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Game Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Insomniac Games

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

They collaborate closely with other disciplines to ensure that animations are integrated into the game, supporting the creative, narrative vision, and technical requirements. The Senior Animator ...

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 ...

Insomniac Games

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

$76.92 - $86.06/hr

They collaborate closely with other disciplines to ensure that animations are integrated into the game, supporting the creative, narrative vision, and technical requirements. The Senior Animator ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate animations into the game. * Problem-solve, debug, and optimize animations to ensure smooth gameplay experiences. * Utilize exceptional knowledge ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Having released our debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, in 2021 this journey is just beginning. We ... As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations.

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA

The game that connected you with friends, and made you feel like you belonged? If a game has ever ... As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate animations into the game. * Problem-solve, debug, and optimize animations to ensure smooth gameplay experiences. * Utilize exceptional knowledge ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Having released our debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, in 2021 this journey is just beginning. We ... As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations.

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Having released our debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, in 2021 this journey is just beginning. We ... As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations.

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

The game that connected you with friends, and made you feel like you belonged? If a game has ever ... As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation ...

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Game Animator information

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How much do game animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for game animator in the United States is $39.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $63.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game animator?

Game animators are professionals who create the movement and behavior of characters, objects, and environments in video games. They use specialized software to design animations that bring digital worlds to life, ensuring that character actions and environmental effects look natural and engaging. Game animators work closely with game designers, artists, and programmers to integrate their animations seamlessly into gameplay. Their work helps enhance storytelling, visual appeal, and the overall player experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Animator, you need a strong background in animation principles, 3D modeling, and an understanding of character movement, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is crucial, and knowledge of scripting languages can be beneficial. Creativity, attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to take feedback are important soft skills that help animators bring characters and environments to life. These skills ensure that animations are visually engaging, technically flawless, and seamlessly integrated into the gameplay experience.

How do game animators typically collaborate with other departments during the development process?

Game Animators work closely with game designers, character artists, and programmers to ensure that animations integrate smoothly into the game engine and support gameplay objectives. They frequently participate in cross-functional meetings to review animation progress, receive feedback, and adjust their work to meet creative and technical requirements. Effective communication is essential, as animators must balance artistic vision with technical constraints and gameplay needs, often iterating on their animations based on feedback from multiple teams.

What is the difference between Game Animator vs Character Animator?

AspectGame AnimatorCharacter Animator
Required CredentialsAnimation degree or related certification, portfolioAnimation degree, portfolio, sometimes specialized in character animation
Work EnvironmentVideo game studios, interactive mediaFilm, TV, video game studios, often focused on character movement
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming industry, working on game assetsIn entertainment industry, focusing on character performance
Common Search & ComparisonGame Animator vs Character Animator

While both roles involve animation skills, a Game Animator specializes in creating animations for video games, including character, environment, and object movements. A Character Animator focuses specifically on bringing characters to life, often in film or TV, but also in games. The main difference lies in the scope and context of their work, with Game Animators working within interactive environments and Character Animators emphasizing performance and storytelling through character movement.

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 lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or working at major studios can earn higher salaries. Proficiency in animation software like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

Is it hard to get hired as a game animator?

Getting hired as a game animator can be competitive, as it requires a strong portfolio demonstrating skills in animation, knowledge of industry-standard tools like Maya or Blender, and often a relevant degree or certification. Building a solid reel and gaining experience through internships or personal projects can improve employment prospects in this field.
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Game Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Animator 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 $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Staff Gameplay Animator

teamLFG

OR • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 20 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

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