Lead Gameplay Animator

Crystal Dynamics; United States; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Crystal Dynamics is seeking a Lead Gameplay Animator to lead animation efforts for iconic franchises. This role involves developing a team, managing animation goals, and creating engaging animation sequences. Join a studio committed to crafting unforgettable gaming experiences.

Benefits

100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance

Professional development reimbursement

Flexible hybrid work opportunities

Company paid holidays

Additional paid days during holiday break

Ability to accrue additional paid time-off

Qualifications

• Experience in a leadership role within animation in the game development industry.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with a track record of nurturing animation talent.
• In-depth understanding of gameplay systems and combat animations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of skilled external animators.
• Deliver engaging combat and traversal animations.
• Set and manage animation goals aligned with project milestones.

Skills

Leadership

Animation

Collaboration

Creativity

Communication

Tools

Unreal Engine

Motion Capture

Job description

Crystal Dynamics is constantly seeking the best gaming talent worldwide to add to our 30-plus year legacy of game development creating new and iconic franchises. We are committed to making great games with great people and living the dream while doing it.

Benefits for our regular full-time positions include, but are not limited to, a competitive regional salary, 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance options, professional development reimbursement, flexible hybrid on-site/off-site work opportunities, company paid holidays, additional paid days in December during the holiday break, and the ability to accrue additional paid time-off.

Join us and shape the future of an amazing studio culture committed to creating award-winning franchises like Tomb Raider, the next Perfect Dark, and more!

Position: Lead Gameplay Animator

At Crystal Dynamics, we're searching for an established Lead Gameplay Animator to spearhead our gameplay animation efforts. You will play an integral role in creating unforgettable animation sequences. If you're enthusiastic about crafting impactful, resonant experiences through animation, we’d love for you to apply!

Responsibilities:

1. Lead and develop a team of skilled external animators, working closely with our co-development partner, guiding animators across different time zones to drive creative alignment and ensure the delivery of high-quality animation assets.
2. Deliver engaging combat and traversal animations in collaboration with gameplay designers and engineers.
3. Set and manage animation goals, aligning deliverables with project milestones and deadlines.
4. Utilize the animation team's diverse strengths to produce superior quality animations.
5. Promote team growth and morale through regular individual meetings, feedback sessions, and mentorship opportunities.
6. Foster a positive, collaborative team environment that values open communication and constructive feedback.
7. Develop and maintain a modern animation workflow aligned with our Unreal Editor development environment to enhance team productivity and reduce iteration time.
8. Document and manage animation tasks and processes.
9. Guide animators across various styles, ensuring a consistent animation approach throughout the project.
10. Review external animation vendors, as needed.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Experience in a leadership role within animation (Director, Lead, or Principal Animator) in the game development industry, particularly for high-fidelity action-adventure games.
2. Demonstrated leadership abilities with a track record of nurturing and developing animation talent.
3. In-depth understanding of gameplay systems, including weapon, traversal, melee, and ranged combat animations, especially from a 3rd person perspective.
4. Expertise in animation graphs, animation blending, and node-based animation editors.
5. Proficiency in Motion Capture and real-time game engines/editors.
6. A collaborative mindset, particularly when working with co-development design and engineering teams.
7. Willing and able to work with co-dev teams in EU.
8. Examples of relevant work (demo reel, portfolio, contributions to shipped titles). An ideal reel will include realistic animations demonstrating your skills in character movement, combat animations, and cutscene transitions, with a breakdown sheet detailing your contributions.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience with Unreal Engine and Unreal Engine Animation Tools.
2. Experience with Metahuman Animation Tools.

Additional Assets:

1. Shipped 1+ AAA or relevant AA title.
2. Experience directing motion capture shoots for gameplay and cinematic performances.
3. Experience with creature animation and working within an existing IP.

Compensation:

The pay range for this role includes the annual base salary, excluding bonuses, along with a comprehensive benefits package. Compensation varies based on location, skills, experience, and education.

United States: $115,000 — $166,000 USD

Canada: $110,000 — $148,000 CAD

Additional Information:

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Our company is committed to preventing scams; all legitimate communication will come from official Crystal Dynamics email addresses. For more info on avoiding scams, visit our help page or the FTC website.

Crystal Dynamics is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to diversity and inclusion. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. By applying, you acknowledge having read our Privacy Notice.