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Remote Senior 3D Animation Artist – Thatgamecompany

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Thatgamecompany, the visionary studio behind critically acclaimed titles like Journey, flOw, and Flower, is seeking a highly skilled Senior 3D Cinematic 3D Animation Artist. This role is a unique opportunity to contribute to the evolving world of Sky: Children of the Light, a game celebrated for its emotional depth and breathtaking visual storytelling. As a Cinematic Animation Artist, you will bridge the gap between narrative vision and technical execution. Reporting to the Art team and collaborating closely with Design, you will be responsible for crafting the “soul” of the game—the cutscenes and cinematic moments that define the player’s emotional journey. Job Overview: Cinematic 3D Animation Artist Feature Details Company Name Thatgamecompany (TGC) Job Title Senior 3D Cinematic Animation Artist Department Art Location Remote (United States or Canada) Employment Type Full-Time Salary Range $107,000 – $148,000 USD annually Visa Policy Must be authorized to work in US/Canada (No sponsorship) Key Tools Autodesk Maya, Proprietary Game Engines Role Mission & Impact In this role, you aren’t just moving characters; you are directing experiences. You will assist in designing, generating, and implementing in-game cutscenes using both proprietary and industry-standard toolsets. Your work involves mastering the game engine to create complex timelines that weave together cameras, character animations, environmental effects, and in-world mechanics. Beyond the technicalities, you will contribute to the broader narrative development. Whether it’s 3D keyframe animation for a pivotal character moment or storyboarding a new sequence, your goal is to deliver clear, emotionally resonant content that aligns with the unique aesthetic of thatgamecompany. Detailed Responsibilities 1. Narrative & Cinematic Creation Your primary focus is the development of emotionally engaging cutscenes. This includes everything from the initial “blue-sky” ideation to the final polish in-engine. You will be tasked with: Designing and implementing cinematic sequences that feel seamless within the gameplay experience. Modifying and revising existing cinematics based on creative feedback or technical requirements. Ensuring that every camera move and character gesture reinforces the intended emotional beat of the story. 2. Storyboarding & Visual Development Before moving into 3D, you will use your skills in visual storytelling to map out the narrative. Translating script or design notes into clear thumbnails and storyboards. Contributing to the overall narrative design and world-building of Sky: Children of the Light. 3. 3D Keyframe Animation The quality of movement is paramount at TGC. You will provide: High-end 3D keyframe animation for characters, props, and environment elements. Rigorous testing to ensure animations hold up across various gameplay conditions. Technical implementation and debugging of assets within the game engine. 4. Interdisciplinary Coordination Cinematics sit at the intersection of Art, Code, and Design. You will: Communicate daily with different departments to ensure technical feasibility. Deliver high-quality work under tight, dynamic production deadlines. Candidate Requirements The “Must-Haves” To be successful in this role, you need a blend of artistic intuition and technical discipline: Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in cinematic production for games, or high-level animation for film, TV, or commercials. Artistic Foundation: Deep knowledge of cinematography, editing, pictorial composition, and the core principles of visual storytelling. Technical Skill: Solid technical proficiency with 3D game engines and Autodesk Maya. Communication: The ability to communicate narrative ideas quickly via thumbnails or animatics. Adaptability: A strong willingness to learn new proprietary software and adapt to evolving workflows. The “Nice-to-Haves” Domain Knowledge: A personal passion for and experience with Sky: Children of the Light. Generalist Skills: Proficiency in rigging, modeling, or digital painting. Technical Depth: Knowledge of gameplay engineering or languages like C++, C#, and C. Comprehensive Benefits & Perks Thatgamecompany is committed to the holistic well-being of its employees. From day one, you are eligible for a robust package designed to support your life both inside and outside of work. Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents. Benefits start on your first day. Financial Security: 401(k) program with company match and a discretionary annual bonus. Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), standard holidays, and a dedicated two-week Winter Break. Remote Support: Pre-tax stipends for both general wellness and work-from-home expenses. Mental Health: Access to Headspace memberships and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). Inclusivity: Participation in “Grow Together” diversity initiatives and support for personal professional development. Family & Pets: Compassionate leave for family care and even pet insurance for your furry companions. How to Apply If you are an animator who believes that games can be a force for emotional good, we want to see your portfolio. Please ensure your reel highlights your 3D keyframe animation and your ability to direct compelling cinematic sequences. Note: Applicants must currently reside in and be authorized to work in the U.S. or Canada. Thatgamecompany cannot provide visa sponsorship for this specific position at this time.

