Creating games worth remembering.
Penitent Games is an independent game studio in Austin, Texas.
Hi, I’m Robert, a software engineer with 15+ years of experience turned solo game developer. At Penitent Games, I try to make games that create joy and bring people together. Cybordz is the first.
Current project
A cyberpunk skateboarding roguelite in space. Grind energy rails, dodge asteroids, collect upgrades, pull off wacky stunt tricks, and race across the galaxy to take down a corporate villain before the clock runs out. Fast, stylish and weird.
About the studio
Penitent Games takes its name from my faith as an Orthodox Christian. My goal is to tell unique and thought-provoking stories from an Orthodox world-view. There will undoubtedly be overt Christian themes and symbols in my games, but I'm not trying to convert my audience, simply express ideas I believe to be both true and beautiful.
Open role
3D artist: define the visual identity of Cybordz
- Role
- 3D environment artist
- Engine
- Unity
- Pay
- Revenue share, with hybrid salary options
Cybordz is a cyberpunk skateboarding roguelite set in space and inspired by Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. The core mechanics and gameplay loop are largely in place and continue to improve through regular observed playtests. However, the current visuals are still placeholder (functional Blender geometry, prototype materials and a Mixamo stand-in).
I’m intentionally holding back the public Steam page until the art direction is locked in. As the dedicated 3D artist, you will define the final look of Cybordz for Steam, consoles and all marketing materials.
This is a high-ownership role. Penitent Games is self-publishing with no plans to work with a third-party publisher, which means you’ll have direct creative input and fast decision-making.
The neon direction is established, but the full visual style is open for you to shape. The primary focus will be on the environment. For character models, I plan on hiring another artist on a contract basis.
I’ve seen strong early validation. Gameplay clips on Reddit regularly get enthusiastic responses. The concept lands. Now I need the right artist to make the visuals match the game’s promise.
Responsibilities
- Develop and validate a visual identity for Cybordz
- Materials and texture design
- Lighting and atmosphere
- New environment models as the game expands
Compensation
Per-project revenue share for Cybordz (meaningful percentage of net game revenue). The share will vest based on milestones or time contributed. No equity in Penitent Games. Hybrid options (modest salary + revenue share) available. Open to future projects with strong collaborators.