Small Axe Studios is hiring mid-3D Gameplay Animator, Canada

Small Axe Studios, a 2K studio based in Burnaby, British Columbia, is looking for an experienced Gameplay Animator to help create authentic and polished sports gameplay for a new AAA sports franchise. The role involves creating and implementing interactive animations in Unreal Engine 4/5, working closely with Animation, Design, Engineering, AI and Production teams. Candidates should have AAA game development experience, a strong understanding of human movement and sports mechanics, and a player-focused approach. The position offers a starting salary of CAD $60,500–$89,540 per year.

Job Summary : Gameplay Animator

About Small Axe Studios

Founded in 2023, Small Axe Studios is 2K’s newest standalone game development studio, based in Burnaby, British Columbia.

The studio is building a new sports franchise and bringing together a team of experienced developers, artists, designers and gamers who are passionate about creating innovative and player-focused experiences.

Small Axe Studios is focused on developing a brand-new IP and aims to create an authentic, polished sports experience from the ground up.

About the Role

Small Axe Studios is looking for an experienced Gameplay Animator to join its team.

In this role, you’ll focus on creating and implementing authentic sports animations and interactive gameplay behaviors. You’ll work closely with Animation, AI, Engineering, Design and Production teams to turn animation concepts into polished gameplay features.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of human movement and sports mechanics, experience working on AAA games, and a passion for creating responsive and believable gameplay animation.

You’ll play an important role in making sure animations feel natural, responsive and authentic from the player’s perspective.

What You’ll Do

As a Gameplay Animator, your responsibilities will include:

• Work closely with the Gameplay Animation Lead to ensure animation work meets the project’s quality standards and deadlines.
• Create gameplay animations that support polished and engaging sports features.
• Take animation features from the initial idea and concept stage through final implementation.
• Work with Designers to develop and support animation-based gameplay features.
• Collaborate with Animation Engineers and Gameplay Engineers to implement animations effectively in the game engine.
• Work closely with the Design Lead and Engineering team during feature implementation.
• Collaborate with the Animation Director to understand and achieve the required animation quality.
• Help maintain authentic sports movement and behavior throughout gameplay.
• Keep mocap production organized by managing mocap shot lists, references and related materials.
• Provide the right animation solutions to help each gameplay feature reach its full potential.
• Contribute animation expertise during feature planning and technical discussions.
• Identify opportunities to improve animation quality, responsiveness and authenticity.
• Champion high-quality animation across your assigned gameplay features.
• Bring the animation perspective into creative and technical decision-making.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for an animator who combines strong technical skills with a good understanding of sports and interactive gameplay.

You should have:

• Professional experience working as a Gameplay Animator or in a similar animation role.
• Experience developing and shipping AAA games.
• Experience working with Unreal Engine 4 or Unreal Engine 5.
• Experience creating animation for interactive, second-to-second gameplay features.
• A strong understanding of how animation works within a real-time game environment.
• Excellent knowledge of human movement and mechanics, particularly sports-related movement.
• A player-focused approach to animation and gameplay.
• Strong attention to animation quality and authenticity.
• Good organizational and time-management skills.
• A proactive and collaborative approach to problem-solving.
• The ability to work effectively with Animators, Engineers, Designers and Producers.
• A willingness to contribute ideas and participate in creative and technical discussions.

Sports & Gaming Experience

A genuine interest in sports and games will be valuable in this role.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A strong understanding and appreciation of sports games.
• An interest in playing and/or watching sports.
• A passion for video games and interactive entertainment.
• An understanding of what makes sports movement feel authentic and believable to players.

You don’t need to be passionate about only one particular game or franchise—the important thing is having a genuine interest in games and sports.

Working With Other Teams

Gameplay animation is highly collaborative at Small Axe Studios.

You’ll work closely with:

• Gameplay Animation Leads
• Animation Directors
• Animation Engineers
• Gameplay Engineers
• Designers
• Design Leads
• Producers
• AI Engineers
• Other artists and developers

Together, you’ll develop and implement gameplay features that combine animation, design and technology into a seamless player experience.

Salary & Compensation

The expected starting base salary for this position in British Columbia is:

CAD $60,500 – $89,540 per year

The final salary offered may vary depending on factors such as:

• Job-related knowledge
• Skills
• Professional experience
• Market location
• Other objective business considerations

In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may include bonus and/or equity opportunities, along with medical, financial and other employee benefits.

Details regarding applicable benefits and compensation programs will be provided during the hiring process.

The company may adjust compensation and benefits programs based on individual performance, company or team performance, and market conditions.

Equal Opportunity

Small Axe Studios and 2K are committed to providing equal employment opportunities.

Qualified individuals with disabilities can request reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, as well as for performing essential job functions and accessing employee benefits.

Important Recruitment Notice

2K Games and its studios do not use instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews.

When communicating by email, official communications use 2K.com email accounts.

If you receive a recruitment message that does not follow these guidelines, take care when providing personal information or responding to the request.

Ready to Join Small Axe Studios?

If you’re an experienced Gameplay Animator who enjoys sports, games and creating authentic interactive animation, this is an opportunity to help build a brand-new sports franchise from the ground up.

You’ll work alongside a multidisciplinary team and help shape how players experience movement, action and sports gameplay in the game.

Apply today and bring your animation expertise to Small Axe Studios.