Animator

Cloud Imperium Games Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a talented Animator to join their dynamic Manchester studio. In this role, you will collaborate with a passionate team to create engaging combat and social animations for Players and AI in an expansive universe. You will be responsible for developing motion capture data, keyframe animations, and innovative animation flowgraphs, all while working in a creative and supportive environment. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects and help shape the future of gaming with your unique talents. If you are driven by creativity and a love for games, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

Social Events

Sports and Social Groups

Innovative Work Environment

Qualifications

• Commercial experience in game animation development.
• Ability to breakdown complex behaviours and collaborate with designers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement fluid, realistic actions for Players and AI.
• Create branching animation flowgraphs and designs in collaboration with teams.

Skills

Game Animation Development

Collaboration with Designers

Animation Fundamentals

Problem-Solving

Education

Experience with Current/Next-Gen Consoles

Tools

Maya

MotionBuilder

Job description

We are a crowdfunded company and have a dedicated and enthusiastic community of backers who are helping us create the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever”. We want to build the best we can deliver and we believe wholeheartedly in the value of exceptional diverse talent.

As an Animator in our Manchester studio, you will be part of a team of Gameplay Animators and Designers dedicated to developing fun and engaging combat and social gameplay for Players and AI, as well as bringing to life the Universe of Star Citizen and Squadron 42. You’ll be working directly with designers, helping to design animation flowgraphs and behaviours, block-out animations, assist on the mocap set for your actions, and edit and implement high quality motion capture performances, and also keyframe actions for Players, AI, and Creatures!

Founded in 2012 by renowned game developer Chris Roberts, Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) is one of the largest global independent studios, dedicated to delivering next-generation AAA games. CIG prides itself in thinking outside the box, encouraging creativity and developing ground-breaking technology. CIG believes in raising the bar for the gaming industry and the community as a whole.

• Work with the Animation team, designers, and programmers to develop and implement fluid, realistic, and solid-playing actions for Players, AI, and Creatures in combat and in social situations.
• Work with Animation Lead and Director to establish the quality expectations and guidelines within the game engine.
• Develop motion capture data and keyframe animation for in-game assets.
• Creating branching animation flowgraphs and designs in collaboration with Animation leadership, designers, and programmers.
• Work in a collaborative but distributed team environment, frequently communicating with teams in UK, EU and USA.

What do we expect from our Animators?

• Commercial experience in game animation development, ideally on current/next-gen consoles.
• Ability to breakdown complex behaviours and gameplay concepts and work collaboratively with designers.
• Experience with Maya, MotionBuilder, and other equivalent software.
• Ability to create fluid, smooth, realistic animations with specific demonstration of animation fundamentals.
• Ability to identify technical and developmental risks and obstacles while creating innovative solutions to overcome them.
• Eager to challenge your own ideas and those of your peers – we thrive to be the best!

At Cloud Imperium Games we are always keen to speak to Gameplay Animators, therefore if you’re passionate about games and believe you can take our animation to the next level, you may just be our newest Star Citizen!

Diversity Statement

CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment. The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it’s our differences that make it special.

We are aware of people receiving job offers that fraudulently allege to be from CIG. These types of fraud can be carried out through false websites, fake email addresses claiming to be from our company, or social media. We do not ask for your personal info like bank account numbers, identification numbers, etc through social media or chat-based apps, nor do we request or send money for the purchase of business equipment.

If you suspect fraud, please report it to your local authorities, as well as reaching out to us at info[@]cloudimperiumgames.com with any information you may have.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

About Us

Founded in 2012, Cloud Imperium Games creates cutting-edge videogames that defy expectations. We’re currently developing Star Citizen, a record-breaking multiplayer online space sim, and Squadron 42, a cinematic single-player adventure set in the same universe. Join us as we break boundaries and make videogame history.

With studios in Manchester, Los Angeles, Austin, and Frankfurt our colleagues work in a relaxed, innovative, and future thinking environment. We host various sports and social groups, such as tabletop games, wargaming, yoga, football, and tennis, to name a few.
We are a crowdfunded company and have a dedicated and enthusiastic community of backers who are helping us create the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever”.