About Chronospace
Chronospace is looking for a 3D animator who understands weight, momentum, and the “soul” of machinery. In the world of War Mechanic, movement is character. Whether it is the heavy thud of a hydraulic press or the nuanced idle of a survivor, your work will define the physical feel of the game.
The Character & Mechanical 3D Animator plays a critical role in shaping the visual and tactile identity of War Mechanic. This position demands a deep understanding of both organic and mechanical motion, blending artistic sensibility with technical precision. The animator is responsible for crafting believable movement across two distinct domains: human characters and complex machinery. In this environment, motion is not just visual—it is experiential. Every animation must communicate weight, force, and intention.
This role is ideal for an individual who can translate real-world physical principles into compelling in-game animation. Whether it’s the subtle shift of a character’s balance or the synchronized movement of interconnected mechanical parts, the output must feel grounded, responsive, and immersive.
Key Responsibilities as 3D Animator
- Mechanical Animation: Develop complex animations for industrial machinery, ensuring gears, pistons, and levers move with logical physics and satisfying weight.
- Character Rigging: Build and maintain robust skeletal rigs for both humanoid characters and multi-part mechanical entities.
- Gameplay Loops: Create seamless animation transitions (Locomotion, Interactions, Combat) that feel responsive and fluid within the game engine.
- Technical Polish: Work within Unreal Engine’s Sequencer and Animation Blueprints to implement and fine-tune assets for the final build.
The Creative Challenge as 3D Animator
Chronospace, In War Mechanic, animation is central to the player experience. The movement of machines must convey mass and resistance, while character actions must reflect effort and physicality. For example, when a piston compresses, the animation should communicate internal pressure and mechanical strain. When a character lands from a jump, the impact should feel grounded and weighty, reinforcing the physical rules of the world.
This role requires a mindset that goes beyond visual appeal. You must think in terms of cause and effect, understanding how forces interact and how motion is influenced by mass, inertia, and timing. The objective is to create animations that players can “feel,” not just see.
Qualifications for 3D Animator
- The “Weight” Factor: A deep understanding of the 12 principles of animation, specifically timing and anticipation for heavy objects.
- Software Mastery: Expert proficiency in Maya or Blender.
- Engine Experience: Proven experience with Unreal Engine’s animation pipeline (State Machines, Blend Spaces, and Root Motion).
- Portfolio: A reel demonstrating high-quality keyframe animation and technical rigging skills.
Required Skills & Expertise for 3D Animator
Strong Understanding of Physics in Animation
A solid grasp of animation principles such as timing, spacing, anticipation, and follow-through is essential. More importantly, you must be able to apply these principles to simulate realistic weight and force. Your animations should reflect believable physical behavior, whether it’s a human character or a multi-ton machine.
Proficiency in Industry Tools
You should have advanced experience with 3D software such as Autodesk Maya or Blender, particularly in rigging and keyframe animation workflows. Familiarity with best practices in rig setup, skinning, and animation layering is expected.
Unreal Engine (UE4/UE5) Expertise
Deep knowledge of Unreal Engine’s animation systems is required. This includes working with Animation Blueprints, State Machines, Blend Spaces, and in-engine animation tools. You should be comfortable implementing and debugging animations within a real-time pipeline.
Technical Problem-Solving Ability
You must be capable of identifying and resolving issues related to rigging, skin deformation, and animation integration. This includes fixing broken rigs, addressing weighting problems, and ensuring compatibility across different systems. A proactive approach to troubleshooting is essential.
Attention to Detail & Iteration
High-quality animation requires continuous refinement. You should have a keen eye for detail and a willingness to iterate based on feedback. Small adjustments in timing or motion can significantly impact the overall feel, and your ability to fine-tune these elements will be critical.
Collaboration & Workflow
You will work closely with designers, technical artists, and other animators to ensure cohesive integration of animation within the game. Communication is key, as you will need to align animation behavior with gameplay requirements and technical constraints. Your role will also involve contributing to pipeline improvements and maintaining consistency across animation assets.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is both an artist and a technician—someone who understands the aesthetics of motion as well as the systems that drive it. You are passionate about realism in animation and take pride in creating work that enhances player immersion. You are comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment and can balance creativity with technical demands.
Summary
This role offers the opportunity to define how movement is perceived and experienced in War Mechanic. By combining character animation with complex mechanical systems, you will contribute to a dynamic and immersive world where every motion carries meaning. Your work will directly influence how players interact with and respond to the game, making animation a core pillar of the overall experience.