Company: Digital Extremes

Job Overview Job Overview Table: Join the Digital Extremes Team Feature Details Company Name Digital Extremes Position Title Animator Locations London, Ontario, Canada (Remote Options Available) Experience Level 3+ Years in Game Animation Core Software Maya and/or 3ds Max Salary Range (Est.) $65,000 – $95,000 CAD (Based on seniority and skill) Employment Type Full-Time Current Projects Warframe, Soulframe Digital Extremes is not just a game developer; it is a pioneer in the industry, a world-class independent studio that has redefined what it means to build a community-driven experience. Since our founding in 1993 by James Schmalz, we have grown from the co-creators of the legendary Unreal® franchise to the architects of Warframe®, a global phenomenon with over 75 million players. As we embark on the development of our next ambitious title, Soulframe®, we are looking for a talented Animator to join our ranks. When you explore Digital Extremes jobs, you are looking at a career in a studio that has been consistently recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. Whether you are working from our headquarters in London, Ontario, or collaborating via our Remote work arrangements, you will be part of a team that crafts immersive worlds, connects millions of people, and pushes the boundaries of real-time animation. Inside Digital Extremes Jobs: The Studio Legacy At Digital Extremes, we take pride in our independent spirit. Our history is a roadmap of the video game industry’s evolution. From the early technical triumphs of Unreal Tournament and Dark Sector to the specialized multiplayer campaigns of BioShock 2 and the visceral action of The Darkness II, we have always prioritized quality and innovation. Today, our primary focus is the ongoing evolution of Warframe and the development of Soulframe, an open-world action-fantasy MMORPG. For an Animator, this means working in a playground of diverse possibilities—from the sleek, high-speed biomechanical motion of a Tenno to the heavy, grounded, and atmospheric creatures of the Soulframe universe. Choosing Digital Extremes jobs means joining a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and respect, where your work leaves a lasting impact on a passionate global community. The Role: Animator We are looking for an Animator who can breathe life into characters and props. In this role, you will be a key contributor to the animation department, working under the guidance of our Animation Director and Lead Animator. You won’t just be a “task-completer”—you will be a creative collaborator whose voice matters in weekly animation meetings and throughout the production cycle. Essential Responsibilities: Character Artistry: Create high-quality 3D character animation that adheres to the artistic vision of the Lead Animator and Producer. Your goal is to produce convincing performances that convey complex personalities and emotions. Mastery of Principles: Demonstrate an elite sense of timing, weight, and the 12 principles of animation. Whether it’s an idle breathe or an explosive combat move, the motion must feel “right” within the game’s context. Technical Integration: Work closely with technical animators to understand and compensate for the limitations of gameplay. You will help bridge the gap between engine technical specifications and artistic vision, ensuring animations look stunning in real-time. Cross-Department Collaboration: Coordinate with artists and programmers to solve complex movement challenges. You’ll contribute innovative ideas to all aspects of game development, from mechanics to storytelling. Production Excellence: Deliver high-quality work on time and according to the project schedule. You must be able to multitask, prioritize demands, and maintain a high level of detail under the pressure of production deadlines. What We Are Looking For To succeed at Digital Extremes, you need a blend of technical skill, artistic intuition, and a genuine love for the medium. We are a fast-paced studio, and we look for artists who can adapt and have fun while doing it. Requirements: Industry Experience: A minimum of 3 years of related experience in the video game or film industry, with a focus on character-driven animation. Stunning Demo Reel: A reel that showcases your ability to animate 3D characters with a focus on weight, timing, and personality. We want to see how you handle both combat and subtle acting beats. Software Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of Maya and/or 3ds Max. You should be comfortable with the standard rigging and animation toolsets within these packages. Game Logic: An above-average ability to animate for a state-of-the-art next-gen game engine. You should understand how animation states, blending, and transitions affect the player’s experience. Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. You should be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a large-scale team environment. Legal Eligibility: Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada at the time of application. Why Choose Digital Extremes? Working at Digital Extremes is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to grow in a studio that values its people above all else. A Top Employer Being named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers isn’t an accident. We offer competitive compensation and a benefits package that supports your health, your family, and your future. Some of our perks include: Flexible Work: Whether you prefer the collaborative energy of our London, Ontario HQ or the flexibility of working from home, we have options to suit your life. Career Growth: We provide opportunities to level up your skills while working on some of the most beloved titles in the industry. Culture of Respect: We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone, including individuals from underrepresented communities and people with disabilities. Impact and Community When you work on Warframe or Soulframe, your art is seen by millions. Our community is global, diverse, and vocal. There is a unique satisfaction in seeing a character you animated become a fan-favorite or seeing players react to a new movement set you helped design. At Digital Extremes, your ideas matter. Life in London, Ontario If you choose to work on-site, you’ll find that London, Ontario (the “Forest City”), offers an incredible quality of life. It provides the amenities of a large city with the community feel of … Read more

