🐾 Animator (Creature & Gameplay Focus) – Contract
Steamroller Animation
Bringing Extraordinary Creatures to Life in Game Worlds
About Steamroller Animation
At Steamroller Animation, we are dedicated to crafting immersive worlds inhabited by extraordinary, lifelike beings. We value observation, research, and storytelling through movement. We are a team passionate about our craft, committed to a collaborative environment where animators can bring unique anatomy, personality, and purpose to every creature, defining how they move, feel, and connect within the game world.
The Opportunity: Animator (Creature & Gameplay Focus)
We are seeking a seasoned Gameplay Animator who specializes in creature animation. You will be responsible for defining the movement of our fantastical beings, translating subtle biological twitches and thunderous combat strikes into high-quality, believable, and responsive gameplay performances. Your work will directly enhance player immersion and interaction.
| Detail | Information |
| Employment Type | Contract (1099) |
| Location | Remote (Must be U.S.-based only and eligible to work in the U.S.) |
Key Responsibilities (What You’ll Do)
| Focus Area | Core Tasks |
| Creature Animation | Animate high-quality creature and gameplay performances that maximize believability, responsiveness, and player immersion. |
| Authenticity & Research | Use reference and deep research (including real-world animal studies and biomechanical analysis) to ground fantastical movement in authenticity and naturalism. |
| Collaboration & Design | Work closely with Animation Directors, Leads, and Designers to develop motion that perfectly supports gameplay mechanics and creative intent. |
| Execution | Execute a wide range of animation tasks, including both keyframe and motion-capture work for in-game actions and cinematics. |
| Pipeline & Tools | Utilize Autodesk Maya and other production tools to meet both technical and artistic standards for gameplay implementation. |
| Feedback & Review | Implement feedback from leads with a focus on maintaining animation quality and consistency. Participate actively in dailies and reviews. |
Qualifications & Expertise
Required Qualifications
| Category | Details |
| Experience | Minimum of 5+ years of professional experience in gameplay animation for AAA, AA, or high-quality indie titles. |
| Creature Specialization | Demonstrated expertise in creature animation, with a strong grasp of animal and fantasy anatomy, weight, and movement principles. |
| Animation Principles | Deep understanding of core animation principles and how they specifically enhance interactivity and player feedback. |
| Technical Skills | Proficiency in Autodesk Maya (required). Proven ability to use reference and research to inform animation performance and realism. |
| Collaboration | Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a cross-disciplinary production environment. |
| Location | Must be based in the United States and eligible to work within the country. |
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