Senior Video Game Animator

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Fully remote

Flexible hours

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Video Game Animator to join a cutting-edge studio. You will create high-fidelity in-game animations, from locomotion to cinematics, and collaborate with designers, artists and programmers to ensure seamless engine integration.

A strong portfolio, 5+ years of industry experience, and proficiency in Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, Unreal Engine, and Unity are required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in video game animation.
• A strong portfolio showcasing diverse animation styles from realistic to stylized.
• Proficiency in industry-standard 3D animation software.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality in-game character and environment animations (locomotion, combat, facial expressions, cinematics).
• Collaborate with art and design teams to establish animation style guides and ensure consistency.
• Rig characters and props, or collaborate with technical animators to define rigging needs.
• Implement animations into the game engine using Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Optimize animations for performance without sacrificing visual quality.
• Provide mentorship to junior animators and troubleshoot animation issues.

Skills

Animation

Portfolio

Remote collaboration

Problem solving

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge game development studio located in Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZA, is seeking a talented and experienced Senior Video Game Animator to join their creative powerhouse. This position offers a fully remote work arrangement, allowing you to contribute your exceptional skills from the comfort of your own home. As a Senior Animator, you will be instrumental in bringing characters, creatures, and environments to life with high-fidelity, engaging animations that define the player experience. You will collaborate closely with game designers, artists, and programmers to ensure seamless integration of animations within the game engine and uphold the artistic vision of our projects. This role demands a deep understanding of animation principles, expertise in industry-standard software, and a passion for creating memorable moments in interactive entertainment. We are looking for a creative force with a strong portfolio showcasing diverse animation styles, from realistic to stylized. Embrace this opportunity to work on ambitious titles and push the boundaries of game animation.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality, in-game character and environment animations, including locomotion, combat, facial expressions, and cinematics.


• Collaborate with the art and design teams to establish animation style guides and ensure artistic consistency.


• Rig characters and props for animation, or work closely with technical animators to define rigging needs.


• Implement animations into the game engine using tools like Unity or Unreal Engine.


• Optimize animations for performance without sacrificing visual quality.


• Provide constructive feedback and mentorship to junior animators.


• Troubleshoot and resolve animation-related issues during development.


• Stay updated on the latest animation techniques, tools, and industry trends.


• Contribute to the overall narrative and emotional impact of the game through compelling animation.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Video Game Animator, with at least 5 years in the industry.


• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional animation skills across various styles and genres.


• Proficiency in 3D animation software such as Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, or equivalent.


• Experience with game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity.


• Solid understanding of animation principles: timing, spacing, weight, anticipation, follow-through.


• Experience with motion capture cleanup and implementation is a plus.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team setting.


• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.


• A passion for video games and a keen eye for detail.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R .


• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.


• Generous paid time off.


• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.


• Access to cutting-edge animation software and hardware.


• Fully remote work environment with flexible hours.


• Chance to work on exciting and innovative game projects.