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Game Animation Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Carlost Inc.

Customer Success Manager

New York, NY · On-site

Work with the animation lead on tool, system and game play prototypes. * Collaborate with the Tech Art Team in the development tools that support the animation pipeline. * Collaborate with Design ...

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Game Animation information

See New York salary details

$51.4K

$170.7K

How much do game animation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for game animation in New York is $163,140.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $169,600.00 and $169,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 most commonly searched types of Game Animation jobs in New York?

The most popular types of Game Animation jobs in New York are:

What are popular job titles related to Game Animation jobs in New York?

For Game Animation jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Animation jobs in New York look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Animation jobs in New York are:

Game Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Animation job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 60% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $163,140 per year, or $78.4 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Animator

Half Mermaid Productions

Brooklyn, NY • On-site, Remote

$80K - $100K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Work With Us on Project D████
Job Description
We are looking for an experienced and talented Senior Gameplay Animator to join the development effort on our exciting new game "Project D."
The project is a third person horror game with experimental narrative, a return to the genre that our director, Sam Barlow, previously explored with Silent Hill: Shattered Memories. Candidates with experience of shipping a third person Unreal title on console are preferred. We're combining AAA experience with indie agility to deliver a big, ambitious game and are assembling a small team to make it happen.
This is a long term contract position on a remote team. Candidates in European timezones are preferred. Our studio is based in Brooklyn, NY and occasional travel to New York City may be required.
Applicants from traditionally marginalized identities within the game industry are highly encouraged to apply. Half Mermaid Productions does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.
To apply, please use our Job Application form. Do not email your application, it will not be reviewed if it is not submitted using the Job Application form.
If you have any questions or encounter any issues using our job application form, please email jobs@halfmermaid.co.
Responsibilities
  • Create animations for both grounded, real world human characters and inhuman characters alike
  • Take animations from design spec through key pose to finished animation, creating responsive but authentic motion
  • Collaborate with other departments to implement animations in engine

Skills
Required Skills:
  • Have shipped a character-based game on console
  • High level understanding of combat and grapple animations
  • Fluency in Maya and Unreal Engine 5
  • Strong communication skills, contributing to the productivity and success of working in a remote team environment
  • An appreciation for narrative and psychological horror

Nice-to-Have Skills:
  • Experience working with MGear
  • Proficiency in body and facial rigging
  • Experience with motion capture pipelines and interest in cutting edge technologies to reduce cost and effort for performance capture

Apply