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Location: Los Angeles, CA

Naughty Dog is hiring Senior Gameplay Animator

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Job Overview Company Name: Naughty Dog / Sony Interactive Entertainment Position Title: Senior Gameplay Animator USA Base Pay Range: $126,400 – $227,000 USD Employment Type: Full-time Location: Santa Monica / Los Angeles, CA Work Model: Hybrid / On-site Incentives: Annual Bonus & Additional Incentive Plans Current Project: Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Naughty Dog, the world-renowned developer behind The Last of Us and Uncharted series, is currently seeking a Senior Gameplay Animator. Known for pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling and technical fidelity, the studio—affectionately known as “The Kennel”—is currently developing its next major title: Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. This is a high-impact role requiring a blend of elite artistic sensibility and deep technical expertise. As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will be responsible for defining the movement language of characters and creatures, ensuring that every frame of animation serves both the gameplay mechanics and the narrative immersion. The Role: Innovating at the Frontier of Animation At Naughty Dog, gameplay animation is not a secondary concern; it is the core of the player’s emotional connection to the world. You will work within a highly collaborative environment, bridging the gap between the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams. Core Responsibilities 1. Systems Development & Tooling Advanced Implementation: Facilitate the creation of complex, high-quality animation systems that allow for seamless character movement. Pipeline Innovation: Streamline and innovate the animation pipeline to ensure the “Kennel” remains at the forefront of the industry. Technical Strategy: Contribute to the strategic development of internal technologies and proprietary artistic processes. 2. Animation Content & Quality High-Fidelity Creation: Develop high-quality animation content for new character behaviors and systems, implementing them directly into the game engine. Style Maintenance: Work with animation leadership to define and maintain the quality bar, ensuring the “Naughty Dog look”—characterized by weight, momentum, and emotional nuance. Troubleshooting: Analyze and resolve in-game animation implementation issues, ranging from IK solver glitches to complex state machine transitions. 3. Leadership & Mentorship Project Ownership: Take full ownership of challenging animation projects from concept to final polish. Mentoring: Provide guidance to mid-level and junior team members, fostering a culture of growth and shared knowledge. Documentation: Create thorough documentation of new techniques and workflows to build a lasting internal knowledge base. Candidate Requirements & Skills This is a senior-level position requiring a “Technical Animator” mindset—someone who can create beautiful motion while understanding exactly how that motion is computed in real-time. Professional Experience Industry Veteran: Minimum of 5+ years of professional experience in technical animation for AAA games. Proven Track Record: A portfolio demonstrating visually stunning animations across diverse genres, with a focus on realism and character-driven movement. Technical Proficiencies Programming/Scripting: Proficiency in Python, C#, or C++ is required to facilitate tool creation and pipeline automation. Engine Tools: A deep understanding of in-game animation systems, including State Machines, Blend Trees, and IK Solvers. DCC Expertise: Expert-level mastery of Maya or Motionbuilder, specifically within