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Gaming Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA

$88K - $120K/yr

Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process. * Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process. * Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site

Inspiring and guiding the animation discipline, setting the creative vision and quality bar for characters and combat in a competitive multiplayer game. * Leading and mentoring a lean animation team ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

Inspiring and guiding the animation discipline, setting the creative vision and quality bar for characters and combat in a competitive multiplayer game. * Leading and mentoring a lean animation team ...

Epic Games

Character Animation Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for a Character Animation Director to join our Special Projects team to help drive the vision and execution of character animation across experimental and ...

Bonfire Studios

Gameplay Animator (Senior/Principal)

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$113K - $129K/yr

If you care about animation as gameplay (and want real ownership over the result) we'd love to see your reel. YOU'LL CONTRIBUTE BY: * Creating high-quality, in-game character animations that bring ...

Leland

Animation & CGI Coach

$108K - $123K/yr

Coaches also guide students through CGI production and post-production workflows, animation software proficiency, and animation direction, while helping them explore paths in film animation, game ...

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Gaming Animation information

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$10

$39

$70

How much do gaming animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for gaming animation 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.

How does a gaming animator typically collaborate with game designers and developers during the production process?

Gaming animators work closely with game designers and developers to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and narrative goals. Regular meetings and feedback sessions are common, where animators present their work, discuss technical constraints, and incorporate suggestions from designers and programmers. This collaborative environment helps maintain consistency across visual elements and ensures animations enhance the overall player experience. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as priorities can shift based on testing and player feedback.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a gaming animator?

To thrive as a Gaming Animator, you need strong artistic skills in character movement, a solid understanding of animation principles, and typically a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, as well as experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills for bringing characters and worlds to life and working within multidisciplinary teams. These skills are important because they ensure immersive, high-quality animations that enhance gameplay and player experience.

Is gaming animation a good career?

Gaming animation is a viable career for those with skills in 3D modeling, character design, and animation software such as Maya or Blender. It offers opportunities in the video game industry, film, and entertainment sectors, often requiring a strong portfolio and knowledge of industry tools. Job prospects depend on experience, portfolio quality, and industry demand, with roles typically involving creative and technical skills.

What is the difference between Gaming Animation vs 3D Character Artist?

AspectGaming Animation3D Character Artist
Required SkillsAnimation techniques, rigging, motion designModeling, texturing, character design
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation departmentsGame studios, concept art teams
Common CertificationsAnimation software certifications (Maya, Blender)3D modeling certifications (ZBrush, Maya)
Industry UsageCreating animated characters and scenes in gamesDesigning detailed character models for games

Gaming Animation focuses on bringing characters and environments to life through movement and rigging, while 3D Character Artists specialize in creating detailed character models and textures. Both roles are essential in game development but serve different stages of character creation.

What does a gaming animator do?

A gaming animator creates and brings to life characters, objects, and environments in video games through the use of animation software and techniques. They work closely with game designers and programmers to ensure animations are smooth, realistic, and fit within the game's style, often using tools like Maya or Blender. Strong artistic skills, understanding of motion, and knowledge of game development pipelines are essential for this role.

What is gaming animation?

Gaming animation refers to the process of creating and designing animated movements and actions for characters, objects, and environments in video games. Animators in this field use specialized software to bring digital assets to life, ensuring smooth and realistic motion that enhances the gaming experience. This role often involves collaborating with game designers, artists, and programmers to ensure animations fit the game's style and technical requirements. Gaming animators may work on everything from character walks and attacks to cinematic cutscenes and environmental effects.
More about Gaming Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for Gaming Animation jobs? Cities with the most Gaming Animation job openings:
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Gaming Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gaming Animation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 56% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 43% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Senior Technical Gameplay Animator

PlayStation Global

Santa Monica, CA

$119K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

This is a hybrid / onsite position.  

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5. We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Part I and Part II are now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we're busy at the kennel working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us!

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together.

What you will do:

  • Create high quality animation content supporting the newly developed behaviors and systems and implement it in engine
  • 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, troubleshoot, and resolve in-game animation implementation issues and animation-related technical challenges
  • Take ownership of challenging projects and provide innovative solutions, including mentoring team members and creating documentation
  • Contribute to the strategic development of internal technologies and artistic processes
  • Facilitate the creation and implementation of tools and techniques that allow the building of complex and high-quality animation systems
  • Innovate and streamline animation pipeline processes and workflows

What skills you will use: 

  • 5+ years of industry experience in gameplay animation for games
  • Proven track record of creating visually stunning animations for diverse game genres
  • Full understanding of in-game animation tools like state machines, blend trees, IK solvers, etc.
  • Expertise with mocap and keyframe based digital content creation pipelines built on Maya or Motionbuilder
  • Proficiency in Python, C#, C++ or other programming languages is required
  • Proactively contributes to the progress of the team and the project

As a part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio or demo reel of their work and may be asked to complete an animation test. 

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The estimated USA base pay range for this zone (Los Angeles area) is listed below. This role may be eligible for additional compensation packages that includes annual bonus and other incentive plans.

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