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Gameplay Animator Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Experience: 2+ years of relevant animation experience in gaming. * Technical Skills: Strong portfolio demonstrating skills in performance animation, both body and face. * Proficiency in lip sync ...

Work directly with game designers, animators, and other engineers to deliver state-of-the-art gameplay features. * Integrate with first and third party services to give our players a seamless ...

Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$133K - $219K/yr

The Immersion Systems team is looking for a Software Engineer to help us enhance the animation system for the world's best-selling video game. You will join a team of engineers in Redmond responsible ...

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Gameplay Animator information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12

$44

$79

How much do gameplay animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for gameplay animator in Seattle, WA is $44.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.90 and $72.79 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Animator jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Gameplay Animator jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What job categories do people searching Gameplay Animator jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Gameplay Animator jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Gameplay Animator jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Gameplay Animator job openings:

Infographic showing various Gameplay Animator job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,341 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

CINEMATICS CUTSCENE ANIMATOR

Apex Systems

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Work with a cinematic layout artist to deliver high-quality performances for cinematic cutscenes.

  • Animate using both hand-key techniques and motion capture data.

  • Set up and implement animation files using Unreal, Unreal Sequencer, Autodesk Maya, and the Metahuman Performance Asset auto lip sync tool.


Job description

CINEMATICS ANIMATOR - CutscenesRole Overview

Location: United States (Remote)

Work Type: Contract

We are seeking a Cinematics Animator for a contract role focused on delivering high-quality character and creature acting in cinematic cutscenes. The ideal candidate will work with a cinematic layout artist to create compelling performances through both hand-key animation and motion capture data enhancement.

Key Responsibilities
  • Work with a cinematic layout artist partner to deliver high-quality performances for cinematic cutscenes.
  • Animate using both hand-key techniques and motion capture data.
  • Collaborate with Tech Art, Character, and Creature teams to test rigs.
  • Set up and implement animation files using Unreal, Unreal Sequencer, Autodesk Maya, and the Metahuman Performance Asset auto lip sync tool.
  • Utilize a proprietary Round Trip Tool to assist the layout artist with animation-related issues.
  • Implement feedback from Cinematics management and the Cinematics Animation supervisor.
  • Post captured work for review and contribute input during team meetings.
Required Qualifications
  • Experience: 2+ years of relevant animation experience in gaming.
  • Technical Skills: Strong portfolio demonstrating skills in performance animation, both body and face.
  • Proficiency in lip sync animation.
  • Ability to hand-key animate and enhance motion capture data.
  • Strong skills in Maya.
  • Experience with an auto lip sync tool.
  • Experience in Unreal.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate and take direction from stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of other cinematic-related skills, such as editing, storyboarding, layout, camera, lighting, and audio collaboration.
  • A passion for games, animation, and storytelling.
About Us

Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Benefits Overview
  • Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection.
  • We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure.
  • Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts.
  • In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA.
  • Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach.
Disability Accommodations

If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in an interview with a virtual recruiter or to use our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at accommodations@apexsystems.com or 804-523-8228. Please note that this contact information is strictly to be used for medical ADA accommodations and that no other inquiries will be answered.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.

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