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Director Gaming Animation 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 ... Self-directed and independent worker Major Plus: * Excellent hand-keyed facial animation

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 ... Self-directed and independent worker Major Plus: * Excellent hand-keyed facial animation

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

... animation director's vision for the project. * Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate animations into the game. * Problem-solve, debug, and optimize animations to ensure smooth ...

New

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

... animation director's vision for the project. * Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate animations into the game. * Problem-solve, debug, and optimize animations to ensure smooth ...

New

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

Push for animation excellence while always putting gameplay quality first. * Thrive in tight-knit, highly collaborative teams and communicate clearly across disciplines. * Are self-directed ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA

Push for animation excellence while always putting gameplay quality first. * Thrive in tight-knit, highly collaborative teams and communicate clearly across disciplines. * Are self-directed ...

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Gameplay Animator (Locomotion)

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$115K - $131K/yr

... direct from our team members! CD PROJEKT RED is looking for a Senior Gameplay Animator with a focus ... Partner with the Animation Lead and key stakeholders to align animation quality, style, and ...

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Animation Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$118K - $217K/yr

... direct from our team members! CD PROJEKT RED is looking for a Senior Animation Programmer to join our development efforts on Cyberpunk 2, the next mainline Cyberpunk 2077 game. The Senior Animation ...

Epic Games

Character Animation Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for a Character Animation Director to join our Special Projects team to help drive the vision and execution of character animation across experimental and ...

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Animation Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$118K - $217K/yr

... direct from our team members! CD PROJEKT RED is looking for a Senior Animation Programmer to join our development efforts on Cyberpunk 2, the next mainline Cyberpunk 2077 game. The Senior Animation ...

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Animation Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

... direct from our team members! CD PROJEKT RED is looking for a Senior Animation Programmer to join our development efforts on Cyberpunk 2, the next mainline Cyberpunk 2077 game. The Senior Animation ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

Escalate issues to the Animation Director when artistic decisions or direction are needed. What Will Make You a Great Fit: * 6-8+ years of experience in game development, including at least one ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

Escalate issues to the Animation Director when artistic decisions or direction are needed. What Will Make You a Great Fit: * 6-8+ years of experience in game development, including at least one ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Escalate issues to the Animation Director when artistic decisions or direction are needed. What Will Make You a Great Fit: * 6-8+ years of experience in game development, including at least one ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Escalate issues to the Animation Director when artistic decisions or direction are needed. What Will Make You a Great Fit: * 6-8+ years of experience in game development, including at least one ...

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Director Gaming Animation information

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$11K

$172.5K

How much do director gaming animation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for director gaming animation in the United States is $171,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $171,000.00 and $171,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Gaming Animation, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Gaming Animation, you need expertise in animation principles, team leadership, and a background in computer graphics or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and industry experience. Mastery of animation software such as Maya, 3ds Max, and game engines like Unreal or Unity, along with familiarity with motion capture technology, is typically required. Outstanding creative vision, communication, and project management skills help inspire teams and ensure cohesive storytelling. These competencies are vital for delivering visually compelling, high-quality animations that enhance gameplay and meet production deadlines.

What does a Director of Gaming Animation do?

A Director of Gaming Animation leads the animation team in creating dynamic and engaging visuals for video games. They are responsible for setting the artistic vision, overseeing animation pipelines, and ensuring characters, environments, and effects move fluidly and realistically. The director collaborates closely with other departments such as game design, art, and programming to achieve a cohesive look and feel. They also mentor animators, review work, and help resolve technical or creative challenges throughout production.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Gaming Animation, and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Gaming Animation often faces challenges such as aligning creative vision across diverse teams, managing tight production schedules, and ensuring high-quality output within technical constraints. To address these, strong communication and leadership skills are essential for bridging gaps between animators, game designers, and programmers. Additionally, staying up-to-date with the latest animation tools and industry trends helps maintain efficiency and innovation. Regular team check-ins and clear project milestones can also help keep everyone on track and motivated.
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Director Gaming Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Gaming Animation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 48% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 51% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,000 per year, or $82.2 per hour.

Senior Gaming Animator

Ten4

Redwood City, CA • On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Here at Ten4, there's a core focus on Creative Services. By only recruiting for Digital Creatives we can give the best attention and satisfaction to both the clients and the candidates. Being a niche company provides the ability to source top notch candidates and to make the best connections possible. Ten4 works with some of the best ad agencies, start-ups, production studios, and video game shops.
Job Description
  • Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand-keyed work will fit seamlessly with motion capture
  • Join forces with designers and engineers to create characters that are expressive and that still work with player control and AI
  • Design hand-keyed animation with a highly intuitive and developed understanding of body mechanics, force, balance, timing, and believability
  • Use motion capture, video, and thumbnail sketches as reference for your process
  • Prototype gameplay by blocking animation quickly; when ideas are proven, polish animations to a high level
  • Provide thoughtful feedback to team members and be open to critique
  • Create multiplayer characters and AI that execute believable and memorable performances

Qualifications
  • 5+ years in game development with at least 2 shipped games
  • Experience OR interest in PC multiplayer games
  • Experience with in-game animation and Maya
  • College/University Degree in Character Animation or similar
  • Full comprehension of camera, layout, and stagingS
  • Self-directed and independent worker

Major Plus:
  • Excellent hand-keyed facial animation
  • Motionbuilder and Unreal Engine experience
  • First-person animations experience
  • strong design eye
  • Strong knowledge of cinematography, editing, and story development
  • Experience creating state machines and controller schemes

Additional Information
Benefits and Perks:
  • Competitive Salary with Stock Options
  • An open/unlimited Paid Time Off and Vacation Policy
  • Great medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and dependents covered at 80% and company paid One Medical Group membership on top of your medical plan
  • Team lunch outings covered by company

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