Staff Gameplay Animator
$144K - $217K/yr
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 ...
Staff Gameplay Animator
$144K - $217K/yr
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 ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA Ā· On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of animators who are tasked with breathing life into the world of BioShock. You will be responsible for ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA Ā· On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of animators who are tasked with breathing life into the world of BioShock. You will be responsible for ...
Staff Gameplay Animator
OR Ā· On-site +1
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 ...
Staff Gameplay Animator
OR Ā· On-site +1
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 ...
Principal Gameplay Animator
Santa Monica, CA Ā· On-site
$150K - $175K/yr
Summary We are looking for a Principal Gameplay Animator to help define and deliver the animation quality, style, and feel of our AAA open world action-adventure game. As a creative and technical ...
Principal Gameplay Animator
Santa Monica, CA Ā· On-site
$150K - $175K/yr
Summary We are looking for a Principal Gameplay Animator to help define and deliver the animation quality, style, and feel of our AAA open world action-adventure game. As a creative and technical ...
Principal Gameplay Animator
Santa Monica, CA Ā· On-site +1
$150K - $175K/yr
Summary We are looking for a Principal Gameplay Animator to help define and deliver the animation quality, style, and feel of our AAA open world action-adventure game. As a creative and technical ...
Principal Gameplay Animator
Santa Monica, CA Ā· On-site +1
$150K - $175K/yr
Summary We are looking for a Principal Gameplay Animator to help define and deliver the animation quality, style, and feel of our AAA open world action-adventure game. As a creative and technical ...
Staff Gameplay Animator
Cheyenne, WY Ā· On-site +1
$144K - $217K/yr
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 ...
Staff Gameplay Animator
Cheyenne, WY Ā· On-site +1
$144K - $217K/yr
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 ...
Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)
OR Ā· On-site +1
$105K - $120K/yr
Insomniac Games is looking for a new Senior Gameplay Animator. The Senior Gameplay Animator is responsible for creating gameplay animation at the highest quality level set by Lead Animators and ...
Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)
OR Ā· On-site +1
$105K - $120K/yr
Insomniac Games is looking for a new Senior Gameplay Animator. The Senior Gameplay Animator is responsible for creating gameplay animation at the highest quality level set by Lead Animators and ...
As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation discipline grows. You'll set vision, mentor artists, evolve pipelines, and hold the quality bar high for a ...
As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation discipline grows. You'll set vision, mentor artists, evolve pipelines, and hold the quality bar high for a ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA Ā· On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of animators who are tasked with breathing life into the world of BioShock. You will be responsible for ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA Ā· On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of animators who are tasked with breathing life into the world of BioShock. You will be responsible for ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Orange, CA Ā· On-site
$88K - $120K/yr
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
Senior Gameplay Animator
Orange, CA Ā· On-site
$88K - $120K/yr
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
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA Ā· On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of animators who are tasked with breathing life into the world of BioShock. You will be responsible for ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA Ā· On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of animators who are tasked with breathing life into the world of BioShock. You will be responsible for ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Orange, CA Ā· On-site
$88K - $120K/yr
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
Quick apply
Senior Gameplay Animator
Orange, CA Ā· On-site
$88K - $120K/yr
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
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA Ā· On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of animators who are tasked with breathing life into the world of BioShock. You will be responsible for ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA Ā· On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of animators who are tasked with breathing life into the world of BioShock. You will be responsible for ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Orange, CA Ā· On-site
$88K - $120K/yr
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
Senior Gameplay Animator
Orange, CA Ā· On-site
$88K - $120K/yr
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
Lead Gameplay Animator
Irvine, CA Ā· On-site +1
As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation discipline grows. You'll set vision, mentor artists, evolve pipelines, and hold the quality bar high for a ...
Lead Gameplay Animator
Irvine, CA Ā· On-site +1
As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation discipline grows. You'll set vision, mentor artists, evolve pipelines, and hold the quality bar high for a ...
Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)
$76.92 - $86.06/hr
The Senior Gameplay Animator is responsible for creating gameplay animation at the highest quality level set by Lead Animators and Animation Directors. They collaborate closely with other disciplines ...
Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)
$76.92 - $86.06/hr
The Senior Gameplay Animator is responsible for creating gameplay animation at the highest quality level set by Lead Animators and Animation Directors. They collaborate closely with other disciplines ...
Senior Technical Gameplay Animator
Santa Monica, CA Ā· On-site
$119K - $135K/yr
Work with the animation leadership on defining and maintaining the style and quality bar of the in-game animation * Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze ...
