Senior Gameplay Animator

Cloud Imperium Games Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a cutting-edge gaming company as a Senior Animator, where you'll play a pivotal role in bringing the universe of a groundbreaking multiplayer space sim to life. Your expertise in gameplay animation will help develop engaging combat and social experiences for players and AI alike. Collaborate with talented teams across the UK, EU, and USA to establish quality standards and innovate in animation design. If you're passionate about gaming and eager to elevate animation quality, this is the opportunity for you!

Qualifications

• Commercial experience in game animation development, preferably on current/next-gen consoles.
• Proficiency with Maya and MotionBuilder for creating animations.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to develop fluid, realistic actions for Players and AI.
• Create branching animation flowgraphs and designs for in-game assets.

Skills

Game Animation Development

Collaboration with Designers

Maya

MotionBuilder

Mentoring Junior Staff

Technical Risk Identification

Tools

Maya

MotionBuilder

Job description

We are a crowdfunded company with a dedicated and enthusiastic community of backers committed to creating the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever”. We value exceptional and diverse talent to help us achieve this goal.

As a Senior Animator, you will be recognized as an expert in Gameplay Animation and will join a team of Gameplay Animators and Designers. Your role involves developing engaging combat and social gameplay for Players and AI, and bringing the universe of Star Citizen and Squadron 42 to life. You will leverage your experience in game development to design animation flowgraphs and behaviors, block out animations, assist with mocap sessions, mentor junior staff, and implement high-quality motion capture performances and keyframe actions for Players, AI, and Creatures.

Founded in 2012, Cloud Imperium Games creates cutting-edge video games that challenge 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 push boundaries and make gaming history.

For more about life at Cloud Imperium Games, watch this - https://youtu.be/cXjp7SRBpIA

What do our Senior Animators do?

1. Collaborate with the Animation team, designers, and programmers to develop and implement fluid, realistic actions for Players, AI, and Creatures in combat and social settings.
2. Work with the Animation Lead and Director to establish quality standards within the game engine.
3. Develop motion capture data and keyframe animations for in-game assets.
4. Create branching animation flowgraphs and designs in collaboration with leadership, designers, and programmers.
5. Communicate regularly within a distributed team environment across UK, EU, and USA.

What do we expect from our Senior Animators?

1. Commercial experience in game animation development, preferably on current/next-gen consoles.
2. Ability to analyze complex behaviors and collaborate effectively with designers.
3. Proficiency with Maya, MotionBuilder, and similar software.
4. Skill in creating smooth, realistic animations demonstrating fundamental animation principles.
5. Capability to identify technical risks and develop innovative solutions.
6. Experience mentoring junior staff.
7. Willingness to challenge ideas and strive for excellence.

At Cloud Imperium Games, we welcome passionate Gameplay Animators eager to elevate our animation quality and be part of the Star Citizen universe.

Diversity Statement

CIG is committed to fostering a culture that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. We aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone’s unique qualities are valued. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we seek to build a diverse team that reflects the richness of the universe we create.

Fraud Statement

Beware of fraudulent job offers claiming to be from CIG via fake websites, emails, or social media. We do not request personal information or money through these channels. If you suspect fraud, report it to your local authorities and contact us at info{@}cloudimperiumgames.com with any information.

If you are passionate about gaming and eager to grow with us, we look forward to hearing from you!