The world of Nintendo is built on detail. From the rattling chandeliers in a haunted mansion to the high-tech gadgets on a futuristic soccer pitch, the “props” of a game are what transform a static environment into a living, breathing world. Next Level Games (NLG), a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., is looking for a versatile and creative Prop Artist/Animator to join our elite development team in Vancouver.
This unique hybrid role sits at the heart of our environmental storytelling. We aren’t just looking for someone who can model a chair; we are looking for someone who can model that chair, rig it to break, and animate its debris to fly across the room in a way that feels distinctly “Nintendo.” If you have a passion for the technical side of modeling and the expressive side of animation, this is your chance to make a tangible impact on world-class titles.
Job Overview: Prop Artist / Animator
| Category | Specification |
| Company Name | Next Level Games (Nintendo Co., Ltd. Subsidiary) |
| Official Job Title | Prop Artist / Animator |
| Primary Location | Vancouver, BC, Canada (Metro Vancouver residency required) |
| Employment Type | Temporary (Project-based contract) |
| Experience Level | Mid-Level (3–4 Years) |
| Annual Salary Range | $65,000 – $85,000 CAD |
| Primary Software | Autodesk Maya |
| Core Skills | Modeling, Rigging, Prop Animation, Env Art |
Who We Are: The Next Level Legacy
For over 20 years, Next Level Games has been synonymous with quality, creativity, and a touch of whimsy. Our portfolio includes some of the most beloved entries in the Nintendo catalog, such as Super Mario Strikers, Punch-Out!!, Luigi’s Mansion 3, and Mario Strikers™: Battle League.
As part of the Nintendo family, we uphold a “Quality First” philosophy. However, we believe that high-quality games are the byproduct of a high-quality work environment. Our studio culture is rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and fun. We work hard to ensure every team member feels welcome and empowered to contribute their unique perspective to our shared goals.
The Role: What You’ll Be Doing
As a Prop Artist/Animator, your mission is to breathe life into the inanimate. You will be a bridge between the Environment Art team and the Animation team, ensuring that every interactive or moving element in our game worlds is aesthetically pleasing and technically sound.
1. Collaborative World Building
You will work side-by-side with Level Designers and Environment Artists to dissect the gameplay needs of a specific stage.
- Vision Alignment: You’ll help translate high-level themes into physical assets that serve the narrative and the player.
- Gameplay Integration: Whether it’s a chest that needs to pop open or a trap that needs to spring, you ensure the art supports the mechanics.
2. Full-Spectrum Asset Creation
Unlike traditional siloed roles, you will own the entire lifecycle of a prop:
- Modeling: Creating high-quality 3D models that fit the specific art style of a Nintendo title.
- Rigging: Setting up the skeletal structures and controls for environmental objects.
- Animation: Infusing personality and physics-based movement into those objects to enhance the player’s immersion.
3. Technical Artistry
You will use your “technical eye” to inform modeling decisions. By understanding how an object needs to move (rigging/animation), you can preemptively adjust the mesh topology to avoid deformation issues. This proactive approach saves time and ensures a higher level of polish in the final product.
4. Workflow & Pipeline Standards
Working in tandem with the Environment Art and Rigging departments, you will help establish and maintain best practices. Your goal is to ensure that the assets you produce are optimized for the game engine and easy for other developers to work with.
Who We Are Looking For
We need a “hands-on” creator who is as comfortable in a vertex editor as they are in a graph editor. The ideal candidate has a balanced portfolio that showcases both structural modeling and fluid animation.
- Professional Experience: You have 3–4 years of experience as an Environment Artist, Prop Artist, or Animator. Alternatively, you have at least 2 shipped game credits in a similar professional role.
- Technical Mastery of Maya: Expert-level skills in Autodesk Maya are required. You should be proficient in modeling, rigging, and keyframe animation within this ecosystem.
- Pipeline Knowledge: A solid understanding of the 3D game production pipeline (from block-out to final polish) and the best practices associated with modern game engines.
- Collaborative Spirit: You thrive in a team environment. You are someone who enjoys brainstorming with others and is open to giving and receiving constructive feedback.
- A Gamer’s Heart: A genuine passion for environmental art and animation, underpinned by a deep love for video games.
Note: Your application must include a link to your art portfolio or animation reel to be considered. We want to see how you move things!
The Compensation & Benefits Package
We value the talent our employees bring to the table and provide a comprehensive benefits package to match.
Salary & Financial Security
- Salary Range: $65,000 – $85,000 CAD annually. The final offer is determined by your specific skill set, education, and years of relevant experience.
- Discretionary Bonus: Participation in our performance bonus program, rewarding excellence and project milestones.
- Employee Discounts: Exclusive access to discounted Nintendo products and merchandise through the online employee store.
Holistic Well-being
- Health Coverage: Comprehensive health and dental benefits to keep you and your family protected.
- Mental Health & Support: Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential support for mental health, financial planning, and legal matters.
- Active Lifestyle: Take advantage of our fully equipped in-studio gym to stay energized during the workday.
Studio Culture & Growth
- Inclusivity: We are committed to a workplace where everyone, regardless of background, can contribute and grow.
- Media Library: An extensive collection of games and books available for all staff.
- Social Clubs: From board games to sports committees, there are plenty of ways to connect with your peers outside of your daily tasks.
Important Details for Applicants
Work Eligibility & Location: Currently, Next Level Games is only considering applicants who already possess work eligibility for Canada and are currently residing in the Metro Vancouver area. This role is based in our Vancouver studio to foster the collaborative environment we value so highly.
Accessibility: We believe the best teams are diverse teams. If you require any accommodations during the recruitment or interview process, please let us know by contacting careers@nextlevelgames.com. We are dedicated to supporting your needs.
Communication: We thank all candidates for their interest in joining the Next Level Games team. Due to the high volume of applications, we will only be contacting those selected for further consideration.
At Next Level Games, you aren’t just making a game; you’re making memories for millions of players worldwide. Every prop you animate adds a layer of magic to the Nintendo universe. If you are a mid-level artist looking to take your career to the “Next Level,” we can’t wait to see your reel.
Hiring Prop Artist / Animator at Next Level Games
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