Riot Games | 3D Animator, VALORANT

Riot Games is seeking a world-class Animation Artist II to join the VALORANT Premium Content team. In this role, you will be the creative force behind the most coveted assets in the game: the skins. You aren’t just animating weapons; you are crafting first-person experiences that define the “feel” and “satisfaction” of a player’s arsenal.

As a member of the VALORANT team, you will breathe life into first-person (FP) animations, ensuring every equip, reload, and inspect feels impactful and unmistakably Riot. You will partner with designers and engineers to balance visual flair with gameplay clarity, delivering content that delights millions of players globally while meeting the highest standards of performance and polish.

Job Overview

• Company Name: Riot Games
• Product: VALORANT (Premium Content)
• Position Title: Animation Artist II
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Primary Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
• Additional Hub: Mercer Island, Washington
• Core Software: Autodesk Maya

Compensation & Diversity Statistics

Riot Games is committed to transparency and competitive pay. For our Los Angeles and Mercer Island locations, we offer a comprehensive financial package designed to support long-term wealth and security.

Annual Compensation Table

Workforce Diversity Statistics

Riot Games actively tracks and publishes diversity data to ensure an inclusive environment. According to the most recent Riot Diversity & Inclusion Report:

• Gender Diversity: Globally, Riot’s workforce is 27.5% female, with a focus on increasing representation in leadership and craft roles.

• Ethnic Diversity (US): * Asian: 34%

• White: 43%
• Hispanic or Latinx: 11%
• Black or African American: 4%
• Two or More Races: 6%

• Player Empathy: Riot prioritizes a “Player First” mindset, seeking candidates who have a personal relationship with gaming to better reflect the diverse global player base.

The Mission: Elevating the First-Person Experience

Premium skins in VALORANT are legendary for their unique animations. As an Animation Artist II, you are responsible for the tactile feedback of the game. Your animations must feel “responsive” and “satisfying” without ever compromising competitive integrity.

Core Responsibilities

• First-Person Mastery: Create high-quality FP animations for weapon skins, including equips, reloads, firing cycles, and unique “inspect” features.
• Cross-Disciplinary Synergy: Collaborate closely with the Premium Content art team, engineers, and designers to deliver a cohesive and polished user experience.
• Iterative Polish: Review animations with the wider team, providing and receiving technical and artistic feedback to ensure the “unmistakably VALORANT” style.
• Gameplay Balance: Adjust animation assets based on gameplay needs (frame data), artistic direction, and player experience goals.
• Pipeline Innovation: Work with internal developers to troubleshoot animation logic and ideate new ways to expand the content pipeline.

Job Requirements & Qualifications

We are looking for an artist who combines technical rigor with a “feel” for action.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 3+ years of professional experience creating high-quality animations in the gaming industry.
• Software: Working knowledge of Autodesk Maya or equivalent 3D animation suites.
• Foundational Skill: A rock-solid understanding of animation principles: timing, weight, posing, anticipation, and impact.
• Mechanical Knowledge: Deep understanding of body mechanics, acting, and posing for both bipeds and creatures.
• Collaboration: A proven track record of working within cross-disciplinary teams and a proactive approach to feedback.

Desired Qualifications

• Shooter Expertise: Strong experience with first-person animation, specifically within the shooter or action genre.
• Style Mastery: Familiarity with stylized animation and the specific “hand-painted” but high-fidelity art direction of VALORANT.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Familiarity with rigging workflows and the ability to diagnose and resolve technical animation issues within a real-time pipeline.
• Education: Formal animation training or equivalent professional experience.

Riot Perks & Life in the Studio

At Riot Games, we put players first, but we also put Rioters first. We believe that a well-supported artist is a creative artist.

• Work/Life Balance: Riot features an Open Paid Time Off (PTO) policy and flexible work schedules to ensure you can recharge.
• Health & Family: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. We offer parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children.
• Wellness & Insurance: Life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability are fully covered.
• The “Rioter” Experience: Access to internal playtests, gaming lounges, and regular community events that celebrate our players.

Legal & Equal Opportunity

Riot Games provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or veteran status.

Note on Criminal History (California/Washington): Consistent with the California Fair Chance Act and the Washington Fair Chance Act, Riot considers qualified applicants with criminal histories. Core duties for this role involving access to sensitive data and safeguarding company assets may be a basis for disqualification based on relevant criminal history to ensure operational security and a safe environment for players.

How to Apply

To be considered for the VALORANT Premium Content team, please submit:

1. A Compelling Reel: Your reel should showcase a strong foundation in animation principles (weight, impact, and anticipation). First-person weapon animation examples are highly encouraged.

2. Portfolio/Study History: Provide details on your professional experience and any formal studies in animation.

3. Player Statement: Briefly describe your relationship with games and how you embody player empathy.