Lead Gameplay Animator at Striking Distance Studios

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Striking Distance Studios, a premier AAA development house located in the San Ramon Hills of the San Francisco Bay Area, is seeking a visionary Lead Gameplay Animator specializing in Player Feel. This is a pivotal leadership role for an unannounced, cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) project. At Striking Distance, we believe excellence is an attitude, and we are looking for a hands-on leader who is obsessed with the intersection of animation, responsiveness, and moment-to-moment gameplay satisfaction. Job Overview: Lead Gameplay Animator Category Details Company Name Striking Distance Studios (KRAFTON Americas) Position Lead Gameplay Animator (Player Feel) Experience Level Lead (7+ Years) Location San Ramon, CA (San Francisco Bay Area) Job Type Full-time Project Status New, Unannounced AAA Title Salary Range $120,000 – $166,000 USD (California Grade) Engine Platform Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) About Striking Distance Studios Striking Distance Studios is driven by a relentless pursuit of creative excellence. Situated at the intersection of art, design, and technology, our team is composed of industry veterans dedicated to crafting immersive AAA experiences. As a studio under the KRAFTON umbrella, we provide a world-class environment where amazing people are given the opportunity to do work they are truly proud of. We value diversity, authenticity, and the drive to learn with every new challenge. Role Overview & Mission as Gameplay Animator The Lead Gameplay Animator is the primary architect of how a player “feels” the game. This isn’t just about making animations look pretty; it’s about making them feel right. You will define and drive the responsiveness, weight, and satisfaction of our playable characters. In this Gameplay Animator role, you will lead a specialized strike team—including a gameplay animator and a technical animator—to ensure that movement, combat, and interactions are world-class. You will be a bridge-builder, working at the heart of a multidisciplinary group of designers, engineers, audio artists, and VFX specialists to translate abstract gameplay mechanics into tangible, readable, and thrilling character behaviors. Core Responsibilities & Ownership 1. Defining “Player Feel” Movement & Traversal: You will own the core locomotion systems, ensuring that running, jumping, and climbing feel fluid and grounded. Combat Excellence: You will drive the impact and timing of both ranged and melee combat, focusing on hit-stop, weight, and follow-through. Interaction Systems: Ensure that every button press results in a satisfying and readable in-game action, from opening doors to complex environmental interactions. 2. Technical Leadership & Implementation UE5 Systems: Hands-on implementation of animation state machines, blending, and gameplay-driven animation events within Unreal Engine 5. Systems Integration: Collaborate with engineers to tune animation systems for networked gameplay and varying camera behaviors. Feedback Loops: Coordinate with the Audio and VFX teams to ensure that visual and auditory feedback perfectly syncs with animation beats to maximize player impact. 3. Team Guidance & Quality Control Mentorship: Provide high-level feedback and guidance to your team of gameplay and technical animators, elevating the overall quality of the studio’s output. Iteration: Lead the “playtest and tune” cycle. You will be expected to play the game constantly, identifying areas where responsiveness can be sharpened and “jank” can be eliminated. Direct Contribution: Remain a strong individual contributor, setting the visual and technical benchmark through your own high-fidelity animation work. Qualifications: What You Bring to the Team Professional Background Industry Experience: A minimum of 7 years of professional gameplay animation experience, with at least one shipped PC or console title in a Senior or Lead capacity. AAA Pedigree: Proven experience working on high-budget, action-oriented character gameplay. Unreal Expertise: Professional-grade experience in Unreal Engine is required; specific experience with UE5’s latest animation toolsets (Control Rig, Motion Warping, etc.) is highly preferred. Technical & Artistic Skills Mastery of Mechanics: A deep understanding of body mechanics, weight, and the principles of animation as they apply specifically to interactive gameplay. Readability: The ability to create animations that communicate intent clearly to the player, even in the middle of chaotic combat. Collaboration: A “design-first” mindset—the ability to work with gameplay designers to find the balance between a beautiful animation and a responsive control scheme. Submission Requirements The Reel: A strong portfolio or demo reel is mandatory. Your reel should showcase gameplay animations in-context (showing the character being controlled in the engine) rather than just linear cinematics. We want to see how your animation handles transitions, stops, and combat interrupts. Why Join Striking Distance Studios? Working with us means joining a community that values your unique perspective. We offer: Creative Empowerment: The setting and tools to do the best work of your career on a brand-new IP. Inclusive Culture: We are dedicated to building an authentic workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Competitive Benefits: A robust salary package based on experience, education, and skills, alongside the perks of working in the scenic San Ramon Hills. How to Apply & Security Note To apply, please submit your CV and a link to your demo reel. Security Warning: Due to recent recruitment scams, please note that our official recruiters will only contact you via addresses ending in: @sds.com @krafton.com @unknownworlds.com @pubg.com If you receive a suspicious message, please verify it by contacting recruiting_ka@krafton.com.

Senior Technical Animator at Mob Entertainment

Senior Technical Animator at Mob Entertainment

Join the studio behind the global phenomenon Poppy Playtime! Mob Entertainment is seeking a Senior Technical Animator to bridge the gap between art and engineering. Help us build advanced Unreal Engine rigs and animation systems that define the next generation of immersive horror.

