Gameplay Animator

Sentient; Burnaby; Hybrid; CAD 61,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Small Axe Studios in Burnaby, BC, is seeking a Gameplay Animator to help build a new, sports-focused franchise. You will translate authentic athletic movements into polished gameplay by collaborating with AI and Animation Engineers, Designers and Producers.

You will own animation quality from ideation through implementation, manage mocap references, and work with engineers to integrate features in Unreal Engine 4 or 5.

Qualifications

• Experience shipping AAA games with strong animation.
• Solid understanding of human mechanics, especially sports.
• Collaborative, proactive and well-organized.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Gameplay Animation Lead to ensure on-brand, high-quality animations.
• Collaborate with Designers to support animation-based features.
• Deliver animations from ideation to final implementation.
• Manage mocap shot lists and references.
• Influence technical implementation of features with Engineers.

Skills

Gameplay animation

Unreal Engine 4/5

Mocap experience

Collaboration

Player-focused

Tools

Unreal Engine

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 2023, Small Axe Studios is 2K’s newest stand-alone studio, built to push the boundaries of game development and bring 2K’s next groundbreaking sports franchise to life. Headquartered in Burnaby, we are assembling a world-class team of visionaries, builders, and passionate gamers who thrive on creative collaboration, technical excellence, and bold ideas. At Small Axe Studios, we believe big things start with sharp focus—and we’re crafting an exceptional, player-first experience from the ground up. If you’re ready to tackle unique challenges, leave your mark on a brand-new IP, and help shape the future of interactive sports entertainment, we want you on our team!

What We Need

Our studio is looking for an experienced Gameplay Animator who has a high quality bar and a passion for replicating authentic sports behaviors. In this role, you will work closely with AI and Animation Engineers, Designers and Producers to implement authentic sports behaviors to build highly polished world – class gameplay for what will be the next massive sports franchise in our industry!

What You Will Do

• Work closely with the gameplay Animation Lead to ensure animation is on-brand, on-time and of professional quality.
• Collaborate with Designers to support the design for animation-based features
• Provide animation from the ideation stage through to final implementation of features.
• Be an organized individual and support production by staying on top of mocap shot lists and mocap reference.
• Deliver appropriate animations that support the strongest feature possible
• Collaborate with Engineers and Designers to influence the technical implementation of features
• Collaborate with the Animation Director to understand, and deliver on, the quality bar for the animations that you create
• Collaborate with the Design Lead and Engineering team to implement your features in engine
• Champion animation quality and authenticity within your features, bringing the animation perspective to all decision making

Who We Think Will Be A Great Fit

• A passion, and understanding of sports games
• Experience developing and shipping AAA games on Unreal Engine 4 or 5
• Experience working with on ‘second-to-second’ interactive animation features
• Player experience focused
• Open-minded, organized, proactive and collaborative
• Excellent understanding of human mechanics – specific to sports behaviors

Beneficial Qualifications

• Passionate about playing and/or watching sports.
• Passion for video games (not just ours)

The pay range for this position in British Columbia at the start of employment is expected to be between CAD $60,500 and CAD $89,540 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an 'at-will position' and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews, and when emailing, we only use 2K.com accounts.

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