Senior Technical Gameplay Animator
Santa Monica, CA Ā· On-site
$119K - $135K/yr
Work with the animation leadership on defining and maintaining the style and quality bar of the in-game animation * Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze ...
Senior Technical Gameplay Animator
$119K - $135K/yr
Work with the animation leadership on defining and maintaining the style and quality bar of the in-game animation * Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze ...
Senior Technical Gameplay Animator
$119K - $135K/yr
Work with the animation leadership on defining and maintaining the style and quality bar of the in-game animation * Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Brooklyn, NY Ā· On-site +1
$80K - $100K/yr
Work With Us on Project Dāāāā We are looking for an experienced and talented Senior Gameplay Animator to join the development effort on our exciting new game "Project D." The project is a ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Brooklyn, NY Ā· On-site +1
$80K - $100K/yr
Work With Us on Project Dāāāā We are looking for an experienced and talented Senior Gameplay Animator to join the development effort on our exciting new game "Project D." The project is a ...
Senior Technical Gameplay Animator
Santa Monica, CA Ā· On-site
$126K - $227K/yr
Work with the animation leadership on defining and maintaining the style and quality bar of the in-game animation * Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze ...
Senior Technical Gameplay Animator
Santa Monica, CA Ā· On-site
$126K - $227K/yr
Work with the animation leadership on defining and maintaining the style and quality bar of the in-game animation * Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze ...
Gameplay Animator information
See salary details
$15.67 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$10.58 - $16
27% of jobs
$16 - $21.42
0% of jobs
$21.42 - $26.84
19% of jobs
The median wage is $28.50 / hr.
$26.84 - $32.26
14% of jobs
$32.26 - $37.67
4% of jobs
$37.67 - $43.09
0% of jobs
$43.09 - $48.51
0% of jobs
$48.51 - $53.93
0% of jobs
$59.11 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$53.93 - $59.35
12% of jobs
$59.35 - $64.77
6% of jobs
$64.77 - $70.19
18% of jobs
$10
$39
$70
How much do gameplay animator jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for gameplay 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 gameplay animator?
A Gameplay Animator is responsible for creating dynamic, high-quality animations that bring characters and objects to life in a video game. They focus on movement, behavior, and responsiveness, ensuring smooth and immersive player interactions. Using keyframe animation or motion capture, they collaborate with designers and programmers to refine animations for realism and gameplay needs. Their work enhances the overall feel and fluidity of a game, making characters and environments more engaging.
What does the collaboration process look like for a gameplay animator within a game development team?
Gameplay Animators typically work closely with game designers, programmers, and artists to ensure animations enhance the overall gameplay experience. This often involves regular team meetings, rapid iteration based on feedback, and consistent communication to align animation with game mechanics and narrative. You may be involved in playtesting and troubleshooting animation issues to ensure smooth transitions and responsiveness. Effective collaboration is key, as your work directly influences both the look and feel of the game for players. This collaborative environment not only enhances the final product but also provides valuable learning and networking opportunities for career growth.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the gameplay animator position, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Gameplay Animator, you need strong animation fundamentals, experience with character rigging, and a solid understanding of movement and timing, which are typically supported by a relevant degree or portfolio work. Proficiency in technical tools such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, or Unity is essential, and familiarity with game development pipelines is highly valued. Creativity, teamwork, and the ability to take and give feedback are key soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure engaging animation that integrates seamlessly with gameplay, contributing to an immersive and responsive player experience.
More about Gameplay Animator jobs
What cities are hiring for Gameplay Animator jobs?
Cities with the most Gameplay Animator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Animator jobs?
The most popular types of Gameplay Animator jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Gameplay Animator jobs?
The top employers for Gameplay Animator jobs are:
What states have the most Gameplay Animator jobs?
States with the most job openings for Gameplay Animator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Gameplay Animator jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Gameplay Animator jobs are:
$144K - $217K/yr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO
Posted 17 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
REQUIRED SKILLS
NICE TO HAVE SKILLS
At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role's base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.
Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
In addition, this role is eligible for SIE's top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click here to learn more.
This is a flexible role that can be remote, with varying pay ranges based on geographic location. For example, if you are based out of Seattle, the estimated base pay range for this role is listed below.
$144,000-$217,000 USD
Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.
Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your data protection rights.
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
At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role's base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.
Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
In addition, this role is eligible for SIE's top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click here to learn more.
This is a flexible role that can be remote, with varying pay ranges based on geographic location. For example, if you are based out of Seattle, the estimated base pay range for this role is listed below.
$144,000-$217,000 USD
Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.
Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your data protection rights.