Lead Gameplay Animator

Summary

Join Crystal Dynamics as a Lead Gameplay Animator to spearhead animation efforts, playing an integral role in creating unforgettable animation sequences. Lead and develop a team of external animators, collaborating with co-development partners across different time zones. Deliver engaging combat and traversal animations, set animation goals aligned with project milestones, and utilize team strengths to produce superior quality animations. Foster a positive team environment, develop a modern animation workflow, and document animation tasks and processes. Guide animators across various styles, ensuring a consistent approach, and review external animation vendors as needed. This role requires leadership experience in game development animation, demonstrated leadership abilities, in-depth understanding of gameplay systems, expertise in animation techniques, proficiency in motion capture and real-time engines, and a collaborative mindset.

Requirements

• Experience in a leadership role within animation (Director, Lead, or Principal Animator) in the game development industry, particularly for high-fidelity action-adventure games
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with a track record of nurturing and developing animation talent
• In-depth understanding of gameplay systems, including weapon, traversal, melee, and ranged combat animations, especially from a 3rd person perspective
• Expertise in animation graphs, animation blending, and node-based animation editors
• Proficiency in Motion Capture and real-time game engines / editors
• A collaborative mindset, particularly when working with co-development design and engineering teams
• Willing and able to work with co-dev teams in EU
• Examples of relevant work (i.e., demo reel, portfolio, or contributions to shipped title)

Responsibilities

• 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
• Deliver engaging combat and traversal animations in collaboration with gameplay designers and engineers
• Set and manage animation goals, aligning deliverables with project milestones and deadlines
• Utilize the animation team's diverse strengths to produce superior quality animations
• Promote team growth and morale through regular individual meetings, feedback sessions, and mentorship opportunities
• Foster a positive, collaborative team environment that values open communication and constructive feedback
• Develop and maintain a modern animation workflow aligned with our Unreal Editor development environment to enhance team productivity and reduce iteration time
• Document and manage animation tasks and processes
• Guide animators across various styles, ensuring a consistent animation approach throughout the project
• Review external animation vendors, as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Unreal Engine
• Experience with Unreal Engine Animation Tools
• Experience with Metahuman Animation Tools
• Shipped 1+ AAA or relevant AA title
• Experience directing motion capture shoots for both gameplay and cinematic per formances
• Experience with creature animation
• Experience working within an existing IP

Benefits

• 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 when the studio is closed for holiday break
• Ability to accrue additional paid time-off