Senior Gameplay Animator Job Overview

• Company: Virtuos, a global leader in AAA co-development founded in 2004.
• Role: Senior/Lead Gameplay Animator focused on high-end character movement and engine integration.
• Location: Los Angeles, CA, requiring 3–5 days per week onsite collaboration.
• Salary: Annual base range of $120,000 – $140,000 plus bonuses and full benefits.
• Experience: Minimum 10+ years in game dev with a history of shipping AAA titles.
• Software: Expert-level proficiency in Maya, MotionBuilder, and Unreal Engine.
• Animation Focus: Mastery of both keyframe and motion capture (directing and refining data).
• Technical Skills: Deep knowledge of blend trees, state machines, and combat/creature mechanics.
• Key Duty: Bridging the gap between artistic vision and technical implementation within game engines.
• Culture: A collaborative “Play, Grow, Win” environment focused on innovation and inclusion.

Are you ready to elevate your career at one of the world’s largest and most influential independent game developers? Virtuos is seeking a Senior Gameplay Animator to join our Los Angeles studio. This is a rare opportunity to move beyond a single IP and contribute to a diverse portfolio of AAA blockbusters, ranging from photorealistic remakes like Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater to expansive updates for titles like Cyberpunk 2077.

At Virtuos, we don’t just “support” games; we co-create them. As a “Virtuosi,” you will be part of a global collective of over 3,000 professionals dedicated to pushing the technical and artistic boundaries of what is possible in interactive entertainment.

Who We Are: The Virtuos Vision

To be a part of Virtuos means to be a creator at the highest level. Since our founding in 2004, we have grown into a powerhouse with 25 offices worldwide, serving as the secret weapon for the industry’s biggest publishers—including Sony, Microsoft, 2K, Square Enix, and Bethesda.

Our philosophy is simple: PLAY, GROW and WIN.

• PLAY: We are fueled by a mutual passion for making and playing games. We foster an environment where “fun” is a professional standard.

• GROW: We invest in our people. With a dedicated research and development budget and a culture of knowledge sharing, we ensure you stay at the cutting edge of real-time animation.

• WIN: We earn success through dedication. Our track record includes work on Horizon Forbidden West, The Outer Worlds, and Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD. When our partners win, we win.

Detailed Responsibilities

This role is a blend of artistic mastery and technical leadership. You will be expected to bridge the gap between creative vision and engine implementation.

1. Artistic Execution & Pipeline Integration

• High-Fidelity Animation: Design and produce both rough blocking and highly polished final animations. You will utilize keyframe techniques and motion capture data to create fluid, responsive characters.

• Engine Implementation: You won’t just “hand off” files. You will integrate animations into game engines (Unreal Engine or proprietary systems), ensuring they function perfectly within the game’s logic.

• Previsualization: Apply expertise in “Previs” to help stakeholders visualize sequences early, ensuring narrative flow and gameplay mechanics are aligned before high-cost production begins.

Technical Leadership & Innovation

• Motion Capture Mastery: Take a leading role in MoCap sessions. This includes directing actors, troubleshooting technical hurdles on the volume, and refining raw data into game-ready assets.

• Workflow Optimization: Work alongside engineering and technical art departments to develop new tools and support complex animation frameworks like Motion Matching, State Machines, and Blend Trees.

• Camera & Composition: Utilize an advanced understanding of cinematography and camera work to enhance the presentation of gameplay animations and cinematic transitions.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Client Relations: As a co-development studio, we often integrate into our clients’ specific workflows. You must be flexible enough to adapt to various organizational cultures while maintaining Virtuos’ high standards.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Effectively translate creative needs into technical requirements for programmers, and vice versa.

Requirements & Qualifications

Virtuos is looking for a veteran who has seen it all—from the birth of a project to the final certification of a AAA title.

Required Experience

• Industry Longevity: A minimum of 10 years in professional game development.

• Shipped Titles: You must have played a significant role in the development and shipping of multiple AAA titles on console or PC.

• Software Expertise: Advanced proficiency in Maya and MotionBuilder.

• Technical Savvy: Deep understanding of character body mechanics, creature animation, and combat frameworks. You should be comfortable working within the constraints of real-time rendering.

• Problem Solving: Proven ability to prioritize tasks in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments.

Preferred Qualifications (The “Extra Mile”)

• Versatility: Experience animating non-humanoid entities, from quadrupeds to fantastical creatures.

• Technical Artistry: Working knowledge of Python or C# scripting for animation tool development.

• Cinematic Eye: Prior experience in cinematography or camera operation within a 3D environment.

• Advanced Systems: Familiarity with the latest animation technologies, such as UE5’s Control Rig or advanced procedural animation systems.

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

Virtuos offers a comprehensive package designed to support your professional growth and personal well-being.

Financial & Security

• Salary Transparency: A base salary of $120,000 – $140,000 (standard for California Salary Transparency compliance).

• Performance Bonuses: Annual bonus eligibility based on company and individual performance.

• Future Planning: 401(k) matching program to help you plan for the long term.

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.

• Family Support: Generous parental leave policies.

• Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays to ensure you remain energized and inspired.

Growth & Culture

• R&D Opportunities: Access to internal funds for research and development to explore new animation tech.

• Global Mobility: As a global company, we offer unique opportunities for international collaboration and overseas work experiences.

• Supportive Atmosphere: A culture that champions inclusion, creativity, and the “Virtuosi” spirit.

Why Los Angeles?

Based in the heart of the global entertainment industry, our LA studio offers the perfect intersection of Hollywood cinematography and Silicon Beach technology. As a Senior Gameplay Animator here, you will be at the epicenter of the gaming world, surrounded by the industry’s most talented artists and engineers.

Note on Location: This position requires residency in or relocation to Los Angeles. We value the creative energy of in-person collaboration and require 3–5 days per week in our local studio.

How to Apply

If you are a storyteller who speaks through movement and a technician who understands the “why” behind every frame, we want to hear from you.

Application Requirements:

1. Resume: Detailing your 10+ years of experience and shipped AAA titles.

2. Portfolio/Demo Reel: Showcasing high-quality gameplay animation, combat, and locomotion. Please include a breakdown of your specific contributions to each shot.