Lead Animator

Summary

Join Epoch Games, a volunteer-based, global game development team, as a Lead Animator for our open-world RPG, The Lays of Althas: Sundered Order. Collaborate closely with 3D artists and riggers to animate human and fantastical creatures. Help build and lead a new animation team. This is a long-term volunteer position requiring expertise in 3D character animation, a strong understanding of human and creature anatomy, and proficiency in animation software like Autodesk Maya and Unreal Engine 4. Excellent communication skills and a passion for AAA game development are essential. While experience with rigging, skinning, and Reallusion software is beneficial, it's not mandatory.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of Human anatomy and movement
• Expertise in animating 3D Characters
• Expertise in animating quadrupeds and aerial creatures
• Understanding of traditional animation principles that enhance believable movement
• Experience with non-gaming Non-linear Animation (NLA) systems and/or has animated for games
• Rapid prototyping and turn-around for animations
• Self-motivated and able to troubleshoot technical challenges
• Online communication (English) and Team-collaboration skills
• A passion for animation and a dedication to creating AAA quality games

Responsibilities

• Work closely with 3D Character Artists and our Riggers to Animate Human and realistic (and sometimes Fantastical) Creatures for The Lays of Althas: Sundered Order (LoA:SO)
• Help us in building and leading a new Animation Team
• Attend weekly team meetings and follow team policies

Preferred Qualifications

• Managing and organizing other Animators, and a fair amount of spare-time in order to communicate and manage them
• Creation of 3D Character Skeletons & Rigs
• Skinning (weighting) 3D Human Characters & Clothing/Armor
• Creation of 3D quadruped and aerial creature Skeletons & Rigs
• Skinning (weighting) 3D quadrupeds and aerial creatures
• Reallusion Character Creator 3 (CC3) and iClone 7 experience