At Digital Extremes, we don’t just make games—we craft immersive, visually stunning worlds that inspire and connect millions of players worldwide. Founded in 1993 by James Schmalz, our studio has a rich history of innovation, co-creating iconic franchises such as Unreal® and Unreal Tournament, and developing acclaimed titles like Dark Sector®, BioShock®, and The Darkness® II. Today, our global community of over 75 million registered Warframe® players continues to thrive across PC, consoles, and mobile platforms. Our next exciting project, Soulframe®, an open-world action-fantasy MMORPG, is currently in development, offering our team a chance to redefine the boundaries of immersive gaming. We are currently seeking a Senior VFX Artist to join our award-winning team. This is an opportunity to apply your artistic skill, technical expertise, and passion for games to craft high-quality visual effects that elevate gameplay and storytelling to the next level. Whether you work in our London, Ontario studio or remotely, you will be part of a collaborative, passionate, and highly creative environment that encourages innovation and artistic excellence. About the Role As a Senior VFX Artist, you will combine traditional art training and 3D graphics knowledge to create efficient, high-quality visual effects that meet the technical and gameplay needs of our projects. You will work closely with the Art Director, design team, engineers, and other artists to deliver VFX that enhances the visual identity, immersion, and emotional impact of our games. Your work will be critical in shaping both gameplay and cinematic experiences, balancing artistry with technical performance to achieve stunning results without compromising performance or memory constraints. Key Responsibilities In this role, you will: Create High-Quality Visual Effects: Build particle systems, meshes, post-processing effects, and material effects that meet artistic and technical standards. Ensure all VFX enhance gameplay while remaining efficient in memory usage and processing requirements. Apply your knowledge of physics, animation, and visual storytelling to create believable and impactful effects. Research and Innovate: Stay up-to-date with the latest VFX techniques, tools, and trends. Research new technologies and solutions to continually push the quality and creativity of effects in our games. Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with art, design, audio, and engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of VFX into gameplay. Participate in feedback loops, both giving and receiving input, to maintain artistic consistency and quality. Follow guidance from the Art Director while actively contributing creative ideas and technical expertise. Project Management and Timelines: Deliver work on time according to schedules prepared by the Art Director. Multitask effectively, manage competing priorities, and follow through on details to meet deadlines. Assist in mentoring junior artists and fostering a collaborative environment that promotes growth and learning. Qualifications & Requirements We are seeking a candidate with a strong combination of artistic skill, technical knowledge, and practical experience in game development: Professional Experience: Minimum of 5 years’ experience creating high-quality visual effects for video games. Artistic Expertise: Excellent understanding of what makes VFX work, including particle systems, meshes, post-processing, and materials. Education: University degree in visual arts, graphic design, commercial art, graphic communications, cartooning, or a college diploma in graphic arts. Technical Knowledge: Understanding of game engines, pipelines, tools, and development processes. Proficiency in commercial 3D packages such as Maya, Blender, or Houdini. Scripting Ability: Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python or Lua is considered an asset. Communication Skills: Strong collaboration and communication skills across multiple disciplines; ability to follow direction and provide constructive feedback. Work Ethic: Self-directed, highly motivated, and committed to artistic vision. Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and excel under production conditions. Passion for Games: Genuine enthusiasm and interest in video games and interactive experiences. Preferred Extras: Experience in Houdini for procedural effects. Proficiency in Photoshop or other 2D/3D tools for asset creation. Previous experience with AAA or free-to-play titles. Why Work at Digital Extremes At Digital Extremes, we are proud to foster a creative, inclusive, and innovative culture that supports both professional growth and personal well-being. Creative Freedom: Work on iconic games like Warframe® and upcoming projects like Soulframe®, shaping the visual identity of globally recognized titles. Collaborative Culture: Join a talented team of artists, designers, and engineers in a supportive, mentorship-driven environment. Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Receive competitive pay, health benefits, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for career advancement. Work-Life Balance: Flexible work options and supportive policies to maintain a healthy balance between personal life and professional commitments. Recognition & Impact: Contribute to projects that reach millions of players worldwide, with your creative work leaving a lasting impact on the gaming community. About Digital Extremes Digital Extremes is a globally recognized independent game studio, known for pushing the boundaries of gameplay and art. From the co-creation of Unreal® to the development of Warframe®, our studio combines cutting-edge technology, artistic vision, and player-focused design to create immersive experiences across PC, console, and mobile platforms. Our London, Ontario headquarters has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, reflecting our commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and employee growth. We believe that diverse perspectives and collaboration fuel innovation. Our culture promotes respect, accessibility, and opportunity for all team members. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented communities and people with disabilities, and provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process to ensure every applicant can perform at their best. 📍 Location: London, Ontario, Canada or Remote💼 Employment Type: Full-Time 🌐 Website: www.digitalextremes.com Join Digital Extremes and help us create the next generation of breathtaking visual effects that define the future of gaming!