Gameplay Animator

Cloud Imperium Games; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading game development studio in the UK is seeking an experienced Animator to create engaging combat and social animations for Players and AI in the upcoming titles. This role involves collaboration with designers and developers to establish high-quality animation standards and develop fluid actions. Ideal candidates should possess industry experience, proficiency in tools like Maya and MotionBuilder, and a passion for gaming. Join to help bring the universe of AAA games to life!

Qualifications

• Commercial experience in game animation development is essential.
• Strong skills in creating smooth and realistic animations.
• Experience with relevant animation software required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement fluid, realistic, and solid‑playing actions for Players, AI, and Creatures.
• Establish quality expectations and guidelines within the game engine.
• Create branching animation flowgraphs and designs.

Skills

Commercial experience in game animation development

Ability to create fluid, smooth, realistic animations

Experience with Maya

Experience with MotionBuilder

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Ability to work in a collaborative environment

Tools

Maya

MotionBuilder

Job description

As an Animator, 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!

Responsibilities and Qualifications

• 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 the UK, EU and USA.
• Commercial experience in game animation development.
• 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!

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. 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.