Lead Gameplay Animator

Crystal Dynamics is seeking a Lead Gameplay Animator who will play a pivotal role in defining the animation vision for our upcoming high-fidelity action-adventure titles. As the Lead Gameplay Animator, you will blend leadership with hands-on contribution, directly influencing the gameplay experience through the execution of top-tier animations. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the visual and interactive elements of our games, making a substantial impact on our projects. 

As a Lead Gameplay Animator, you will: 

• Lead the animation vision in collaboration with the Creative Director and Art Director, ensuring the game's visual and interactive identity is maintained.
• Work in close partnership with Department Leads, Animators, and Designers to assess and meet the game's animation requirements.
• Develop a team of skilled animators, directing the creation of high-fidelity game animations and systems.
• Deliver engaging combat and traversal animations in collaboration with combat designers and engineers.
• Set and manage goals, aligning deliverables with project milestones and deadlines.
• Conduct and direct motion capture shoots for both gameplay and cinematic performances as needed.
• Manage, direct, and review co-developers and external vendors in different countries and time zones.
• Run full pipelines (both internal and external), from narrative / storyboard to fully implemented in-game shippable content.
• Promote team growth through regular individual meetings, performance reviews, and targeted training.
• Foster a positive, collaborative team environment that values open communication and constructive feedback.
• Streamline animation processes to enhance team productivity throughout the game development cycle.
• Document and manage animation tasks and processes.
• Guide animators across various styles, ensuring a consistent animation approach throughout the project.

To be considered for this role, we require the following: 

• Experience in a leadership role within animation (Lead or Principal Animator) in the game development industry, particularly for high-fidelity action-adventure games. 
• In-depth understanding of gameplay systems, especially in 3rd person perspectives, including weapon, traversal, melee, and ranged combat animations. 
• Expertise in animation trees, animation blending, and node-based animation editors. 
• Proficiency in Motion Capture, Motion Matching, Maya, and real-time game engines/editors. 
• A collaborative mindset, particularly in working with design and engineering teams. 
• Examples of relevant work (i.e., demo reel, portfolio, or contributions to shipped title). An ideal reel will include: 
  • Up to date examples of realistic animations that clearly demonstrate your skills/expertise in regards to:
    • Character Animation: High-quality, grounded movements like walking, running, jumping, climbing, and other traversal actions.
    • Combat Animations: Realistic offensive and defensive moves for both melee and ranged combat, including combos and melee weapons.
    • Cutscene Integration: Smooth transitions between gameplay and cinematic scenes.
  • Inclusion of a breakdown sheet detailing your specific contributions to each piece is highly recommended.
  • Note: If you directed others, then we would be looking for a director’s cut. 

Preference will be given to candidates who have: 

• Experience in Unreal Engine.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with a track record of nurturing and developing animation talent. 

It'll be a bonus if you also have: 

•  Shipped 2+ AAA titles as a Senior or Lead Animator. 

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