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Gameplay Weapons Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cloud Chamber

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

... weapon, etc. * Work within Unreal 5 engine, both adapting existing systems and building new ... Partner closely with design, engineering, animation, and audio to further the goals of the project.

Cloud Chamber

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA

$85K - $126K/yr

... weapon, etc. * Work within Unreal 5 engine, both adapting existing systems and building new ... Partner closely with design, engineering, animation, and audio to further the goals of the project.

2K

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

... weapon, etc. * Work within Unreal 5 engine, both adapting existing systems and building new ... Partner closely with design, engineering, animation, and audio to further the goals of the project.

2K

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

... weapon, etc. * Work within Unreal 5 engine, both adapting existing systems and building new ... Partner closely with design, engineering, animation, and audio to further the goals of the project.

Cinnamon

Audio Implementer / Sound Designer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$77K - $101K/yr

... across animation, comics, games, and more. We believe great stories come from giving talented ... DetailsDesign and implement dynamic, spatial audio systemsCreate weapon and combat response sound ...

ACTIVISION PUBLISHING, INC.

WI · On-site

$149K - $275K/yr

Experience in gameplay related fields like AI, physics, animation, weapons, scripting, networking * Background in working in multi-threaded code * Extensive experience working with C/C++ programming

Epic Games (Portuguese)

Lead Combat Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

... moment-to-moment gameplay and contributing across various aspects of game design for our ... Collaborate closely with Engineering, Art, Animation, Audio, UX, Narrative, and Production to ...

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Gameplay Weapons Animator information

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$10

$39

$70

How much do gameplay weapons animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for gameplay weapons 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 weapons animator?

A Gameplay Weapons Animator is a specialized animator in the video game industry who focuses on creating realistic and engaging animations for weapons used by characters in a game. This includes animating actions such as firing, reloading, aiming, and handling various weapon types. They work closely with designers, artists, and programmers to ensure weapon animations are visually appealing and function smoothly within gameplay. Their goal is to enhance the player's immersion by making weapon interactions feel responsive and believable.

How does a gameplay weapons animator typically collaborate with game designers and programmers during game development?

Gameplay Weapons Animators work closely with both game designers and programmers to ensure weapon animations are visually appealing and functionally integrated into the gameplay. They frequently participate in cross-disciplinary meetings to discuss animation timing, weapon mechanics, and player feedback. By sharing prototypes and receiving iterative feedback, animators fine-tune animations to ensure smooth transitions, responsiveness, and consistency with the game's vision. This collaborative process is essential for delivering an engaging and immersive player experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a gameplay weapons animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gameplay Weapons Animator, you need strong skills in 3D animation, a solid understanding of weapon mechanics, and experience with animation principles, often supported by a degree in animation, game design, or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, as well as familiarity with version control systems, is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, collaboration, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure that weapon animations are realistic, immersive, and seamlessly integrated into gameplay, enhancing the overall player experience.

What is the difference between Gameplay Weapons Animator vs Character Animator?

AspectGameplay Weapons AnimatorCharacter Animator
Required SkillsAnimation, rigging, weapon mechanicsCharacter movement, facial expressions, body language
Work EnvironmentGame development studios, interactive mediaGame studios, film, TV, animation studios
Industry UsageVideo game industry, interactive entertainmentEntertainment industry, gaming, film
CertificationsAnimation, 3D modeling, game designAnimation, character design, 3D modeling

While both roles involve animation skills, the Gameplay Weapons Animator specializes in animating weapons and related mechanics within games, focusing on weapon behavior and interactions. In contrast, the Character Animator focuses on animating characters' movements and expressions. Both roles require strong animation and 3D skills but differ in their specific focus areas within game development.

What are popular job titles related to Gameplay Weapons Animator jobs?

For Gameplay Weapons Animator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Gameplay Weapons Animator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Technical Animator - Unreal 4

Seattle, WA • On-site

8 Circuit Studios, Inc.
PC Games • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about 8 Circuit Studios, Inc.external

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Do you love working with and empowering animators by providing them the tools necessary to bring characters to life? Are you passionate about working at the cutting edge of story telling mediums and working in a highly technical environment? Do you have experience working with motion capture teams? Are you comfortable collaborating with game developers in the Unreal pipeline? If so, we may have the role for you. 


We are looking to hire a Rigger and/or a Technical Animator to kickstart our gameplay animation team. You would work closely with Art and Production to produce in-game content and cinematics.


Responsibilities

  • Experience with Keyframe animation and motion capture data, with fundamental animation principles
  • Support and improve the integration of animation assets from Maya (or equivalent 3D tools) to Unreal Engine 4
  • Contribute to improving the animation pipeline
  • Own the skinning process for a variety of characters, weapons, garments and gear
  • Manage code and content delivery with Perforce
  • Document process

Requirements

  • Character rigging and skinning capabilities
  • Keyframe experience a big plus for placeholder sets
  • Facial rigging experience a plus
  • UE4 experience

Please include work examples with application.


About 8 Circuit Studios

With 8 Circuit Studios, you would be joining a team that has big aspirations. Our dream is to create games that make you think while becoming wildly successful in the enterprise. We are fired up to make our mark in the video game industry with our first PC, XBox, and PS4/5 title called Project Genesis.


We are currently self-funded and looking to accomplish the impossible: create live-service title that can compete with AAA games…but at a fraction of the cost in time, talent, and treasure. We expect a lot from each other, but we also have a passion for creating a supportive environment where you can learn as you go and level-up as much as you’d like.


We love to share knowledge and expertise.


In the not too distant future, we anticipate scaling our team up so now is the perfect time for you to consider applying as we prepare the team to go stratospheric.

Apply