Gameplay Animator

Come be a part of the future of Crystal Dynamics as a Gameplay Animator!

The Gameplay Animator will be responsible for filling a major role in building our next AAA experiences by ensuring that our gameplay animations are both realistic and seamless in their execution. In this position you will work collaboratively with our Animation Director and other members of the animation team, all while demonstrating a thorough understanding of our animation systems and ensuring a character's suite of animations works together. Crystal Dynamics seeks team players who are passionate about playing and creating World Class games.  

As a Gameplay Animator I, you will be expected to... 

• Assist a team of animators in the development of high-quality game animations and systems
• Deliver responsive combat and traversal animations working closely with combat designers and engineers 
• Commit to deliverables and manage your goals within regular milestones and deadlines; Able to articulate/quantify volumes of work and manage up to managers on bandwidth 
• Ensure open communication and provide constructive feedback for team members and across disciplines  
• Continually refine processes for animation throughout production to increase productivity for the animation team   
• Work with Department Seniors, Leads, Animators, and Designers and execute on the animation needs of the game   
• Document animation process and track tasks throughout game development cycle  
• Work in a range of styles and can maintain the appropriate style over the course of a project   

As a Gameplay Animator I, you must have...  

• Professional experience as an animator working on gameplay within the video game industry, or equivalent 
• An understanding of and ability to speak to: 
  • Gameplay System setups and animation's role within them (from concept, to rigging, to on screen)
  • 3rd and 1st Person gameplay (range weapons, traversal, and melee)  
  • Animation trees and animation blending;
  • Industry standard tools/tech, such as: Motion Capture, Motion Matching, Maya, and real-time game engines/ editors
• Self-awareness to know when to request assistance from management 
• A good collaborative approach to development, especially with design and engineering 
• Provided us with a portfolio, demo reel, and/or examples of work which showcase:
  • Footage of in-game animations that showcases understanding of Maya implementation
  • Understanding of gameplay animation systems
  • Ability to create and implement key-frame and motion capture animation
  • Collaboration with your peers and leadership 

Any candidates without recent/relevant work to share during interviews will not be considered. 

Added Bonus, if you have...  

• Contributed to a shipped title  
• Experience with Motion Builder