Job Overview

Below is a structured overview of the position, compensation framework, and location details for applicants.

Wargaming, an award-winning global leader in the gaming industry, is embarking on its most ambitious journey yet. We are looking for a visionary 3D Character Animation Team Lead to join our Nicosia headquarters and help spearhead the development of World of Tanks: HEAT, a groundbreaking AAA project.

This isn’t just a job; it’s a career-defining opportunity to shape a new era for one of the world’s most iconic gaming franchises. At Wargaming, we don’t just follow industry standards—we set them. Our studio is a vibrant ecosystem where the expertise of industry veterans meets the daring ideas of fresh talent. If you are a leader who thrives on technical challenges and artistic innovation, your next big mission starts here.

About Wargaming: A Global Powerhouse

Headquartered in Nicosia, Cyprus, Wargaming has been a dominant force in the online gaming world since 1998. With 15 offices worldwide—including major creative hubs in Chicago, Prague, Shanghai, and Vilnius—our multicultural team is dedicated to delivering top-class experiences to millions of players globally.

Our flagship titles, including World of Tanks, World of Warships, and World of Tanks Blitz, have defined the free-to-play genre. Now, with the launch of World of Tanks: HEAT, we are pushing the boundaries of real-time graphics and character performance further than ever before. When you join Wargaming, you are joining a legacy of success and a future of limitless potential.

The Role: 3D Character Animation Team Lead

As the 3D Character Animation Team Lead, you are the heartbeat of the character department. You aren’t just managing a team; you are the guardian of movement, the architect of immersion, and the mentor to the next generation of AAA animators. Your role is a blend of high-level strategic planning and hands-on technical excellence.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

1. Technical Leadership & Production

• Pipeline Optimization: You will assess, refine, and optimize the animation production pipeline. Your goal is to identify bottlenecks and implement workflows that allow for high-quality output without compromising efficiency.

• Character & Asset Creation: Support the creation of in-game character animations, vehicle movements, and prop interactions. You will be responsible for rigging complex characters and ensuring they are game-ready.

• Cinematic Excellence: Create high-impact cutscenes and narrative-driven sequences that elevate the storytelling of World of Tanks: HEAT.

• Mocap Integration: Lead the Mocap workflow, from data capture through to clean-up and final integration into the proprietary or third-party game engine.

2. Team Management & Mentorship

• Growth & Development: Act as a mentor to junior and mid-level animators. You will share best practices, conduct regular feedback sessions, and help your team members reach their full potential.

• Resource Management: Manage deadlines and team capacity to ensure all project milestones are met on schedule.

• Cultural Stewardship: Foster a supportive and inclusive environment where creative risks are encouraged and collaboration is the default mode of operation.

3. Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Visual Cohesion: Partner closely with the Art Director, Character Artists, and Technical Artists to ensure that every movement aligns with the project’s overarching artistic direction.

• Engine Integration: Work with the programming and technical teams to ensure animations are optimized for real-time performance and technical constraints.

• Innovation: Experiment with emerging tools and AI-driven animation technologies to keep Wargaming at the cutting edge of the AAA landscape.

Candidate Profile: What We Look For

We are seeking a leader who is as comfortable in the “graph editor” as they are in a boardroom. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of the human (and mechanical) form and the leadership presence required to guide a world-class team.

Core Qualifications:

• Industry Experience: 5+ years of professional experience animating characters for high-end games or film, specifically using Maya.

• Animation Versatility: Exceptional skills in both organic character animation and mechanical/vehicle animation.

• Technical Rigging: A strong grasp of character rigging and skinning, ensuring that models deform naturally in a real-time environment.

• Game Engine Proficiency: Direct experience working within game engines (Unreal Engine, Unity, or proprietary tech) and a solid understanding of the limitations of real-time graphics.

• Mocap Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of Motion Capture pipelines and how to translate raw data into expressive in-game performances.

• Leadership Traits: Proven ability to inspire, lead, and organize a team of diverse artists.

• Language: Fluent English communication skills (written and verbal).

Stand-Out Skills (Bonus):

• Experience shipping at least one AAA title as a Lead or Senior Animator.

• Traditional 2D animation skills (helps in understanding timing and weight).

• Secondary skills in modeling, VFX, or sound design that allow for better cross-departmental communication.

• A deep, personal passion for video games and tank warfare.

Why Nicosia? Lifestyle & Relocation

Nicosia is not just Wargaming’s headquarters; it is a Mediterranean hub for tech and innovation. As a Lead at Wargaming, we make your transition to Cyprus seamless.

• Relocation Support: We offer comprehensive relocation and immigration assistance for you and your family.

• The Mediterranean Lifestyle: Enjoy over 300 days of sunshine a year, a high standard of living, and proximity to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

• The Studio Environment: Our Nicosia office is designed for comfort and performance, featuring an onsite gym, spa, and canteen.

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks

Wargaming believes in rewarding excellence. Our benefits package is designed to support your physical, mental, and professional health.

• Time Off: 21 days of annual leave (scaling to 25), plus 5 personal days, birthday leave, and marriage leave.

• Health & Well-being: Premium private health care, a dedicated mental well-being program (iFeel), and onsite wellness facilities (gym/spa).

• Professional Growth: Fully covered English language courses and extensive internal career development opportunities.

• Financial Perks: Subsidized onsite canteen, Hellenic Bank benefits, and a generous referral program.

• The “Gamer” Perk: A personal gaming account and regular social clubs/company events to keep the passion alive.

How to Apply: Wargaming Careers

If you are ready to leave your mark on the AAA gaming world and lead the animation team for World of Tanks: HEAT, we want to hear from you.

1. Prepare your Portfolio: Ensure your reel demonstrates both character and vehicle work, along with examples of rigging and engine integration.

2. Submit in English: Please provide your CV and cover letter in English to ensure a smooth review process by our global team.

3. Visit the Portal: Apply through the official Wargaming Careers website to begin your journey.

Join Wargaming. Shape the Future of Battle.