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Contract Game Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nintendo

Animator [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Austin, TX · On-site

You will be responsible for collaborating and sharing your ideas on animation as well as other aspects of our projects such as gameplay and story. * We will count on you to help us identify needs and ...

Nintendo

Animator [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Austin, TX · On-site

You will be responsible for collaborating and sharing your ideas on animation as well as other aspects of our projects such as gameplay and story. * We will count on you to help us identify needs and ...

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$156K

How much do contract game animation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract game animation in the United States is $149,118.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $155,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Game Animation vs Contract 3D Modeler?

AspectContract Game AnimationContract 3D Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation software, storytelling, riggingModeling software, sculpting, texturing
Work EnvironmentGame studios, freelance projectsGame studios, freelance projects
Industry UsageHigh in game development, animation studiosHigh in asset creation, game development

Contract Game Animators focus on creating animated sequences, character movements, and rigging for games, emphasizing storytelling and motion. Contract 3D Modelers specialize in building detailed 3D assets, characters, and environments. While both roles often work within the same industry and environment, their core skills and deliverables differ, with animation centered on movement and modeling on asset creation.

More about Contract Game Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Game Animation jobs? Cities with the most Contract Game Animation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Animation jobs? The most popular types of Game Animation jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Game Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Game Animation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Game Animation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Game Animation jobs are:
Contract Game Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Game Animation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Locum Tenens, 3% Internship, 31% As Needed, 35% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 11% Nights. Highlights an 70% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,118 per year, or $71.7 per hour.
Animator [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Animator [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Nintendo

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Nintendo rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

RETRO STUDIOS:
Founded in 1998, Retro Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., and a powerhouse in game development. Working hand-in-hand with Nintendo, we craft award-winning titles for the company's cutting-edge platforms, blending innovation, artistry, and gameplay excellence.
Our home base is Austin, Texas, a vibrant city known for its creative energy, live music, stunning natural scenery, and forward-thinking culture. With year-round sunshine and endless options for outdoor adventures, Austin offers the perfect backdrop for world-class developers to stay inspired, balanced, and at the top of their game.
Retro Studios is looking for an Animator!
We are looking for someone who is passionate about quality and takes pride in their work. An animator who wants to be part of a creative and collaborative team. Someone who will be thrilled to work on Nintendo's awesome IPs!
We expect our animators to exhibit leadership qualities and encourage involvement and responsibility across wider aspects of the project.
DESCRIPTIONS OF DUTIES:
  • You will implement and maintain animations for a wide range of characters, creatures, bosses, cinematics and pretty much anything that moves.
  • You will be responsible for collaborating and sharing your ideas on animation as well as other aspects of our projects such as gameplay and story.
  • We will count on you to help us identify needs and propose solutions that will improve our production pipeline. We all use "Band-Aid solutions" from time to time, but we love forward thinkers, people who think long term.
  • Your feedback will be greatly appreciated, and you will get plenty of critique from others to help you grow your own skills.
  • You feel comfortable on the technical side of animation deployment. You don't have to be an expert rigger or scripter, but you know how to set up simple characters and are familiar with using a variety of tools to speed up your work process.
  • You are part of a creative team, the process of game making is dynamic, so it is important that you maintain familiarity with the game, the latest changes and updates.
  • You enjoy collaborating with other development disciplines, contributing your expertise and taking advantage of the expertise of others to achieve more together.
  • Did we mention how excited we are that you are considering this position?

*This job description outlines primary duties and requirements and is not intended to identify all tasks that may be performed; individuals occupying the position may be required to perform other duties. The company may modify job duties from time to time, either in practice or in writing.
SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS:
  • Minimum 5 years' experience with in-game and/or cinematic video game animation, including at least 2 full video game production cycles.
  • A robust portfolio that demonstrates a wide range of animation experience.
  • Considerable experience animating in Maya.
  • Undergraduate degree in art related subject or completion of an intensive art training program preferred. Specific experience can be substituted for formal education.
  • Effective written, verbal and interpersonal skills.

Retro Studios is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy, and respect for each

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