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Gameplay Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$129.80K - $148.10K/yr

Prototype gameplay by blocking animation quickly; when ideas are proven, polish animations to a high level * Provide thoughtful feedback to team members and be open to critique * Create multiplayer ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator IV

Reno, NV

$105.70K - $120.60K/yr

Overview Step into a lead role within IGT's Vibe Game Studio in Reno, Nevada, as an Animator IV , where your creativity, technical expertise, and artistic vision will help shape both our next ...

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA

$129.80K - $148.10K/yr

Prototype gameplay by blocking animation quickly; when ideas are proven, polish animations to a high level * Provide thoughtful feedback to team members and be open to critique * Create multiplayer ...

Epoch Games

3D Game Animator

Winston Salem, NC

Experience with non-gaming Non-linear Animation (NLA) systems and/or has animated for games * Rapid prototyping and turn-around for animations * Self-motivated and able to troubleshoot animation ...

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 ...

IGT

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site

$105.70K - $120.60K/yr

Overview Step into a lead role within IGT's Vibe Game Studio in Reno, Nevada, as an Animator IV , where your creativity, technical expertise, and artistic vision will help shape both our next ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site

$114.50K - $141.40K/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 ...

Epoch Games

Lead Animator

Winston Salem, NC

Company Description Epoch Games is a volunteer-based, all-online, global game development team. We ... You will also be helping us in building and leading a new Animation Team (although such experience ...

Epoch Games

Lead Animator

Winston Salem, NC · On-site +1

Company Description Epoch Games is a volunteer-based, all-online, global game development team. We ... You will also be helping us in building and leading a new Animation Team (although such experience ...

IGT

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site

$114.50K - $141.40K/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 ...

Valicy

3D Animator

Wilmington, NC

Job Title: 3D Animator Department: NC Art Location: Wilmington, NC Reports To: Art Lead Status ... We make games. We also make the machines they run on. What we're building matters. How we treat ...

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How much do gameplay animator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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 job?

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 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 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.
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What cities are hiring for Gameplay Animator jobs? Cities with the most Gameplay Animator job openings:
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Gameplay Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gameplay Animator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Full Time, 80% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Senior Narrative Gameplay Animator (Project Hire)

That's No Moon Entertainment

Remote

$120K - $145K/yr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

That's No Moon is an independent studio of storytellers and game-makers who believe in the power of narrative-driven experiences. With a diverse team of talented developers, our shared vision is to create the future of AAA experiences with a culture of creativity, collaboration, and responsible production practices. Our passionate team of developers helps shape our studio, our projects, and our future.
We are looking for a Senior Narrative Gameplay Animator with a passion and drive for creating incredible animations for a AAA title. Be the go-to person in supporting immersive, narrative moments throughout the game. 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 and Stage. This role will contribute to the unified goal of creating scripted animations that are functional, narrative driven, fluid and will tie into cinematics and gameplay seamlessly.
Responsibilities:
  • Create and integrate AAA quality animations for scripted moments within the game using Unreal Engine 5
  • Use motion capture optimally and hand-key appropriately
  • Support the creation and maintenance of an Unreal pipeline for scripted events
  • Collaborate and work alongside other animators to ensure that animations are cohesive with cinematics and gameplay
  • Work at the highest level, technically and aesthetically
  • Be proactive with troubleshooting any animation workflow, rigging and pipeline issues
  • Communicate effectively with animators, engineers, realization team, and design, to give and accept feedback
  • Assist in establishing standard methodologies in animation
  • Participate in motion capture shoots when needed

Requirements & Skills:
  • Proven Senior experience working with motion capture data and hand-key animation in the game industry
  • Working knowledge of Unreal Engine, with an emphasis on animation and Sequencer
  • Ability to work in all aspects of animation including biped, quadruped and vehicles
  • Demo reel showing an understanding of animation principles, while including gameplay
  • Experienced with specific gameplay animation editing including blending, cycles and layering
  • Knowledge of previsualization and cinematography principles
  • Expert knowledge of Maya
  • Experience with creating and integrating scripted animations in engine
  • Passionate about games and the enthusiasm to make the best!
  • Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills

Qualities:
  • Flexibility in switching tasks to accommodate production priorities
  • Ability to appreciate other department's perspectives
  • Maintain integrity and confidence in results-oriented times
  • Empathic and respected senior member of the team
  • Team oriented with a desire to assist other animators
  • Promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness
  • Practice patience and be open to giving and receiving feedback

(This is a temporary "Project Hire" position. The anticipated duration of this assignment will vary. TNM Project Hire employees will be eligible to participate in a number of TNM benefit plans such as medical, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, and flexible PTO)
TNM considers a number of factors when determining each role's base pay range, including industry benchmarks, location, experience, and other job specific skills. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for other incentive compensation including equity and profit share. The estimated base pay range for this role is U.S. only and not applicable for locations outside of the U.S.
The estimated base pay range for this role is: $120,000 - $145,000
TNM offers competitive and comprehensive benefits that include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, flexible PTO, supplemental life and disability, and more. Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary based on country of residence and/or part-time or temporary employment status.
That's No Moon is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ancestry, color, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, legally protected physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
To those interested in submitting for roles at That's No Moon, we have a few reminders to ensure a safe application process.
1. If one of our recruiters reaches out to you, it will be with a "@thatsnomoon.com" email address. We do not email via personal email addresses either.
2. We do not conduct interviews via Discord or WhatsApp.
3. We will not ask you to provide sensitive personal information.
4. We will never request that you buy equipment specifically for your interview/test.
We are saddened that people are being taken advantage of and ask that, if you ever have any doubts about whether you are speaking to an official member of the That's No Moon team, to reach out to our official social handles directly.
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