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Freelance 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 ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$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

$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 ...

Roblox

3D Animator (Short Term)

San Mateo, CA

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 ...

SSP Video

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NJ Freelance Videographers NEEDED to film High School and Youth Sports

Waldwick, NJ · On-site

$50 - $200/day

... per game Pay increases quickly with performance and reliability Freelance Video Editors Please send reels of your work Looking for editors to make athlete highlight videos (all sports), team ...

Urgent

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Freelance Video Game Animator information

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance 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 does a freelance video game animator do?

A freelance video game animator creates animations for characters, environments, and objects in video games on a contract or project basis. They work with game developers to bring movement and life to the game's visuals using specialized animation software. Freelance animators may handle tasks such as character rigging, motion capture cleanup, and creating cutscenes. Their role often involves collaborating remotely with teams, meeting project deadlines, and adapting to various art styles or game engines.

How do freelance video game animators typically collaborate with development teams remotely?

Freelance video game animators often work closely with game designers, programmers, and art directors through online collaboration tools and regular video conferences. They usually share progress via project management platforms, upload animation drafts to shared drives, and receive feedback asynchronously. Effective communication and responsiveness are key, as animators may need to adjust their work based on evolving game mechanics or artistic direction. Building strong relationships with remote teams can lead to repeat contracts and more creative input over time.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Video Game Animator, you need strong skills in character animation, motion graphics, and a solid understanding of animation principles, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, time management, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for delivering high-quality animations that enhance gameplay and storytelling, while meeting client deadlines in a competitive freelance environment.

What is the difference between Freelance Video Game Animator vs 3D Modeler?

AspectFreelance Video Game Animator3D Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation techniques, storytelling, riggingModeling, texturing, sculpting
Work EnvironmentFreelance, project-based, remote or studioFreelance, studio, or in-house
Industry UsageGame development, animation studiosGame development, animation, product design

Both roles often require proficiency in 3D software and a portfolio. While Freelance Video Game Animators focus on bringing characters and objects to life through movement, 3D Modelers create the visual assets used in games. They often collaborate but serve different functions in the game development process.

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Freelance Video Game Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Video Game Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Principal Gameplay Animator

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 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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