Senior Character Artist at Ubisoft Montréal

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Ubisoft Montréal is seeking a visionary and highly skilled Senior Character Artist to join the development team for Assassin’s Creed Invictus. This is a prestigious opportunity to contribute to one of the most iconic franchises in gaming history. As a Senior Artist, you will be at the forefront of character creation, setting the visual benchmark for realism, historical authenticity, and technical excellence. Senior Character Artist – Job Overview Company: Ubisoft Montreal Project: Assassin’s Creed Invictus Role: Senior Character Artist Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Employment Type: Full-time Contract Status: Permanent Position Work Model: Office-based Estimated Salary Range: $85,000 – $125,000 CAD (depending on experience & seniority) 💰 Core Software Requirements:ZBrush / Maya / 3ds Max / Substance Painter / Marvelous Designer Company Description Ubisoft Montréal is a global creator, publisher, and distributor of interactive entertainment and services, with a rich portfolio of world-renowned brands. The Montréal studio is the heart of many of these creations, providing a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation. Joining Ubisoft means becoming part of a community that thrives on pushing the boundaries of what is possible in digital entertainment. Job Description & Core Mission as Character Artist As a Senior Character Artist for Assassin’s Creed Invictus, your role transcends mere asset creation. You are a visual storyteller and a technical leader. You will be responsible for crafting high-fidelity, realistic characters that define the aesthetic of a flagship AAA title. This role requires a master-level understanding of human anatomy, historical costuming, and the technical constraints of modern game engines. You will produce “Hero” characters—protagonists or key NPCs—that serve as the gold standard for the rest of the production team. Beyond your individual contributions, you will act as a pillar for the character art department, mentoring junior talent and refining the pipelines that allow the studio to ship world-class assets at scale. Detailed Responsibilities as a Character Artist 1. High-End Character Production Hero Asset Creation: You will be tasked with creating the most complex characters in the game. This involves everything from high-poly sculpting in ZBrush to optimized low-poly modeling and intricate texturing. Monetization & Premium Outfits: A key aspect of Invictus involves developing premium outfits and skins. You will design and execute high-value cosmetic assets that meet the visual expectations of a global player base while maintaining the game’s internal logic and style. Artistic Translation: You will work closely with the Art Director to translate concept art and historical references into 3D assets that feel grounded, believable, and technically sound. 2. Technical Leadership & Pipeline Innovation Setting Benchmarks: Your work will serve as the “visual bar.” You will establish the quality standards for materials (skin, cloth, hair, metal) that other artists will follow. Workflow Optimization: You will identify bottlenecks in the character art pipeline and suggest tools or procedural methods (e.g., using Marvelous Designer for realistic cloth simulation) to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. Cross-Department Collaboration: You will interface with the Rigging, Animation, and Technical Art teams to ensure that your characters are not only beautiful but also move realistically and perform efficiently within the game engine. 3. Mentorship and Team Growth Guidance: You will provide constructive feedback to junior and intermediate artists, helping them level up their sculpting and texturing skills. Knowledge Sharing: You will document your processes and conduct internal workshops to share best practices regarding new software updates or specialized techniques. Qualifications: What You Bring to the Team Professional Experience AAA Track Record: You must have a proven history of shipping high-quality, realistic characters for major titles. Experience with the Assassin’s Creed franchise or similar open-world realistic games is a significant advantage. Portfolio Excellence: A world-class portfolio is mandatory. We are looking for high-fidelity renders that demonstrate a mastery of skin shaders, intricate clothing layers, and realistic hair/grooming. Technical Proficiencies Sculpting & Modeling: Expert-level command of ZBrush for organic sculpting and Maya or 3ds Max for hard-surface elements and retopology. Texturing & Shading: Advanced knowledge of PBR (Physically Based Rendering) workflows using Substance Painter and Designer. Cloth Simulation: Proficiency in Marvelous Designer to create believable garments that account for weight, fold patterns, and material thickness. Anatomy: A deep, fundamental understanding of human and animal anatomy, proportions, and silhouettes. Soft Skills Communication: The ability to articulate artistic choices and technical constraints to non-artistic stakeholders. Adaptability: The gaming industry moves fast. You should be comfortable pivoting based on playtest feedback or changes in art direction. Collaborative Spirit: A desire to work in a multidisciplinary environment where the “best idea wins.” Why Join Ubisoft Montréal? Ubisoft Montreal is a global hub for video game development, and Ubisoft is at its center. Working on Assassin’s Creed Invictus offers the chance to define the future of a legendary franchise. Culture of Diversity: We believe that different backgrounds lead to better games. Professional Development: Access to world-class training, internal summits, and the latest hardware. Life in Montréal: Enjoy a vibrant, bilingual city known for its festivals, culinary scene, and high quality of life. How to Apply To be considered for this role, please submit the following: Updated CV: Highlight your specific contributions to shipped AAA titles. Portfolio Link: This is the most critical part of your application. Ensure it features high-resolution breakdowns of realistic character work, showing both the high-poly sculpt and the final in-game result. Cover Letter (Optional): Tell us why you are passionate about the Assassin’s Creed universe and what unique perspective you bring to the character art team.