Gameplay Animator

At Rockstar Games, we create world-class entertainment experiences.

A career at Rockstar Games is about being part of a team working on some of the most creatively rewarding and ambitious projects to be found in any entertainment medium. You would be welcomed to a dedicated and inclusive environment where you can learn, and collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry.

If you are passionate about animation and interested in building ground-breaking animation systems within a creative and unconstrained environment, please get in touch. Candidates with technical, problem-solving skills are especially encouraged to apply.

This is a full-time permanent position based out of Rockstar’s unique game development studio in the heart of Leeds.

WHAT WE DO

We create open-world gameplay mechanics that are used to make immersive experiences. We work as a global animation team to collaborate on player experiences. We use our onsite motion capture facilities to prototype new systems, directing talent and fine-tuning the results with code and design. We participate in multi-discipline gameplay reviews, ensuring animation data is responsive and implemented with a strong consideration of technical and gameplay constraints. We encourage ownership and creativity where everyone’s voice is heard. Successful applicants would be working in a dedicated feature area such as locomotion, traversal, combat, weapons, creatures or vehicles. Each of our teams work with dedicated pipelines and tools to create engaging open world mechanics.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Work closely with animators and programmers to create, implement, and debug compelling gameplay mechanics. Collaborate with the Animation, Code and Design teams, to achieve balance between animation fidelity and gameplay responsiveness. Work closely with colleagues under the guidance of a Lead Animator. Support the planning of motion capture shoots and direct actors. Be self-motivated and willing to get involved in wider areas.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Art/Animation or equivalent experience. Demo reel demonstrating strong animation principles, and preferably their implementation in a real time engine.

SKILLS

Proficiency in a major animation package (e.g. Maya, MotionBuilder, etc.). Positive, solution-orientated individual, with a deep-rooted interest in video games, and game development. Strong skills in animating the human figure to create realistic character animations. Some understanding of development issues in getting animations into a game. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work closely with Artists, Designers and Programmers.

PLUSES

Please note that these are desirable skills and are not required to apply for the position.

Practical knowledge of programming languages (Python, C# / C++, etc.). Practical experience using parametric blend spaces, motion trees or state machines. Knowledge of commercial game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine. Proficiency with MotionBuilder. Experience of working with motion capture data.

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