Jobs Overview
| Category | Details |
| Location | Leamington Spa, Warwickshire (Hybrid Remote) |
| Sector | AAA Game Development (Fable Team) |
| Studio | Playground Games (Xbox Game Studios) |
The Opportunity
Playground Games is seeking a distinguished Lead Gameplay Animator to join our Fable team in Leamington Spa. As a pivotal member of a premier first-party Xbox Game Studio, you will contribute to the reboot of the storied Fable franchise, crafting a genre-defining action RPG that marries world-class aesthetics with seamless gameplay.
The Role
Reporting to the Art Director, the Lead Gameplay Animator will serve as both a creative visionary and a dedicated people manager. You will be responsible for upholding the highest standards of animation across the production, ensuring that every movement enhances the player’s journey while remaining technically robust and on schedule.
Key Responsibilities
- Artistic Stewardship:
- Define and maintain animation benchmarks in partnership with the Art Director to ensure visual excellence throughout the project.
- Leadership & Mentorship:
- Oversee the professional development of the animation team, setting clear objectives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Strategic Planning:
- Organise and prioritise complex animation workflows, balancing creative ambition with technical constraints and delivery milestones.
- Operational Excellence:
- Lead recruitment efforts and refine internal processes to bolster team capabilities.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration:
- Act as a key liaison between departments and external outsource partners to ensure a cohesive technical and artistic output.
Technical & Professional Requirements
- Subject Matter Expertise:
- A profound mastery of animation principles and fluency in industry-standard software (Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender).
- Proven Track Record:
- Extensive experience in AAA gameplay animation, specifically regarding character locomotion, combat systems, and environmental interaction.
- Leadership Acumen:
- Demonstrated success in managing, mentoring, and inspiring large-scale animation teams.
- Technical Integration:
- A thorough understanding of game engine constraints and experience with high-fidelity motion capture implementation.
- Communication:
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly to diverse stakeholders.
Culture & Benefits
Playground Games is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse voices drive innovation. We place a high premium on the well-being, career progression, and self-development of our colleagues.
