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Video Game Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hockey-Western-New-York,-LL

Game Producer

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$98 - $130/hr

Partner with the Creative team to ensure graphics and animations meet brand, broadcast, and ... Deep understanding of end-to-end video production: planning, scripting, editing, graphics, and ...

AEG

Game Producer

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$120K - $122K/yr

Partner with the Creative team to ensure graphics and animations meet brand, broadcast, and ... Deep understanding of end-to-end video production: planning, scripting, editing, graphics, and ...

Bluberi Gaming USA Inc

Game Artist III

Las Vegas, NV

... animation, UI and interface visuals, symbols, backgrounds, characters, and marketing assets that ... Experience with slot development or video game development is preferred. Advanced knowledge of ...

Blue Cross Arena

$98 - $130/hr

Partner with the Creative team to ensure graphics and animations meet brand, broadcast, and ... Deep understanding of end‑to‑end video production: planning, scripting, editing, graphics, and ...

Blue Cross Arena

Game Producer

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$98 - $130/hr

Partner with the Creative team to ensure graphics and animations meet brand, broadcast, and ... Deep understanding of end‑to‑end video production: planning, scripting, editing, graphics, and ...

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Video Game Animator information

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How much do video game animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for video game animator in the United States is $18.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a video game animator do?

A Video Game Animator creates the movement and behavior of characters, creatures, and objects in video games. They use animation software to design realistic or stylized motions that enhance gameplay and storytelling. Animators often collaborate with designers, programmers, and artists to ensure smooth, visually appealing animations that fit the game's style. Their work brings life to in-game models, making interactions and environments feel dynamic and immersive.

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

To thrive as a Video Game Animator, you need strong skills in character animation, motion design, and a solid understanding of animation principles, typically backed by a relevant degree or portfolio. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender, along with knowledge of game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, is essential. Creativity, collaboration, time management, and strong communication skills set standout animators apart. These abilities ensure high-quality, engaging animations that enhance gameplay and contribute to effective teamwork in fast-paced development environments.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a video game animator?

As a Video Game Animator, your daily responsibilities often include creating and refining character movements, bringing game environments to life, and collaborating with designers and programmers to ensure smooth integration of animations. You’ll participate in team meetings, review feedback, and iterate on assets to improve quality and meet project deadlines. Animators also test and debug their work directly in the game engine to ensure fluid, responsive gameplay. Effective communication with other departments is crucial, as your animations must align with both artistic vision and technical constraints.

Are video game animators in demand?

Video game animators are in demand due to the growing gaming industry and the need for high-quality visual content. Skills in animation software like Maya or Blender and understanding of game engines such as Unity or Unreal are valuable for employment opportunities. The field offers opportunities in both large studios and independent development.
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Video Game Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Video Game Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 60% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 77% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,600 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Technical Animator (Animation Blueprints & Control Rig) - Remote or On-Site

Studio Wildcard

Seattle, WA • Remote

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us build ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies.


We’re looking for an exceptionally talented Technical Animator who lives and breathes Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rig. You will own high-impact animation systems that bring creatures, characters, and gameplay to life. This is a systems-focused technical animation role: deep expertise in visual programming (AnimBPs + Control Rig) is the core requirement. Comfort with programming logic is essential, but day-to-day C++ work is not the focus.


Responsibilities:

  • Design, write, and implement animation systems, using Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rigs
  • Create sophisticated Control Rig solutions (procedural animation, IK/FK systems, full-body IK, terrain adaptation, foot placement, active ragdoll blending, etc.)
  • Develop responsive, scalable animation systems for bipeds, quadrupeds, and fantasy creatures
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to improve current solutions and create new ones
  • Create documentation and provide pipeline improvements
  • Optimize animation systems for performance, LODs, and large-scale creature ecosystems


Requirements:

  • Minimum 3 years of professional experience as a Technical Animator / Animation Programmer / Technical Artist focused on real-time animation systems, with at least one shipped title.
  • Expert-level proficiency with Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints (complex state machines, layered blends, procedural logic, gameplay-driven systems).
  • Strong self-motivation and willingness to participate in many areas of game development
  • Experience using Unreal Engine 5


Pluses:

  • C++ experience (useful for deeper engine integration or performance work, but not a primary focus of the role)
  • Experience with character/creature rigging and skinning in Maya, or Control Rig
  • Degree in computer science or a related field
  • Experience with Rigging and Animation
  • Physics-driven animation (ragdoll, physics blending, cloth, custom physics solvers)
  • Tool Programming, MEL, PyMel Python
  • Houdini experience


Required Application Materials:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter which should include
    • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What games you are currently playing
  • Portfolio or examples demonstrating Animation Blueprint and/or Control Rig work


About Studio Wildcard

Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.


Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.  


Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location. 


Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options