Job Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Company | Blizzard Entertainment (Activision Blizzard / Microsoft) |
| Role | Senior Animator — Overwatch 2 |
| Location | Irvine, CA (Hybrid: On-site & Remote) |
| Position Type | Full-Time |
| Base Salary Range | $80,800 – $149,400 per year |
| Additional Pay | Eligible for Incentive Compensation (Performance-based) |
| Experience Required | 8+ Years in Game Development |
| Primary Software | Autodesk Maya |
| Industry | AAA Gaming / Interactive Entertainment |
The Mission
Join the world-class team behind Overwatch 2 and help shape the future of one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Animator to bring our diverse cast of heroes to life. This is a hybrid role based out of our Irvine, CA campus, blending on-site collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.
Core Responsibilities ::
- Hero Animation: Envision and craft high-fidelity animations for real-time game assets, developing hero style guides and prototypes to visualize character movement early in development.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Partner with artists, designers, and engineers to ensure all animation assets fulfill both gameplay requirements and technical performance standards.
- Pipeline Innovation: Work closely with the Lead Animator to evolve internal tools and animation pipelines for increased efficiency and quality.
- Team Contribution: Actively participate in art discussions, reviews, and critiques, contributing to the broader creative vision of the Overwatch team.
Requirements ::
- Industry Experience: 8+ years of professional experience in game development, with a specific focus on character animation.
- Technical Mastery: Expert proficiency in Autodesk Maya (or equivalent 3D software).
- Artistic Foundation: A deep understanding of traditional animation principles (timing, weight, squash and stretch) and how to apply them to enhance gameplay feel.
- Communication: Strong collaborative skills and the ability to articulate creative ideas within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Portfolio: A professional demo reel showcasing mastery of human bipedal movement and organic forms.
Preferred Qualifications (Bonus) ::
- Experience shipping at least one AAA title as an animator.
- Proficiency in modern game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine).
- Expertise in secondary disciplines: First-person (FPS) animation, rigging, technical art, VFX, or 2D animation.
Benefits & Culture
Blizzard Entertainment is a division of Activision Blizzard, recently acquired by Microsoft. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support physical, emotional, and financial well-being:
Health: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus HSA/HRA options.
Future: 401(k) with company match and tuition reimbursement.
Balance: Paid holidays, vacation, sick time, and parental leave.
Perks: Mental health programs, fitness reimbursements, and free/discounted games.
How to Apply
Please submit an updated Resume and a link to your Online Portfolio/Demo Reel.
Note: An animation test may be required as part of the selection process.
