Website Wargaming
Job Overview
- Company Name: Wargaming (Wargaming Group Limited)
- Project Title: World of Tanks: HEAT (AAA Hero-Driven Tactical Shooter)
- Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
- Location: Nicosia, Cyprus (Headquarters)
- Work Mode: Hybrid (4 days onsite / 1 day remote)
- Relocation: Full relocation and immigration support provided
- Estimated Salary: €75,000 – €105,000+ (Based on 2026 lead-level benchmarks in Cyprus)
Wargaming is seeking a visionary 3D Character Animation Team Lead to spearhead the animation department for our latest AAA breakthrough, World of Tanks: HEAT. This is a rare opportunity to join a project at its foundational stage, defining the kinetic language of a hero-driven tank action game that blends tactical depth with high-velocity gameplay.
As the Team Lead, you won’t just be managing a team; you will be the architect of movement for our “Agents”—unique heroes who operate high-tech, experimental machines in an alternate post-WW2 timeline. You will bridge the gap between technical constraints and artistic ambition, ensuring that every turret rotation and character emote feels visceral, responsive, and grounded in the game’s high-stakes reality.
The Project: World of Tanks: HEAT
World of Tanks: HEAT represents the next evolution of the Wargaming franchise. Unlike traditional armored warfare, HEAT introduces Agents—specialized characters with unique battlefield roles and progression paths. The game features fast-paced 10v10 and 5v5 modes (such as “Plant & Defuse”) where character-to-vehicle interaction is paramount. Your work will define how these Agents interact with their machines, ensuring a seamless blend of human personality and mechanical power.
Core Responsibilities
1. Creative Execution & Integration
Character & Vehicle Synergy: Design and oversee the creation of high-fidelity animations for both humanoid Agents and complex mechanical vehicles.
Cinematic Quality: Lead the development of in-game cutscenes and “hero moments” that showcase Agent abilities and narrative beats.
Engine Integration: Drive the implementation of animation assets into the game engine (Unreal Engine or proprietary technology), ensuring performance optimization without sacrificing visual fidelity.
2. Technical Leadership & Pipeline Innovation
Pipeline Optimization: Evaluate and refine the animation production workflow. You will identify bottlenecks and implement new tools—including AI-assisted cleanup and procedural rigging—to keep the team agile.
Mocap Mastery: Oversee the Motion Capture (Mocap) pipeline, from directing sessions to supervising the integration of raw data into polished character performances.
Technical Standards: Establish the rigging standards for vehicles, props, and characters, ensuring they meet the 2026 industry standards for real-time graphics.
3. Team Mentorship & Management
People Development: Act as a mentor to junior and mid-level animators, fostering a culture of continuous learning and artistic growth.
Cross-Department Collaboration: Work in lockstep with the Art Director, Technical Artists, and Level Designers to maintain a cohesive visual identity across the game.
Deadline Management: Oversee the animation roadmap, ensuring milestones are met with the highest quality standards while maintaining team well-being.
What We Are Looking For
Required Qualifications
5+ Years of Experience: Proven track record in 3D character animation within the gaming industry, specifically using Maya.
Technical Proficiency: Deep understanding of rigging, skinning, and the unique challenges of vehicle-based animation.
Leadership Experience: Experience leading a team or a major sub-project within a AAA production. You must be able to inspire and provide constructive, actionable feedback.
Real-Time Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of real-time rendering limitations and the ability to optimize animations for 2026-grade hardware (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and high-end PC).
Language: Professional fluency in English is required for global collaboration.
Standout Skills
AAA Pedigree: Having a shipped AAA title in your portfolio is highly advantageous.
Versatility: Secondary skills in 2D animation, VFX, or sound design that allow you to communicate effectively across disciplines.
Innovation: A passion for experimenting with emerging tech like VR/AR animation or AI-driven motion synthesis.
Comprehensive Benefits & Perks
Wargaming Nicosia is more than just an office; it is a creative hub designed to support the lifestyle of world-class developers.
Time Off: 21 days annual leave (scaling to 25), plus 5 personal days, Birthday leave, and Marriage/Compassionate leave.
Health & Wellness: * Premium Private Health Care for you and your dependents.
iFeel Program: Comprehensive mental well-being support.
Onsite Gym & Spa: Professional-grade facilities located within the headquarters.
Career Growth: Fully covered English language courses and internal education stipends.
Lifestyle: * Subsidized onsite canteen and free “refreshment zones” on every floor.
Personal Gaming Account: Access to the full library of Wargaming titles with exclusive internal perks.
Discounts at local Nicosia restaurants, bars, and retail partners.
Why Join Wargaming in Nicosia?
Located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, Nicosia offers a high quality of life with 300+ days of sunshine a year. Wargaming provides full support for your move, including flights, shipping, and legal assistance for your family’s residency. You will be joining a multicultural team of over 5,000 employees worldwide, all dedicated to delivering legendary experiences to over 200 million players.
Are you ready to lead the charge in the next generation of tank warfare?
How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a link to your Animation Portfolio/Showreel in English. We are looking for reels that demonstrate a strong understanding of weight, physics, and character personality.
Watch this breakdown of Wargaming’s animation philosophy
This video provides a deep dive into the “Foundations of HEAT,” showcasing the specific art style and kinetic energy expected for this AAA project.
Watch Here
To apply for this job please visit wargaming.com.