Studio Hiring Guide
How to Get Hired at
IO Interactive
The studio behind Hitman World of Assassination and the upcoming Project 007. Known for meticulous environmental detail and realistic character work.
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Art Style Across IO Interactive’s Games
IO Interactive builds some of the most architecturally detailed environments in games. Every Hitman level is a handcrafted living diorama.
Photorealistic Architecture & Crowd Detail
Each location is built around a real-world setting, from Parisian fashion houses to Dubai skyscrapers. The art team works from extensive photography reference to achieve a level of environmental believability that supports the level design sandbox.
Cultural Authenticity Across 6 Countries
Dartmoor, Berlin, Chongqing, Dubai, Mendoza, the Carpathians. Each required distinct architectural, textile, lighting and prop vocabularies. The art team’s range is tested across every game in the trilogy.
James Bond Universe (In Development)
Original James Bond game announced 2020. The art style is being built from scratch with a new visual identity. Current hiring is building the team that will define the Bond game aesthetic.
Realistic NPC & Hero Characters
Hitman requires hundreds of distinct NPC characters within single levels. The character team builds modular systems for crowd variation alongside bespoke hero characters for Agent 47 and mission targets.
How IO Interactive Hires Game Artists
IO Interactive runs a four-stage hiring process. Portfolio quality and cultural fit are weighted equally at the senior level.
Portfolio Submission
IO’s art team reviews portfolios before any contact with candidates. The review focuses on the quality of your best three pieces, not quantity. Tailor your portfolio to show environments or characters consistent with IO’s photorealistic aesthetic.
Recruiter Call (30 min)
Introduction call covering your background, discipline, tools and availability. IO has offices in Copenhagen, Malmö and Barcelona and the recruiter will establish which location suits you or whether remote work applies.
Technical Interview with Art Lead
A structured 60-90 minute portfolio review with an art lead. Expect detailed questions about your technical process, how you create and document your art, and how you respond to art direction. They will probe the decisions behind your work, not just the results.
Art Test
Most roles include an art test, typically environment-focused. IO’s tests are designed to be completable in a realistic timeframe with clear criteria. They are looking for quality judgement and process discipline, not just technical output.
Final Interview + Offer
A final conversation with the discipline lead or studio director. Offer is made in DKK, SEK or EUR depending on location. IO provides relocation support for international hires.
IO Interactive Artist Salary Ranges
IO Interactive pays in DKK (Copenhagen), SEK (Malmö) or EUR (Barcelona). Copenhagen salaries are below London or US but cost of living is moderate by Nordic standards.
| Role | Seniority | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Environment Artist | Mid | DKK 420K – 560K / EUR 38K – 52K |
| Environment Artist | Senior | DKK 560K – 720K / EUR 52K – 67K |
| Character Artist | Mid | DKK 400K – 540K / EUR 37K – 50K |
| Character Artist | Senior | DKK 540K – 700K / EUR 50K – 65K |
| Technical Artist | Mid/Senior | DKK 480K – 760K / EUR 44K – 70K |
| Lighting Artist | Mid/Senior | DKK 440K – 680K / EUR 40K – 63K |
Portfolio Tips for IO Interactive Applications
Environment Artists
- Architectural environments are IO’s signature strength
- Show interior and exterior spaces with furniture and prop density
- Demonstrate material variety: marble, fabric, glass, aged metal
- Include wide establishing shots alongside close-up texture detail
Character Artists
- Realistic fabric and tailoring work scores highly
- Show secondary characters, not only hero pieces
- NPC variation systems or modular character work is a differentiator
- Include facial detail and character expression range
Lighting Artists
- Show time-of-day variation on a single environment
- Interior cinematic lighting is heavily weighted
- Demonstrate understanding of practical light sources vs. fill
- Include before/after examples showing your lighting impact
Technical Artists
- Glacier engine uses custom tooling — show Python or C++ tooling experience
- Crowd/NPC variation systems experience is highly relevant
- Procedural prop distribution and environment generation valued
- Show understanding of LOD budgets for open-level environments
IO Interactive hires ahead of production milestones
Project 007 represents IO’s largest hiring push in years. Roles are opening as the project moves from pre-production into full production. This hiring window is time-limited. Once the core team is built, openings in most disciplines will close for 12-24 months. If you want to work on a Bond game, this is the window.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does IO Interactive hire remotely?
IO prefers on-site work at their Copenhagen, Malmö or Barcelona offices. Some senior roles have been offered with hybrid arrangements. Full remote is rare outside of contract or specialist roles.
Does IO Interactive sponsor visas?
Yes. IO sponsors Danish and Swedish work permits for non-EU candidates. The Copenhagen office uses the Danish Green Card and Fast-track schemes. Barcelona offers EU residency options for non-EU hires.
Is the art test paid at IO Interactive?
IO’s tests are scoped to be completable within a defined timeframe. Compensation for test time varies by seniority and is worth clarifying with the recruiter before you begin.
What disciplines does IO hire most?
Environment Art, Character Art, Lighting, and Technical Art are consistently IO’s busiest hiring disciplines. The Project 007 ramp-up has increased demand across all art roles.
How many offices does IO Interactive have?
IO has three studios: Copenhagen (HQ), Malmö and Barcelona. Most leadership and direction roles are Copenhagen-based. Barcelona and Malmö handle production art volume.
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