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Game Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$114K - $141K/yr

You'll shape the look, feel, and energy of our games-owning animation from concept to final polish ... while collaborating with a passionate, cross-disciplinary team. What You'll Do * Create high-impact ...

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$114K - $141K/yr

You'll shape the look, feel, and energy of our games-owning animation from concept to final polish ... while collaborating with a passionate, cross-disciplinary team. What You'll Do * Create high-impact ...

Animator (First-Person)

Rockville, MD · On-site

$70K - $155K/yr

Bethesda Game Studios strives to offer its employees a well-balanced home and work life by ... Apply animation principles to create high-quality hand keyed animations, while making any changes ...

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for a Technical Designer in Animation (TDiA) to join our team ... working across various animation systems. As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and ...

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 ...

Senior Animation Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$118K - $217K/yr

Developing gameplay mechanics related to locomotion and animation. * working daily in close collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues, including other engineers, designers, and animators.

Game Designer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$148K/yr

This role is responsible for directing the execution of the vision by game artists, animators and developers. The Game Designer works in a collaborative small team environment with a group of ...

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Game Animator information

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$10

$39

$70

How much do game animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 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.

Are game animators in demand?

Game animators are in demand due to the growing gaming industry and the need for high-quality visual content. Skills in animation software like Maya or Blender and understanding of game engines such as Unity or Unreal are valuable for employment opportunities in this field.

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.

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 you 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 entering the industry.

What are game animators?

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.

How much does a game animator make?

The average salary for a game animator ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Entry-level animators typically earn less, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or working in high-cost areas can earn higher salaries. Proficiency in animation software like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

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 salary of a game animator?

The average salary of a game animator in the United States ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Entry-level positions typically start around $40,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills in tools like Maya or Blender can earn over $100,000 annually.
More about Game Animator jobs
What cities are hiring for Game Animator jobs? Cities with the most Game Animator job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Game Animator jobs? The top employers for Game Animator jobs are:
What states have the most Game Animator jobs? States with the most job openings for Game Animator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Game Animator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 37% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 7% Temporary, 21% Contract, and 7% Summer. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Animator, Gameplay - Temp | Unannounced Game

Animator, Gameplay - Temp | Unannounced Game

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Irvine, CA

$30.47 - $56.35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Team Name:

Unannounced ProjectJob Title:Animator, Gameplay - Temp | Unannounced GameRequisition ID:R027651Job Description:

At Blizzard, we craft genre-defining games and legendary worlds for all to share. Through unparalleled creativity and storytelling, we create immersive universes and iconic characters that are beloved across platforms, borders, backgrounds, and generations - only made possible by building a work environment that nurtures the artistry of game development and unleashes the aspirations of our people.


As an Animator, you'll be animating a diverse range of compelling characters and creatures that support an engaging, dynamic, and satisfying gameplay experience. You'll be working with other artists, designers, and engineers to collaborate on creatively complex assignments to develop an inspiring creative vision, animation style, and production pipeline for this new Blizzard game. Ultimately, you're combining inspiring art with great gameplay while actively communicating and thriving on a small team.


This role is anticipated to be a hybrid work position, with some work on-site and some work-from-home. The potential home studio for this role is Irvine, CA. However, we understand each person's circumstances may be unique and will work with you to explore other possible options, including remote work arrangements.


This is roughly a 5-month temporary position.


Responsibilities

Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

  • Partner with the animation team to help develop a unique animation style and visual direction for the project
  • Collaborate with designers, tech artists, and engineers to integrate the animation assets into the engine, and identify and troubleshoot any technical issues that might arise
  • Partner with engineers and tech artists to help support and develop an effective animation pipeline for prototyping and a rapid iteration mindset for game development

Minimum Requirements


  • 5+ years' animation experience in a professional environment (Game Studio, Animation Studio, or VFX Studio)
  • Strong understanding of the principles of animation and body mechanics
  • Experience animating characters and creatures in Maya (or equivalent 3D programs)
  • Experience with Unreal Engine
  • Strong understanding of human and creature anatomy and a keen eye toward creatively representing their movements in believable ways
  • Experience with creating animation blend trees; previous experience with node-based animation editors

Extra Points


  • Professional experience working on AAA games for major platforms
  • Experience with prototype/quick iteration environments
  • Experience working with motion capture
  • Experience with basic modeling and rigging

Your Platform


Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industry's most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years, with a track record that includes multiple Game of the Year awards. Blizzard Entertainment engages tens of millions of players around the world with titles available on PC via Battle.net, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.


Our World


Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises includingCall of Duty,World of Warcraft,Overwatch,Diablo,Candy Crush andBubble Witch. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet!


Our ability to build immersive and innovate worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered!


The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.


We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.


We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com. General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest.


We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.

Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
  • 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
  • Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
  • If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $30.47 - $56.35 Hourly. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role's range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.

Blizzard Entertainment logo

About Blizzard Entertainment

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blizzard Entertainment is a globally recognized leader in the Digital Gaming industry, renowned for creating some of the world's most popular video games such as "World of Warcraft," "Overwatch," and "Diablo." The company was founded in 1991 and is currently based in Irvine, California, USA. Aside from creating engaging video games, Blizzard Entertainment also develops and supports a wide range of software products within the realm of entertainment. The company prides itself on its commitment to quality, an element that can be recognized in its vast array of legendary games. Notably, its creation, World of Warcraft, remains one of the highest-grossing video games of all time.

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

1991

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