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Contract Video Game Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Ten4 works with some of the best ad agencies, start-ups, production studios, and video game shops. * Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand ...

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA

$129K - $148K/yr

Ten4 works with some of the best ad agencies, start-ups, production studios, and video game shops. * Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

... video game animation. * Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging or prototyping. * Experience working with motion capture data and editing it. * Excellent problem ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

... video game animation. * Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging or prototyping. * Experience working with motion capture data and editing it. * Excellent problem ...

Insomniac Games

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

They collaborate closely with other disciplines to ensure that animations are integrated into the game, supporting the creative, narrative vision, and technical requirements. The Senior Animator ...

Insomniac Games

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

$76.92 - $86.06/hr

They collaborate closely with other disciplines to ensure that animations are integrated into the game, supporting the creative, narrative vision, and technical requirements. The Senior Animator ...

Roblox

3D Animator (Short Term)

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Proven track record creating animations for video games (mobile, PC, or console experience a plus) * Strong sense of timing, weight, anticipation, follow-through, and polish in game animation ...

Roblox

3D Animator (Short Term)

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$9.1K - $11K/mo

Proven track record creating animations for video games (mobile, PC, or console experience a plus) * Strong sense of timing, weight, anticipation, follow-through, and polish in game animation ...

US AI

Contract Animator

Rockville, MD · On-site

... seeking a talented Contract Animator to bring ideas, products, and stories to life through ... Basic understanding of video editing, sound design, or compositing * Experience working from brand ...

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All Jobsfreelance JobsContract Video Game Animator Jobs

Contract Video Game Animator information

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How much do contract video game animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract video game animator in the United States is $39.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $63.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract video game animator?

Contract video game animators are professionals hired on a temporary basis to create and animate characters, objects, and environments for video games. They work closely with game developers, artists, and designers to bring the game's visuals to life, often using specialized animation software. Unlike full-time employees, contract animators are typically brought on for specific projects or periods, offering flexibility to both the animator and the studio. Their work is essential for delivering smooth, engaging gameplay experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract video game animator?

To thrive as a Contract Video Game Animator, you need expertise in 2D/3D animation principles, character rigging, and a strong portfolio showcasing relevant work, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and Adobe Creative Suite is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work independently under tight deadlines are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure high-quality animations that bring game worlds to life and meet the dynamic demands of contract-based game development projects.

What are some common challenges contract video game animators face when working with remote teams?

Contract video game animators working remotely often encounter challenges related to communication and synchronization with the core development team. Since much of the animation process depends on timely feedback and alignment with the game's vision, it's crucial to establish clear channels for sharing work-in-progress and receiving input. Additionally, adapting to varying animation pipelines or software used by different studios can require flexibility and quick learning. Successful contract animators proactively schedule check-ins, clarify expectations early, and stay organized to deliver high-quality work within deadlines.

What is the difference between Contract Video Game Animator vs Contract Character Animator?

AspectContract Video Game AnimatorContract Character Animator
Required SkillsAnimation software, game engine knowledge, 3D modelingAnimation software, character rigging, storytelling
Work EnvironmentGame development studios, freelance projectsAnimation studios, freelance or game projects
Industry UsageVideo game industry, interactive mediaAnimation industry, film and game sectors

Contract Video Game Animators focus on creating animations specifically for video games, often working within game engines and collaborating with developers. Contract Character Animators specialize in bringing characters to life through animation, often working across various media including games and film. While both roles require animation skills and software proficiency, Contract Video Game Animators emphasize in-game integration, whereas Contract Character Animators focus on character performance and storytelling.

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Contract Video Game Animator jobs near you

Principal Gameplay Animator

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

Absurd Ventures
See more jobs at Absurd Venturesexternal

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Summary
We are looking for a Principal Gameplay Animator to help define and deliver the animation quality, style, and feel of our AAA open world action-adventure game. As a creative and technical contributor, you will create exceptional gameplay animations, establish animation standards, and partner closely with Design, Engineering, Art, and Narrative teams to ensure that our animations are fluid, realistic, and enhance the overall gameplay.
This role combines hands-on animation development with leadership through craft. You will be expected to solve complex gameplay animation challenges, mentor other animators, influence animation pipelines and workflows, and help shape the overall player experience through world-class character performance and movement.
Core Responsibilities
  • Create high-quality gameplay animations that establish the visual and gameplay standard for all characters, creatures, and object animations.
  • Drive the development of locomotion, traversal, combat, interaction, and systemic animation content; review animation content and help maintain consistent quality and artistic direction across all gameplay features.
  • Collaborate with the Animation Director to define the animation style and direction.
  • Partner with Design and Engineering teams to implement animation systems that enhance gameplay feel, responsiveness, and player immersion.
  • Work closely with Technical Animation to improve pipelines, tools, and workflows.
  • Help establish efficient workflows that balance visual quality, gameplay requirements, and technical constraints.
  • Provide feedback and mentorship to other animators.
  • Ensure animations meet performance and memory constraints for different platforms.
  • Partner with outsource and co-development teams to review deliverables and ensure quality standards are met.
  • Stay current with industry trends and techniques in animation.

Core Qualifications
  • 7+ years of experience in animation within the video game industry.
  • Proficiency in Maya and other industry-standard animation tools.
  • Multiple shipped AAA titles in a gameplay animation role.
  • Strong understanding of Unreal Engine 5 animation systems, including Animation Blueprints, State Machines, Blend Spaces, Control Rig, and Motion Matching workflows.
  • Strong understanding of anatomy, motion, and weight in animation.
  • Experience with both keyframe animation and motion capture techniques.
  • Proven track record of leading animation teams and delivering high-quality content.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across departments and communicate effectively.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities with a balance of artistic vision and technical execution.
  • Self-motivated, organized, and able to drive complex initiatives with minimal oversight.

Plus if...
  • Experience developing animation systems AAA titles or games with a focus on realistic animation.
  • Experience with creature animation and complex character rigs.
  • Deep knowledge of traversal and combat animation.
  • Experience with motion matching, procedural animation, and physics-driven systems.
  • Experience building or improving animation pipelines and tools.
  • Experience working with external vendors and co-development partners.
  • Passion for open world gameplay, player expression, and immersive character performance.

Description
  • Full-time job with benefits.
  • Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA.
  • Office is located near downtown Santa Monica - near metro and freeways.

The base pay range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) matching to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.

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