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Game Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

teamLFG

Staff Gameplay Animator

$144K - $217K/yr

RESPONSIBILITIES Create high-quality animation content and implement it in a game engine with minimal oversight * Collaborate with Design to create compelling player experiences * Assume primary ...

Epic Games

Senior Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

$98K - $112K/yr

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for a Senior Technical Designer in Animation (TDiA) to join ... our team working across various animation systems. As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

... animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features.

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

... animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features.

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for a Technical Designer in Animation (TDiA) to join our team ... working across various animation systems. As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and ...

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 ...

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 ...

Jam City

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA

$90K - $110K/yr

You will work alongside our world-class animation team to create intuitive rigs and visually stunning animations for our upcoming and live games! **In order to be considered, you MUST provide us with ...

Jam City

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA

$90K - $110K/yr

You will work alongside our world-class animation team to create intuitive rigs and visually stunning animations for our upcoming and live games! **In order to be considered, you MUST provide us with ...

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Game Animation information

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$47K

$156K

How much do game animation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for game animation in the United States is $149,118.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $155,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game animation?

A Game Animation job involves creating the movement and behavior of characters, creatures, and objects in video games. Animators use software like Maya, Blender, or Unity to bring life to models through keyframe animation or motion capture techniques. They work closely with designers, artists, and programmers to ensure animations are smooth, realistic, and enhance gameplay. Strong knowledge of timing, weight, and fluid motion is essential for making animations feel natural and immersive.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in game animation?

A typical day for a Game Animator involves creating and refining character and object animations, collaborating with game designers and programmers to ensure animations integrate smoothly into the game engine, and reviewing feedback to make necessary adjustments. Animators often attend team meetings to discuss project goals, sync up with other departments, and troubleshoot animation issues as they arise. Depending on the studio, you may also be involved in motion capture sessions or prototyping new animation systems. This role requires a balance of technical skill and creative input, making teamwork and adaptability especially important in fast-paced development cycles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in game animation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Game Animation, you need a strong understanding of animation principles, character rigging, and a solid portfolio demonstrating your artistic and technical abilities. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is typically required. Soft skills like creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are highly valued for collaborating with designers and developers. These skills are crucial for bringing characters and worlds to life, ensuring animations meet the visual and interactive needs of modern video games.

Are game animators in demand?

Game animators are in high demand due to the growing popularity of video games and the need for realistic and engaging character movements. Skills in animation software like Maya or Blender, along with a strong portfolio, can improve job prospects in this competitive field.

How much do game animators make?

Game animators typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level animators may start around $40,000, while senior roles or those with specialized skills in tools like Maya or Blender can earn over $100,000. Salaries can also vary based on whether they work for large studios or indie developers.

How to become a game animator?

To become a game animator, you typically need a bachelor's degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field, along with strong skills in animation software such as Maya or Blender. Building a portfolio of animated work and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions are important steps in entering the industry.

What does a game animator do?

A game animator creates and manipulates visual movements of characters, objects, and environments in video games. They use animation software and work closely with designers and programmers to ensure smooth, realistic motion that enhances gameplay and storytelling.
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Cities with the most Game Animation job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Animation jobs?

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Game Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Animation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,118 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

Staff Gameplay Animator

OR • On-site, Remote

teamLFG
See more jobs at teamLFGexternal

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Are you on a mission to create games that bond players together into deeply invested communities? Would you like to work on something comedic with lighthearted and whimsical characters? Do you think a lot about how well-crafted animations create satisfying feedback for players, or how to achieve quality character animation within real time constraints? Come join us at teamLFG!

We are looking for someone that is excited about the creative art of animation and the technical challenge of turning that animation into world class action gameplay. As a Staff Animator on teamLFG, you will be involved in all stages of gameplay animation from the initial concept of character movement to the creation of final animation. Most importantly, you will work with a fun, diverse, cross-discipline team devoted to building a new universe from scratch on a new franchise at PlayStation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Create high-quality animation content and implement it in a game engine with minimal oversight

  • Collaborate with Design to create compelling player experiences
  • Assume primary ownership of broad character animation deliverables, including locomotion, abilities, interactions, and emotes
  • Mentor other animators about animation style and implementation
  • Collaborate with production to cost out animation work and deliver animation on schedule
  • Collaborate with Art Direction and Animation Leadership to set Animation Style and Quality bars
  • Document animation workflows and best practices

REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Ability to keyframe stylized gameplay animation, as shown by examples of professional or personal work
  • Extensive experience with character animation in Maya
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work well in a team environment
  • Experience with animation systems in Unreal Engine
  • A strong command of animation principles and the ability to apply them within a player experience focused game
  • Ability to problem-solve and drive creative solutions when given ambiguous problems

NICE TO HAVE SKILLS

  • Fighting game animation experience
  • Experience animating to a MOBA style camera
  • Live Service game animation experience

Apply