactive media. Tailor the selection to highlight Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency, and demonstrate your understanding of visual hierarchy and game-specific design principles.

• Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to clearly articulate your 3+ years of experience, emphasizing your skills in graphic design, UI design, and familiarity with game development pipelines. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss your experience with Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and game UI challenges.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with EA's company culture, its sports franchises (especially EA SPORTS™ UFC), and its commitment to player experience. Understand the hybrid work model and the studio's location in Vancouver.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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