motion capture (mocap) and keyframe-based pipelines. Diversity, Demographics, and Inclusion in Game Development Naughty Dog and Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) have made significant strides in fostering an inclusive environment. Understanding the broader demographic landscape of the industry provides context for Naughty Dog’s commitment to diverse candidate recruitment. Industry Demographics (General Statistics) According to recent industry-wide surveys (such as those by the IGDA and various studio transparency reports): Gender Representation: In AAA game development, approximately 24% to 30% of the workforce identifies as women. Naughty Dog actively encourages female and non-binary applicants to bridge this historical gap. Ethnic & Racial Diversity (USA): White/Caucasian: ~64% Asian: ~16% Hispanic/Latinx: ~8% Black/African American: ~4% Multi-ethnic/Other: ~8% Inclusion Initiatives: PlayStation Studios, including Naughty Dog, operates several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support Black, LGBTQ+, and female developers. Their “Fair Chance” hiring policy ensures that qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records are considered, prioritizing current skill and character over past history. Compensation, Perks, and The Naughty Dog Lifestyle Naughty Dog is famously located in the Los Angeles area, offering a competitive salary range that reflects the high cost of living and the elite skill level required. Financial Rewards Competitive Base: A wide salary band ($126k – $227k) allows for growth and recognizes specialized technical skill sets. Incentives: Eligibility for annual bonuses and other long-term incentive plans (LTIPs) based on studio and individual performance. Benefits & Wellbeing Comprehensive Health: Elite medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families. Retirement & Savings: Competitive 401(k) matching and financial planning resources. Work-Life Integration: A hybrid work model that balances the creative energy of on-site collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. Studio Culture: Known for “The Kennel” atmosphere—a place of high standards, intense creative passion, and a shared pride in producing “Game of the Year” contenders. Working Conditions: The Los Angeles Hub The position is based in the Los Angeles zone, the global epicenter of entertainment. Environment: A studio environment that prizes “attention to detail” and “character-driven” storytelling. On-Site Collaboration: While hybrid options exist, the role requires proximity to the studio to facilitate real-time collaboration with Engineering and Design teams on complex animation behaviors. Equal Opportunity & Fair Chance Statement Sony Interactive Entertainment is an Equal Opportunity Employer. They do not discriminate based on gender identity, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Furthermore, as a Fair Chance Employer, Naughty Dog considers qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local and federal laws, focusing on the individual’s ability to contribute to the future of play. How to Apply Naughty Dog maintains a rigorous selection process to ensure that only the most dedicated and technically proficient animators join the team. Submission Requirements: Portfolio/Demo Reel: Essential. This must showcase your technical implementation (nodes/blend trees) as well as your final artistic output. Animation Test: Shortlisted candidates will likely be asked to complete a specific animation or technical implementation test. Documentation Sample: Highlighting your ability to communicate complex systems to others. Ready to help craft the next narrative masterpiece? Join Naughty Dog and define the future of interactive animation.

