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Game Animation Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Gameplay Animator (Locomotion)

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$115K - $131K/yr

... game. As a hands-on individual contributor, you will define the look and feel of player and NPC locomotion-from grounded movement to cybernetically motivated actions-for a high-quality animation ...

Roberts Recruiting, LLC

SDK Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

... game AI, 3D engines, WebGL, scripting systems, tools programming, CMS, animation tools, data visualization Preferred : • Experience with TypeScript and C++ • Experience with Pixi.js, React.js ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Somerville, MA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Lowell, MA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Lynn, MA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Waltham, MA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Quincy, MA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Waltham, MA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Lowell, MA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Quincy, MA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Lynn, MA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

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All JobsGame Animation JobsGame Animation Jobs in Boston, MA

Game Animation information

See Boston, MA salary details

$51.1K

$169.5K

How much do game animation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for game animation in Boston, MA is $161,993.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $168,400.00 and $168,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the salary of a game animator?

The average salary of a game animator in the industry typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced animators with specialized skills or working at major studios can earn higher salaries. Knowledge of animation software like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Game Animation position, 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.

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 establishing a career in game animation.

Are game animators in demand?

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

What is a Game Animation job?

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.

How much does a game animator make?

The average salary for a game animator varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level animators may earn around $40,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn over $100,000. Proficiency in animation software like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

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 popular job titles related to Game Animation jobs in Boston, MA? For Game Animation jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Animation jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Game Animation jobs in Boston, MA are:
Game Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Animation job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 66% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 31% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,002 per year, or $77.9 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Animator (Locomotion)

CD PROJEKT RED

Boston, MA • On-site

$115K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Company Description
To create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs which go straight to the hearts of gamers - this is our mission. Want to dive deeper into our company's culture? Explore our social media and check out our YouTube channel and Beyond the Game Blog where we share behind-the-scenes insights and stories direct from our team members!
Job Description
CD PROJEKT RED is looking for a Senior Gameplay Animator with a focus on locomotion to join our Boston hub and the team working on Cyberpunk 2, the next mainline Cyberpunk 2077 game.
As a hands-on individual contributor, you will define the look and feel of player and NPC locomotion-from grounded movement to cybernetically motivated actions-for a high-quality animation experience. You will work from previsualization and prototyping through final in-engine implementation, collaborating with Art, Design, Technical Animation, and Engineering. Your goal will be to ensure animation content and runtime systems deliver a responsive, readable, and compelling player experience, setting the quality bar and best practices for locomotion animation across gameplay.
Daily Responsibilities:
  • Drive locomotion animation quality for player and NPC movement across gameplay states and contexts.
  • Partner with the Animation Lead and key stakeholders to align animation quality, style, and execution with the project's aesthetic goals, gameplay pillars, and overall player experience.
  • Collaborate daily within a cross-disciplinary team to define gameplay experiential goals and deliver features from concept through final implementation.
  • Create pre-visualizations and prototypes to assist in communication and development.
  • Create high-quality finished animation using hand-keyed, procedurally generated animation, and motion capture techniques to achieve seamless, expressive, reactive movement.
  • Implement and iterate within Unreal Engine to ensure locomotion animation feels responsive, readable, and polished in real-time gameplay.
  • Research, explore and advocate new techniques, systems, and workflows to improve animation quality, efficiency, and support evolving gameplay and previsualization needs.
  • Curate motion capture shot list and provide performance direction, preparing locomotion patterns and reference videos, and assisting on-stage as necessary.
  • Provide clear feedback and animation insight during reviews and collaborations, helping raise quality.
  • Provide mentorship, inspiration, and support to early-career animators through feedback, collaboration, and example.

Qualifications
  • 5+ years of professional experience in gameplay animation development with major contributions to player locomotion.
  • Experience on a shipped title with extensive 3Cs mechanics.
  • Professional experience developing animation for locomotion in Unreal Engine (or comparable engines), including Animation Blueprints, state machines, animation montages, blend spaces, motion matching, Control Rig, and runtime animation behaviors.
  • Proficient in 3D animation skills using Maya, MotionBuilder, or equivalent DCC tools.
  • Solid animation fundamentals, including weight, timing, posing, and clarity.
  • Ability to author hand-keyed animation and motion capture into compelling performances, refining motion capture to support gameplay dynamics while maintaining the integrity of the source.
  • Deep understanding of body mechanics and physics as they relate to believable character movement and locomotion.
  • Ability to deliver work in accordance with the artistic direction of the project.

Nice to Have:
  • Experience directing motion capture, particularly for motion matching.
  • Experience developing motion-matching locomotion systems.

Candidates should include a portfolio in their application.
Additional Information
The application window for this position will close by 07/30/2026.
This job requires working in Boston, US.
Working mode: in-office in a hybrid or full-time capacity.
Health & Well-being
  • Company paid medical healthcare (dental vision & mental health included).
  • Paid leave - 26 days of vacation, 10 sick days, & 12 calendar holidays per year.
  • No dress-code - we like to keep it casual.
  • 401K with employer matching.
  • Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) - $100 per month to use towards fitness, wellness, internet, home office equipment, learning, streaming services, and more.
  • Menstrual Leave.

Perks & Professional Growth
  • Flexible working hours.
  • Trainings, lectures and courses - internal workshops, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes are all available. There's always something to learn!
  • Merch - regular chances to nab some cool swag!
  • Access to the cafeteria platform.
  • A welcome pack filled with goodies - to help you feel right at home once you join the team.

Life in the Office
  • Dog-friendly office - dog owner? Bring your pooch with you and look after them while working! There's always a furry friend or two to meet at the studio.
  • Truly international working environment - a chance to meet and work with a diverse selection of people from all around the world.

This position is a new role.
Estimated pay range for this position: $95,000 - $174,000 USD annually
At CD PROJEKT RED compensation for our roles in North America are determined based on competitive market data, geographic location, and individual factors tied to business needs. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. Final offers are dependent on job-related factors like experience, qualifications, and location.
If you've observed any irregularities (i.e. legal or ethical violations) in our recruitment process, please click here to report them anonymously.
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Videos To Watch
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