Animator: Gameplay (Mid/Senior)

Rockstar Games; Oakville; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking talented Animators passionate about in-game animation. This full-time, in-office role involves creating engaging animations for immersive gameplay experiences. As part of a global animation team, you will collaborate on innovative projects, utilizing advanced tools and techniques to enhance animation pipelines. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in game development, a proven track record with shipped titles, and exceptional skills in character animation. Join a dynamic environment that values creativity and teamwork, and contribute to the creation of captivating gaming experiences.

Qualifications

• Senior-level Animator with 5+ years in gaming or similar industry.
• Proven track record in at least 2 shipped titles, preferably AAA.

Responsibilities

• Create stunning animations that are fluid and responsive.
• Work closely with programmers to create core mechanics.

Skills

Animation of human figures

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Self-direction

Education

5+ years as an Animator

Experience in AAA titles

Tools

MotionBuilder

Python

C# / C++

Job description

Become part of a team working on some of the most rewarding, large-scale creative projects to be found in any entertainment medium - all within an inclusive, highly-motivated environment where you can learn and collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry.

Rockstar Toronto is on the lookout for talented Animators who possess a passion for in-game animation.

This is a full-time, in-office position based out of Rockstar’s unique game development studio in Oakville, ON.

WHAT WE DO

• We create open world gameplay mechanics that are used to make immersive experiences.
• We work as a global animation team to collaborate on player experiences.
• We use our onsite motion capture facilities to prototype new systems, directing talent and fine-tuning the results with code and design.
• We participate in multi-discipline gameplay reviews, ensuring animation data is responsive and implemented with a strong consideration of technical and gameplay constraints.
• Successful applicants would be working in a dedicated feature such as locomotion, traversal, combat, weapons, creatures or vehicles. Each of our teams work with dedicated pipelines and tools to create engaging open world mechanics.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create stunning animations that are both fluid and responsive.
• Work closely with programmers to create core mechanics and immersive experiences.
• Implement, troubleshoot and debug animation systems.
• Proactively work to improve our animation pipelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Senior-level candidates are suggested to have 5+ years as an Animator within gaming or similar industry.
• Proven track record in at least 2 shipped titles (preferably AAA).
• Outstanding demo reel (preferably demonstrating biped gameplay animations, in-game and in real time).

SKILLS

• Positive, solution-orientated individual, with deep-rooted interest in video games, and game development.
• Exceptional skill in animating the human figure to create realistic character animations.
• Strong understanding of development issues in getting animations into a game.
• Ability to work with a high degree of self-direction and motivation.
• Comfortable working in a team setting, under deadlines and time constraints.
• Ability to bring innovation and resolution to technical problems and challenges throughout production.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work closely with Artists, Designers and Programmers.

PLUSES

Please note that these are desirable skills and are not required to apply for the position.

• Practical knowledge of programming languages (Python, C# / C++, etc.).
• Advanced knowledge of MotionBuilder and motion capture.
• Professional experience developing third person action games.
• Practical knowledge of state machines, motion trees, and cutting-edge animation technology.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply with a resume and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the skills above. If we would like to move forward with your application, a Rockstar recruiter will reach out to you to explain next steps and guide you through the process.

Rockstar is committed to creating a work environment that promotes equal opportunity, dignity and respect. In line with this commitment, Rockstar will provide accommodations to job applicants with disabilities (or on the basis of any other protected ground under human rights legislation) during the recruitment process, as well as to any Rockstar employees in order for them to perform the essential functions of their roles.

If you’ve got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from all suitable candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, race, or any other protected category.