Guerrilla Games, a premier first-party studio for Sony Interactive Entertainment, is looking for the next generation of creative talent to join our world-class animation team in Amsterdam. This is not just a learning opportunity; it is an invitation to contribute to the legacy of franchises like Horizon and Killzone. Below is the comprehensive breakdown of the role, the expectations, and the environment you will be joining.
Job Overview: Animation Intern
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | Guerrilla Games (A Sony Interactive Entertainment Studio) |
| Job Title | Animation Intern |
| Location | Amsterdam, Netherlands (In-Studio / On-Site) |
| Job Type | Internship (Educational Placement) |
| Salary / Allowance | Competitive Dutch Internship Stipend (Standard SIE Netherlands rates apply) |
| Start Date | September 1st, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | April 24th, 2026 |
| Duration | Typically 5–6 months (aligned with academic semesters) |
The Guerrilla Vision
At Guerrilla Games, we don’t just make games; we build living, breathing ecosystems. Our studio is a melting pot of storytellers, engineers, and visionaries who push the envelope of what is possible in interactive entertainment. Based in the heart of Amsterdam, our studio culture is built on the pillars of innovation, collaboration, and craftsmanship.
As an Animation Intern, you are stepping into a AAA production environment. This means you will be working with high-fidelity character models, complex rigs, and a proprietary engine that demands both artistic flair and technical precision. We believe that animation is the soul of the player experience—it is the bridge between a static model and a character the player truly cares about.
Your time at Guerrilla Games will be structured to provide a 360-degree view of the animation pipeline. You will not be sidelined with “busy work”; instead, you will be integrated into the workflow of our core teams.
1. Production Contribution
You will assist in the creation of high-quality animations for various in-game assets. This includes:
- Blocking: Learning how to establish the primary poses and timing of a sequence to communicate intent before moving to polish.
- Keyframe Animation: Refining movements to ensure weight, physics, and personality are represented accurately.
- Cleanup: Working with Motion Capture (MoCap) data or existing keyframe work to ensure fluid transitions and technical cleanliness.
2. Technical Implementation
Great animation only matters if it looks good in the game. You will learn the “under the hood” mechanics of game development:
- Using our proprietary game engine to import and test animations.
- Understanding state machines and how animation transitions function during active gameplay.
- Collaborating with Technical Animators to troubleshoot rigging issues or cloth/hair simulation clipping.
3. Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Animation does not exist in a vacuum. During your internship, you will interact with:
- Game Design: To ensure that the “feel” of a character’s movement matches the gameplay mechanics (e.g., the speed of a dodge-roll).
- Audio: Learning how sound effects sync with footfalls and combat strikes.
- Rigging: Providing feedback on how character skeletons move to improve the tools you use.
4. Professional Development
A core goal of this internship is your growth. You will be paired with a Senior Mentor who will provide:
- Weekly feedback sessions on your work.
- Guidance on how to organize your workflow for professional speed and efficiency.
- Support in developing a professional-grade portfolio piece based on your work at the studio.
Guerrilla Games is looking for students who are “half artist, half scientist.” You should have a deep love for the way things move in the real world and a burning desire to translate that into digital spaces.
Required Qualifications as Animation Intern
- Academic Enrollment: You must be currently enrolled in a Dutch educational institution (HBO or University) in a relevant field such as Game Art, 3D Animation, or Media Technology. This is a mandatory legal requirement for internships in the Netherlands.
- Location: You must be living in or willing to commute to Amsterdam. Our studio culture thrives on face-to-face interaction and spontaneous creative brainstorming.
- Artistic Foundation: A solid understanding of the 12 Principles of Animation (Squash and Stretch, Anticipation, Staging, etc.).
- Software Proficiency: Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Autodesk Maya.
Soft Skills
- The “Eager Learner” Mindset: You aren’t afraid to ask questions or receive constructive criticism. In a AAA studio, “failing fast” and iterating is the key to success.
- Communication: The ability to explain why you made a certain creative choice.
- Passion for Gaming: A genuine interest in the types of games Guerrilla creates—expansive, character-driven action RPGs.
The Work Environment: Life in Amsterdam
Guerrilla Games studio is located in the vibrant center of Amsterdam. Working here means more than just a desk in an office; it’s an experience.
- The Studio Space: Our office is designed to inspire, featuring state-of-the-art motion capture stages, high-end workstations, and collaborative “breakout” zones.
- Diversity & Inclusion: We believe that varied backgrounds lead to better games. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment.
- The City: Amsterdam is a global hub for technology and art. From the historic canals to the cutting-edge nightlife, it is a city that fosters creativity.
Application Process & Requirements as Animation Intern
To be considered for the 2026 cohort, your application must be thorough and professional. We receive a high volume of interest, so your materials should reflect your best work.
1. Portfolio/Demo Reel (Crucial)
Your reel should demonstrate your understanding of body mechanics, weight, and acting. We prefer quality over quantity. Please include:
- Walk and run cycles.
- A physical action sequence (e.g., lifting a heavy object or a combat move).
- An acting/performance piece (showing facial expression and emotion).
2. Documentation
- CV/Resume: Clear, concise, and highlighting relevant coursework or personal projects.
- Cover Letter: Tell us why Guerrilla? What specific aspect of our animation style (e.g., the realism of Horizon) inspires you?
3. Deadline
All applications must be submitted by April 24th, 2026. Early applications are encouraged as we review candidates on a rolling basis.
Important Legal & Administrative Details
Background Checks: As a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, all successful applicants will undergo a background check during the offer stage. This is a standard procedure to ensure the safety and security of our intellectual property and personnel.
Right to Work: You must be authorized to work/intern in the Netherlands. Guerrilla generally cannot provide visa sponsorship for internship positions; therefore, enrollment in a Dutch school is a primary filter for this role.
Privacy: Your data is handled with the utmost care. Please refer to the Sony Candidate Privacy Notice provided on our career portal for details on how your information is processed.
Why Choose Guerrilla?
Choosing where to do your internship is one of the most important decisions of your early career. At Guerrilla, you aren’t just an “intern”—you are a Guerrilla. You will be treated as a peer, given real responsibility, and provided with the tools to succeed in one of the most competitive industries in the world.
If you want to see your name in the credits of a blockbuster title and learn from the masters of the craft, we want to see your portfolio.
Animation Intern at Guerrilla Games, Amsterdam
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