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Full Time Gameplay Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Templar Media

Lead Gameplay Programmer

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$125K - $139K/yr

Solid understanding of 3D math, physics, animation integration, and player systems. * Proven ... This position is full-time onsite/remote at our studio in Alpharetta, GA.

Cloud Chamber

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

Partner closely with design, engineering, animation, and audio to further the goals of the project ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

2K

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA

$85K - $126K/yr

Partner closely with design, engineering, animation, and audio to further the goals of the project ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

Cloud Chamber

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

Partner closely with design, engineering, animation, and audio to further the goals of the project ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

2K

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

Partner closely with design, engineering, animation, and audio to further the goals of the project ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

Rockstar Games

Design Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

This is a full-time, in-office position based out of Rockstar's NYC headquarters in Downtown ... Professional experience creating motion graphics and animation. * Passionate about video games ...

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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

Lead Gameplay Programmer

Templar Media

Alpharetta, GA • On-site

$125K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

About Templar: As an independent developer and publisher, Templar develops the games that we want, on our own schedule. We are actively staffing up for both in-house game development and supporting published titles. Templar provides a professional yet non-corporate environment where every team member's input and collaboration matters. Based in Alpharetta, GA just north of Atlanta, Templar is in the perfect area for those that enjoy sunny weather and a relatively low cost of living.
About the Role: As a Lead Gameplay Programmer at Templar Media, you'll be responsible for driving the technical vision and execution of gameplay systems across our projects. You'll work closely with design and art leadership to prototype, build, and refine the systems that define how players interact with our worlds.
This role combines hands-on development with mentorship and team coordination; perfect for someone who thrives on solving complex problems, empowering others, and ensuring the gameplay codebase is robust, scalable, and high-performing. The ideal candidate has deep Unreal Engine experience, a love of great gameplay, and a passion for guiding teams toward technical and creative excellence.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead and execute the development of core gameplay systems from concept through launch and live support.
  • Collaborate with design and art teams to define and refine player experiences.
  • Establish best practices for gameplay architecture, performance, and code quality.
  • Provide technical mentorship and guidance to gameplay programmers.
  • Oversee feature implementation, ensuring consistency, scalability, and maintainability.
  • Review and optimize existing code for efficiency, performance, and clarity.
  • Work with production to plan and prioritize gameplay development tasks.
  • Identify technical risks early and propose effective solutions.
  • Contribute to the overall technical roadmap of the project.
  • Foster a collaborative and positive work environment focused on quality and innovation.

Qualifications:
  • 6+ years of professional programming experience, with at least 3 years in gameplay-focused roles.
  • Strong expertise with Unreal Engine 4 or 5, including deep understanding of gameplay frameworks.
  • Proficiency in C++ with strong debugging and optimization skills.
  • Experience shipping at least one AA or AAA title.
  • Solid understanding of 3D math, physics, animation integration, and player systems.
  • Proven ability to architect, implement, and maintain large gameplay systems.
  • Experience mentoring or leading other engineers.
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Passion for collaboration and helping bring creative ideas to life through technology.

Preference to Applicants With:
  • Experience with open-world or co-op game systems.
  • Strong knowledge of Unreal's animation, AI, and input systems.
  • A deeper understanding of game AI and NPC behaviors.
  • Familiarity with mission, quest, or dialogue systems.
  • Experience with combat and stealth mechanics
  • Experience with console development and optimization.
  • Comfort working with complex, legacy, or third-party codebases.
  • A love for games; particularly open-world action-adventure and cooperative experiences.

Templar offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package and a professional but non-corporate environment. This position is full-time onsite/remote at our studio in Alpharetta, GA.

Apply