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Gameplay Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Progressive Gaming

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 ...

IGT

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 ...

ZeniMax Media

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 ...

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

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 ...

De Circle

Animation Engineer - EmptyVessel

Austin, TX · On-site +1

Empty Vessel is an emerging game development studio focusing on immersive gaming experiences. With ... We are seeking 1-2 mid-level Animation Engineers with exceptional Unreal Engine 5 expertise to join ...

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Gameplay Animator information

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$10

$39

$70

How much do gameplay animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 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.

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:
What states have the most Gameplay Animator jobs? States with the most job openings for Gameplay Animator jobs include:
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Gameplay Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gameplay Animator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Animator [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Animator [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Nintendo of America Inc

Austin, TX • On-site

Contractor

Posted 15 days ago

Nintendo rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 191 rated software companies

Job description

RETRO STUDIOS: Founded in 1998, Retro Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., and a powerhouse in game development. Working hand-in-hand with Nintendo, we craft award-winning titles for the company's cutting-edge platforms, blending innovation, artistry, and gameplay excellence. Our home base is Austin, Texas, a vibrant city known for its creative energy, live music, stunning natural scenery, and forward-thinking culture. With year-round sunshine and endless options for outdoor adventures, Austin offers the perfect backdrop for world-class developers to stay inspired, balanced, and at the top of their game. Retro Studios is looking for an Animator! We are looking for someone who is passionate about quality and takes pride in their work. An animator who wants to be part of a creative and collaborative team. Someone who will be thrilled to work on Nintendo's awesome IPs! We expect our animators to exhibit leadership qualities and encourage involvement and responsibility across wider aspects of the project. DESCRIPTIONS OF DUTIES: You will implement and maintain animations for a wide range of characters, creatures, bosses, cinematics and pretty much anything that moves. You will be responsible for collaborating and sharing your ideas on animation as well as other aspects of our projects such as gameplay and story. We will count on you to help us identify needs and propose solutions that will improve our production pipeline. We all use "Band-Aid solutions" from time to time, but we love forward thinkers, people who think long term. Your feedback will be greatly appreciated, and you will get plenty of critique from others to help you grow your own skills. You feel comfortable on the technical side of animation deployment. You don't have to be an expert rigger or scripter, but you know how to set up simple characters and are familiar with using a variety of tools to speed up your work process. You are part of a creative team, the process of game making is dynamic, so it is important that you maintain familiarity with the game, the latest changes and updates. You enjoy collaborating with other development disciplines, contributing your expertise and taking advantage of the expertise of others to achieve more together. Did we mention how excited we are that you are considering this position? *This job description outlines primary duties and requirements and is not intended to identify all tasks that may be performed; individuals occupying the position may be required to perform other duties. The company may modify job duties from time to time, either in practice or in writing. SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS: Minimum 5 years' experience with in-game and/or cinematic video game animation, including at least 2 full video game production cycles. A robust portfolio that demonstrates a wide range of animation experience. Considerable experience animating in Maya. Undergraduate degree in art related subject or completion of an intensive art training program preferred. Specific experience can be substituted for formal education. Effective written, verbal and interpersonal skills. Retro Studios is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy, and respect for each
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