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Game Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA ยท 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 ...

... game project and relevant animation systems * Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints. * Iterate and refine ...

... game project and relevant animation systems * Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints. * Iterate and refine ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA ยท On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

... game project and relevant animation systems * Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints. * Iterate and refine ...

Inspiring and guiding the animation discipline, setting the creative vision and quality bar for characters and combat in a competitive multiplayer game. * Leading and mentoring a lean animation team ...

Inspiring and guiding the animation discipline, setting the creative vision and quality bar for characters and combat in a competitive multiplayer game. * Leading and mentoring a lean animation team ...

You will be responsible for collaborating and sharing your ideas on animation as well as other aspects of our projects such as gameplay and story. * We will count on you to help us identify needs and ...

Senior Gameplay Animator (Locomotion)

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$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 ...

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for a Character Animation Director to join our Special Projects team to help drive the vision and execution of character animation across experimental and ...

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or cinematic sequences. * Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality ...

Senior Gameplay Animator (Locomotion)

Boston, MA ยท 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 ...

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or cinematic sequences. * Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality ...

Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or cinematic sequences. * Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality ...

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or cinematic sequences. * Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality ...

Gameplay Animator (Senior/Principal)

Irvine, CA ยท On-site +1

$113K - $129K/yr

... the game, systems, and pipelines evolve. WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT YOU BECAUSE YOU: * Have strong experience creating high-quality gameplay animation, ideally across multiple shipped titles. * Are ...

Animator IV

Reno, NV ยท On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

In this senior-level role, you will lead animation efforts from concept to final implementation, establishing the visual tone and quality standards for groundbreaking gaming experiences while ...

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Game Animation information

See salary details

$47K

$156K

How much do game animation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 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 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.

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.

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.

More about Game Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for Game Animation jobs? Cities with the most Game Animation job openings:
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What states have the most Game Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Game Animation jobs include:

Senior Gaming Animator

Ten4

Redwood City, CA โ€ข On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Here at Ten4, there's a core focus on Creative Services. By only recruiting for Digital Creatives we can give the best attention and satisfaction to both the clients and the candidates. Being a niche company provides the ability to source top notch candidates and to make the best connections possible. Ten4 works with some of the best ad agencies, start-ups, production studios, and video game shops.ย 

Job Description
  • Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand-keyed work will fit seamlessly with motion capture
  • Join forces with designers and engineers to create characters that are expressive and that still work with player control and AI
  • Design hand-keyed animation with a highly intuitive and developed understanding of body mechanics, force, balance, timing, and believability
  • Use motion capture, video, and thumbnail sketches as reference for your process
  • Prototype gameplay by blocking animation quickly; when ideas are proven, polish animations to a high level
  • Provide thoughtful feedback to team members and be open to critique
  • Create multiplayer characters and AI that execute believable and memorable performances
Qualifications
  • 5+ years in game development with at least 2 shipped games
  • Experience OR interest in PC multiplayer games
  • Experience with in-game animation andย Maya
  • College/University Degree in Character Animation or similar
  • Full comprehension of camera, layout, and stagingS
  • Self-directed and independent worker

Major Plus:

  • Excellent hand-keyed facial animation
  • Motionbuilder andย Unreal Engine experience
  • First-person animations experience
  • strong design eye
  • Strong knowledge of cinematography, editing, and story development
  • Experience creating state machines and controller schemes
Additional Information

Benefits and Perks:ย 

  • Competitive Salary with Stock Options
  • An open/unlimited Paid Time Off and Vacation Policy
  • Great medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and dependents covered at 80% and company paidย One Medical Groupย membership on top of your medical plan
  • Team lunch outings covered by company