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Full Time Gameplay Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · Remote

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

New

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

New

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

New

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

New

Jam City

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA

$90K - $110K/yr

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the ... Only applies to full-time positions. We are currently looking for a talented Technical Animator to ...

Jam City

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the ... Only applies to full-time positions. We are currently looking for a talented Technical Animator to ...

Jam City

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the ... Only applies to full-time positions. We are currently looking for a talented Technical Animator to ...

New

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay. * Implement ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay. * Implement ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay. * Implement ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay. * Implement ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

Design Works Gaming

Animator

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

Scottsdale, AZ Job Type: Full Time No C2C or Third Parties. Must be local to U.S. Sponsorship for ... Design Works Gaming is looking for an experienced and determined Animator to join our Art ...

Design Works Studios LLC

Animator

Scottsdale, AZ · Hybrid

Scottsdale, AZ Job Type: Full Time No C2C or Third Parties. Must be local to U.S. Sponsorship for ... Design Works Gaming is looking for an experienced and determined Animator to join our Art ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator II

Reno, NV · Hybrid

$110K - $135K/yr

... Full-time position Work setup: Hybrid in Reno, NV What You Will Do As Animator, you will create dynamic 2D animations for characters, environments, and special effects, bringing games to life with ...

New

Design Works Studios LLC

Animator

Scottsdale, AZ · Hybrid

Scottsdale, AZ Job Type: Full Time No C2C or Third Parties. Must be local to U.S. Sponsorship for ... Design Works Gaming is looking for an experienced and determined Animator to join our Art ...

Jobgether

$100K - $131K/yr

You will create polished, expressive animation for characters, creatures, and gameplay assets ... Benefits * Full-time opportunity within a globally distributed, remote team. * Opportunity to ...

IGT

Animator II

Reno, NV · Hybrid

$110K - $135K/yr

... Full-time position Work setup: Hybrid in Reno, NV What You Will Do As Animator, you will create dynamic 2D animations for characters, environments, and special effects, bringing games to life with ...

New

Holospark

Work directly with game designers, animators, and other engineers to deliver state-of-the-art ... FULL_TIME

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Full Time Gameplay Animator information

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How much do full time gameplay animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time gameplay 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 full time gameplay animator?

Full Time Gameplay Animators are professionals in the video game industry who specialize in creating and implementing character and object animations that respond dynamically to player input. They work closely with game designers, programmers, and artists to ensure that movement, actions, and interactions are smooth, realistic, and engaging. Their role involves both artistic and technical skills, using animation software and game engines to bring life to characters and environments. Full time gameplay animators are typically employed by game studios and work on projects from early development through to final polish.

How does a full time gameplay animator typically collaborate with game designers and programmers throughout a project?

As a Full Time Gameplay Animator, you'll work closely with game designers to understand the vision for character movement and gameplay mechanics. You'll also collaborate frequently with programmers to integrate your animations into the game engine, ensuring smooth transitions and responsiveness. Regular meetings and iterative feedback sessions are common, allowing for adjustments that improve both visual quality and gameplay feel. This collaborative environment helps ensure that animations support and enhance the overall player experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time gameplay animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Gameplay Animator, you need a solid foundation in character animation principles, a relevant degree or equivalent experience, and a strong portfolio showcasing your work. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Maya, MotionBuilder, Unreal Engine, and experience with rigging and motion capture systems are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, collaboration, and effective communication are vital soft skills that help animators bring characters and actions to life while working within a team. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality, immersive gameplay experiences that meet both artistic and technical standards.

What is the difference between Full Time Gameplay Animator vs Character Animator?

AspectFull Time Gameplay AnimatorCharacter Animator
Required SkillsAnimation, game engines, scripting basicsAnimation, character rigging, motion capture
Work EnvironmentVideo game studios, interactive mediaAnimation studios, film, TV, gaming
Industry UsagePrimarily in game developmentFilm, TV, gaming, advertising

While both roles involve animation skills, a Full Time Gameplay Animator specializes in creating animated sequences for interactive gameplay within video games, focusing on character movement and mechanics. A Character Animator, on the other hand, often works on bringing characters to life in films, TV, or cutscenes, emphasizing realistic or stylized character performances. The roles overlap in animation techniques but differ in application and environment.

Are full time gameplay animators in demand?

Full time gameplay animators are in demand due to the growing popularity of video games and the need for high-quality character movement and visual effects. Skills in animation software like Maya or Blender, along with understanding of game engines such as Unity or Unreal, enhance employability in this field.

What cities are hiring for Full Time Gameplay Animator jobs?

Cities with the most Full Time Gameplay Animator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Animator jobs?

The most popular types of Gameplay Animator jobs are:

What states have the most Full Time Gameplay Animator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Full Time Gameplay Animator jobs include:

Full Time Gameplay Animator jobs near you

Principal Gameplay Animator

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 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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