ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Game Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · 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 ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

... 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 ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

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 ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA

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 ...

That's No Moon Entertainment

OR · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

The animation will be of the highest quality and in-game functionality. This person will collaborate with other departments and key roles such as the Lead Animator, Camera Layout, Design, Tech Art ...

New

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Gameplay Animator (Locomotion)

Boston, MA · On-site

$115.20K - $131.50K/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 ...

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Gameplay Animator (Locomotion)

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$115.20K - $131.50K/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 ...

Bonfire Studios

Gameplay Animator (Senior/Principal)

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$113.80K - $129.90K/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 ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator IV

Reno, NV

$105.70K - $120.60K/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 ...

Carlost Inc.

Account Manager

Burlingame, CA · 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 ...

Turtle Rock Studios

Technical Animator - Temp

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Join our exceptional development team to help us create industry leading animation and gameplay experiences! This position will report to the Lead Technical Artist. This is a Temporary position with ...

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 ...

Carlost Inc.

Account Manager

Burlingame, CA

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 ...

IGT

Animator IV

Reno, NV

$105.70K - $120.60K/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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsGame Animation Jobs

Game Animation information

See salary details

$47K

$156K

How much do game animation jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 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 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 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 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:
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Animation jobs? The most popular types of Game Animation jobs are:
What states have the most Game Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Game Animation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Game Animation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Game Animation jobs are:
Game Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Animation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 72% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,118 per year, or $71.7 per hour.
Senior Gameplay Animator

Senior Gameplay Animator

Ember Lab

Orange, CA • On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

At Ember Lab, our goal is to create powerful, transformative experiences that impact people for a lifetime. Having released our debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, in 2021 this journey is just beginning. We're looking for collaborative team members who share our passion for storytelling and are eager to help us shape the future of Ember Lab.
We believe a strong, collaborative environment is critical to creating memorable experiences. As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations. You will collaborate across teams to bring these animations and Ember Lab work to life!
Description
  • Create, test, and iterate on gameplay animations related to combat and interactive events
  • Integrate animations into 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 animations based on feedback from team members and playtesting.
  • Attend to bugs related to tasks and maintain relevant animation features
  • Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process.
  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of animations.

Requirements
  • 5+ years of gameplay animation experience
  • Strong skills in animating body mechanics and action
  • Excellent Maya animation skills
  • Proficient with animation systems in UE5
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
  • Shipped 1+ title
  • Unreal Engine 4 or 5 experience

Location
  • In Office

To Apply
  • Please include a portfolio

Compensation Range
The standard annual base salary range for this role in the U.S. is $88,000 - $120,000 USD. Actual pay will vary depending on experience, qualifications, performance and location. The base salary range for locations outside of the U.S. will be adjusted according to location.
At Ember Lab, we like to keep things professional and straightforward when it comes to hiring. All of our recruitment happens through official channels like an Ember Lab email, our recruitment platform BambooHR, or LinkedIn.
If you ever get a message from someone claiming to be us through an unexpected or suspicious platform, it's probably not legit-feel free to ignore it or give us a heads-up at contact@emberlab.com.
We've got your back when it comes to keeping the process safe and secure!

Apply