3D Animator job at King, Minecraft Blast
Welcome to the Kingdom! a subsidiary of Microsoft and the creative powerhouse behind Candy Crush, is expanding its horizons. We are looking for a talented 3D Animator to join our “New Games” team and help shape the future of Minecraft Blast, a fresh mobile experience that blends the iconic blocky DNA of Minecraft with our signature casual polish. In this role, you aren’t just moving models; you are breathing life into a global phenomenon. You will be the architect of “charm,” ensuring that every interaction on a small mobile screen feels snappy, responsive, and emotionally resonant. Job Overview: 3D Animator Category Details Company Name King (Part of Microsoft) Job Title 3D Animator (Minecraft Blast) Locations Barcelona (PG), Berlin, London (Ampersand), Stockholm (Malmskillnadsgatan) Employment Type Full-Time Experience Level Mid-to-Senior (Professional Proficiency in Unity/Blender) Work Model Hybrid (Flexible “Team-First” approach) Estimated Salary Range London: £45,000 – £75,000 Bonus/Perks Profit-sharing plan, Gym allowance, “Royal Tokens” for Swag, and generous PTO Note: Salary ranges are estimates based on market data for 2026 and may vary based on seniority and specific local cost-of-living adjustments. The Mission: Why This Role Matters Minecraft is known for its rigid, voxel-based aesthetic. King is known for “juice”—the satisfying, bouncy, and colorful feedback that makes mobile games addictive. Your mission is to find the “sweet spot” between these two worlds. You will animate the Companions and Mobs that players will grow to love, ensuring they feel like they belong in the Minecraft universe while possessing the expressive “squash and stretch” typically found in top-tier casual titles. This is a high-visibility role where your work directly impacts the “feel” of a major global IP. Core Responsibilities as 3D Animator 1. Character & Creature Artistry Expressive Mobs: Develop idle, walking, and “reaction” animations for iconic Minecraft creatures and brand-new companions. Emotional Clarity: Create clear visual cues for wins, losses, and “streak” moments. A player should know exactly how their character feels just by looking at a 2-inch screen. Combat & Interaction: Animate satisfying impacts, power-ups, and booster sequences that provide instant haptic and visual gratification. 2. Technical Execution & Optimization Unity Integration: Work directly within the Unity engine to implement and refine animation controllers. Performance First: Mobile devices have strict hardware limits. You will optimize rigs and animation data to ensure 60fps gameplay without sacrificing visual quality. Readability: Design motion specifically for small screens. This means emphasizing strong silhouettes and exaggerated poses that don’t get “lost” in a busy game board. 3. Collaborative Synergy Cross-Discipline: Partner with VFX artists to time sparks and explosions with your keyframes. Rigging Support: Work with technical artists to ensure rigs are flexible enough for complex emotes but optimized for “modular” cosmetics (hats, skins, etc.). Style Stewardship: Act as a guardian of the Minecraft DNA, ensuring all animations align with the established brand guidelines while pushing for “best level” polish. What We Are Looking For in a 3D Animator Required Technical Skills Principles of Animation: You have a “black belt” in the 12 principles—specifically timing, spacing, and anticipation. Software Mastery: Extensive experience in Unity (Mecanim/Timeline) and Blender or Maya. Stylized Portfolio: A reel that showcases 3D character work. We are looking for “personality” over “photorealism.” Problem Solving: The ability to take a technical constraint (like low bone counts) and still deliver a high-quality performance. The “Kingster” Mindset Casual Game Passion: You understand why a “pop” feels good and why a “bounce” matters. Ownership: You don’t just wait for tickets; you look at the game, find what’s “stiff,” and propose a way to make it “juicy.” Communication: You can explain your creative choices to non-artists and collaborate effectively in a hybrid team environment. Life at King: Perks & Culture Working at King means being part of a “Seriously Playful” culture. We believe that to make great games, you have to enjoy the process. Continuous Learning: Access to LEAP, our internal learning platform, plus workshops on everything from life drawing to advanced C#. Well-being: We offer comprehensive health insurance, mental health support via our Employee Assistance Program, and generous parental leave that exceeds market standards. Next-Gen Workspaces: Whether you are in our London “Ampersand” office or Stockholm’s “Malmskillnadsgatan” hub, you’ll find gaming zones, healthy snacks, and collaborative “zones” designed for creative flow. Sustainability & Impact: We are part of the Microsoft family, committed to carbon neutrality and positive social impact. You can even donate your “Royal Tokens” (earned through great work) to reforestation projects. How to Apply If you are ready to bring the world of Minecraft to life on mobile, we want to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a Portfolio/Reel highlighting your 3D character animation and Unity experience. King is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all “Kingsters.”
