Gameplay Animator

2K; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 61,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Small Axe Studios in Burnaby is seeking an experienced Gameplay Animator to help build the next blockbuster sports franchise. You will work with AI engineers, designers and producers to implement authentic sports behaviors and polished gameplay.

Here, you will collaborate across disciplines, manage mocap references, and ensure on-brand animation quality from concept to implementation. Experience shipping AAA games on Unreal Engine 4 or 5 and a passion for sports are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience shipping AAA games, preferably in sports titles.
• Strong understanding of sports game mechanics and player experience.
• Proficient with motion capture workflows and animation pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Gameplay Animation Lead to ensure on-brand, high-quality animation.
• Collaborate with Designers to support animation-based features.
• Deliver animations from ideation to final implementation for features.
• Manage mocap shot lists and references to support production.
• Collaborate with engineers and designers to influence technical implementation.
• Ensure animation quality aligns with the project’s standards and vision.

Skills

AAA game development

Sports game culture

Motion capture workflow

Collaborative mindset

Tools

Unreal Engine 4

Unreal Engine 5

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.