Senior Gameplay Animator at Virtuos, Los Angeles, CA

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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 … Read more

Riot Games Jobs VFX Artist for VALORANT Characters

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Job Overview Company Name: Riot Games Position Title: VFX Artist – VALORANT (Characters) Base Salary Range: $109,200 — $153,300 USD per year Total Compensation: Base + Equity + Incentive Bonuses + 401(k) Match Location: Los Angeles, CA (USA) Job Type: Full-Time Primary Project: VALORANT When you look for Riot Games jobs, you’ll quickly notice a recurring theme: Player Empathy. Riot was founded in 2006 with the goal of being the most player-focused company in the world. This isn’t just a marketing slogan; it’s a design philosophy. In VALORANT, this means that every visual effect must be “readable.” If an explosion is too bright, it might blind a player at a crucial moment. If a smoke screen is too transparent, it breaks the tactical balance. As a VFX Artist, you are the guardian of this balance. You are tasked with creating “aesthetically astounding” visuals that never compromise the integrity of the competitive experience. What You Will Do: Responsibilities & Impact Joining the Real-Time VFX team means becoming a master of atmosphere and depth. Your work will breathe life into character abilities, channeling primal emotions and capturing the essence of the Agents. 1. Design & Technical Implementation You will design and help implement effects that add layers of polish to the game. This involves more than just “making particles.” You will be: Balancing Clarity and Satisfaction: Ensuring that an ability feels powerful to the user but remains fair to the opponent. Defining the Tonal Experience: Working with the character team to ensure that a VFX package fits the “vibe” of the specific Agent. Synthesizing Assets: Taking classic designs and evolving them into brand-new, high-fidelity assets using your encyclopedic knowledge of visual effects. 2. Cross-Functional Mastery Riot Games looks for artists who are “T-shaped”—deeply specialized in VFX but proficient in surrounding disciplines. You should be able to: Draw and Paint: Concepting your own effects and textures. Animate and Model: Creating the mesh emitters and timing the “bursts” and “fades” of an effect with frame-perfect precision. Problem Solve: Finding creative ways to eliminate technical hurdles in production, ensuring that your effects perform well even on lower-end hardware. Required Skills & Qualifications To stand out among the pool of applicants for Riot Games jobs, you need a blend of technical software mastery and a strong artistic “eye.” Experience: At least 2+ years of professional experience as a VFX artist in games or a related field (like film or TV animation). Engine Proficiency: Direct experience with Unity or Unreal Engine (specifically VFX tools like Niagara or Cascade) is required. The Portfolio: You must provide a demo reel. Riot isn’t just looking for “fire and explosions”; they are looking for timing, color theory, and shape language that matches the VALORANT art style. Desired “Bonus” Skills Unreal Blueprints: The ability to hook up your own effects to character logic. Coding: Proficiency in C++ or UnrealScript is a significant advantage for artists who want to bridge the gap into Technical Art. Perks & Compensation: The “Rioter” Experience Riot Games is famous for its “Perks” package, designed to support work-life balance and long-term career growth. Financial & Security Incentive Compensation: Beyond the base salary of up to $153,300, Rioters are eligible for bonuses and equity (stock options). Retirement: A 401(k) plan with a company match. Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Lifestyle & Wellness Open PTO: Riot encourages employees to take time off when they need it, fostering a culture of trust rather than rigid tracking. Flexible Work Schedules: Recognizing that creativity doesn’t always happen between 9 and 5. Parental Leave: Generous leave policies for new parents (including spouses and domestic partners). How to Apply for Riot Games Jobs The application process at Riot is rigorous but rewarding. If you are applying for the VFX role, follow these steps: Curate Your Reel: Ensure your best work is in the first 30 seconds. Focus on “Character VFX” rather than environmental effects. Highlight “Gameplay Clarity”: Show examples where your VFX clearly indicate an “Area of Effect” (AoE) or a “State Change” (like a character becoming invincible). Prepare for the Art Test: If your portfolio passes the initial screening, you will likely be asked to complete a timed art test where you create a VALORANT-style effect from scratch. The VFX Pipeline for VALORANT To understand the daily life of a VFX Artist at Riot, it helps to visualize the pipeline. Every effect follows a strict path from concept to the “Live” game. Ideation: What does this ability do? Is it a “fire” power or a “tech” power? Blocking: Creating simple shapes in-engine to check for gameplay readability. Polishing: Adding the “sleek” details—distortion, glows, and particle trails. Optimization: Ensuring the effect doesn’t cause frame-rate drops during intense 5v5 firefights. Conclusion: Why Riot Games? Seeking Riot Games jobs means choosing a path where your work will be seen by millions. VALORANT is one of the most-watched esports in the world. Every smoke grenade, ultimate ability, and muzzle flash you design contributes to the pulse-pounding excitement of the VCT (VALORANT Champions Tour). If you embody player empathy and want to work in an environment where your unique perspective is valued, Riot Games is the place for you.

Technical gameplay animator jobs – Naughty Dog

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senior technical gameplay animator jobs Overview Company: Naughty Dog (Sony Interactive Entertainment) Location: Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid / Onsite) Project: Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Experience Level: Senior (5+ years) Compensation: $126,400 — $227,500 USD (plus bonus and benefits) Join the “Naughty Dog” at one of the world’s most prestigious game development studios. Naughty Dog is currently seeking a Senior Technical Gameplay Animator jobs to help shape the future of interactive narrative and character-driven action. This is a pivotal role within our Santa Monica studio, focusing on our highly anticipated new IP, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. As a Senior Technical Gameplay Animator Jobs, you will bridge the gap between artistic vision and technical execution. You will be responsible for the “feel” of our characters, ensuring that every movement is fluid, responsive, and grounded in the evocative realism that defines our studio’s legacy. About Naughty Dog For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been a beacon of innovation in the gaming industry. From the whimsical worlds of Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter to the cinematic intensity of Uncharted and the profound emotional depth of The Last of Us, our studio has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible. Naughty Dog are a studio that values attention to detail, emotional resonance, and technical mastery. Our culture is built on the belief that diverse perspectives lead to better games. We invite creators from all walks of life to help us craft the next generation of masterpieces. Currently, our primary focus is the development of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a bold new sci-fi epic. This project represents our most ambitious undertaking to date, featuring a lone bounty hunter, Jordan A. Mun, stranded on the mysterious planet of Sempiria. What You Will Do: Responsibilities & Impact In this role, you aren’t just moving bones in a rig; you are architecting the soul of character movement. Your work ensures that the player feels a direct, seamless connection to the protagonist. 1. System Architecture & Tooling Innovate Implementation: Facilitate the creation and deployment of advanced tools and techniques to build complex, high-quality animation systems. Workflow Optimization: Constantly evaluate the animation pipeline to identify bottlenecks. You will innovate and streamline processes to ensure the team can work at the highest level of efficiency without sacrificing quality. Strategic Growth: Contribute to the long-term development of internal technologies, ensuring Naughty Dog remains at the cutting edge of the industry. 2. Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration The “Glue” Role: Act as the primary technical bridge between Animation, Game Design, and Engineering. Troubleshooting: Analyze and resolve complex in-game implementation issues. When a behavior doesn’t look right or a transition is jarring, you are the one who finds the solution. Defining Style: Work alongside animation leadership to define and maintain the “quality bar.” You will help ensure the animation style remains consistent across all gameplay systems. 3. Hands-On Animation & Mentorship Content Creation: Create and implement high-quality animation content in-engine to support newly developed gameplay behaviors. Project Ownership: Take the lead on challenging technical projects, seeing them from concept to final polish. Mentorship: Share your expertise with junior and mid-level team members. You will be responsible for creating technical documentation and guiding others through complex workflows. Skills & Requirements Naughty Dog are looking for a veteran who possesses both the artistic eye of an animator and the logical mind of a programmer. Experience: A minimum of 5+ years of professional experience in technical animation specifically for the gaming industry. Technical Proficiency: Strong programming skills are required. You should be proficient in Python, C#, or C++. Engine Mastery: A deep understanding of modern in-game animation tools is essential. This includes State Machines, Blend Trees, IK Solvers, and Procedural Systems. DCC Expertise: Expert-level knowledge of Maya or Motionbuilder. You should be comfortable working with both motion capture data and keyframe-based pipelines. Portfolio: A proven track record of creating visually stunning, responsive animations. A demo reel or portfolio is required for all applicants. Benefits & Compensation As a part of the Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) family, Naughty Dog offers a “top-tier” benefits package designed to support your life both inside and outside the kennel. Financial & Security Annual Bonus: Eligible for performance-based annual bonuses and incentive plans. 401(k) Matching: Comprehensive retirement savings with a company match. Insurance: Top-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage. Life & Disability: Standard life insurance and disability protection. Wellness & Lifestyle Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedules. Wellness Program: Dedicated programs to support physical and mental health. Sony Discounts: Enjoy coveted employee discounts on Sony hardware, electronics, and PlayStation products. Hybrid Flexibility: A modern approach to work-life balance through our hybrid working policy. The Project: Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Working on this title offers a unique challenge. Unlike the grounded, contemporary settings of our recent work, Intergalactic takes us thousands of years into the future. The Setting: Sempiria, a planet cut off from the rest of the universe for over 600 years. The Themes: A deep exploration of faith, religion, and the isolation of being alone in a hostile, alien world. The Music: Scored by Academy Award-winning composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. As a Technical Gameplay Animator, you will be instrumental in bringing the unique biology and physics of this sci-fi world to life. Whether it’s the way Jordan’s suit reacts to Sempiria’s atmosphere or the visceral feel of melee combat against unknown threats, your fingerprints will be on every frame. How to Apply Naughty Dog is a studio that values the “test.” Candidates should be prepared for the following: Portfolio Submission: A reel demonstrating technical animation setups and in-game implementation. Technical Animation Test: You may be asked to complete a specific task to demonstrate your proficiency with our required toolsets. Interview Rounds: Discussions with Animation, Engineering, and Design leads. Naughty Dog is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.