Lead Gameplay Animator

OUR STUDIO

At Housemarque, we believe gameplay always comes first. With technical excellence and compelling narrative, spiced with our trademark neon flair and top-notch audiovisual feedback, we want our players to always feel actively engaged with the worlds we have created for them.

Our latest Award-Winning game Returnal, released on PS5 in 2021, embraces all these qualities. THIS is our DNA!

We value Nordic work-life balance by growing sustainably and ensuring our employees have the time and means to develop personally and professionally during work time.

We were established in 1995 with strong roots in the Finnish demoscene. In June 2021 we joined the PlayStation Studios, after years of partnership.

If you wish to join us for our next journey, apply today!

Housemarque is looking for a Lead Gameplay Animator!

THE JOB

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Housemarque, you'll be instrumental in shaping the visual experience of our next groundbreaking title. You'll lead a talented team, fostering their growth and ensuring they have everything they need to create exceptional animations. Your expertise will guide the animation pipeline, from initial concepts to final execution, ensuring smooth workflows and outstanding quality. This role also offers the exciting opportunity to manage our animation outsourcing efforts, setting benchmarks, performing quality control, and providing clear, actionable feedback to external partners. You will also be actively involved in hands-on animation tasks, contributing directly to the project's visual fidelity.

If you're a seasoned gameplay animation leader with a passion for developing both ideas and people, you'll thrive in our collaborative environment. While we appreciate self-starters who are eager to learn new techniques, we also value team players who can contribute to a larger vision.

Join us and be part of a studio renowned for its unique gameplay and stunning visual effects. If you're ready to make a significant impact on our next projects, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't fit every single requirement. Your passion and potential are what truly matter.

What will your day-to-day look like?

• Responsible for managing and developing our Animation team to ensure they are achieving the best results, are happy, and set up to excel within the studio.
• Responsible for working with the production team to create schedules/roadmaps for the Animation team, delivering across the stages of the project.
• Review the work and provide regular feedback for the animation team.
• Work hands-on on animation tasks when needed.
• Manage the Animation backlogs, bugs, and risks in an effective manner, to ensure the smooth running of the department throughout the project.
• Scope, manage, and run the Outsource plans for Animation when required. This will include:
• Assembling benchmark internal asset packs and documentation.
• Quality control and providing clear and regular feedback.
• Liaise with key members of the gameplay team (Designers and Programmers) and dependency departments (Character Art, Narrative, VFX), to strengthen cross discipline collaboration and identify workflow issues and potential requirements.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of all relevant documentation for the project(s), including naming and terminology for all animation assets and folder structures.

What will help you to be successful in this role?

• A background in Gameplay Animation in AAA games, preferably within a leadership position.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to influence, motivate, and write clear, detailed documentation.
• The capacity to work independently to develop ideas and vision for the team, as well as to collaborate effectively as part of a larger group.
• An exceptional eye for detail and a self-motivated approach to learning new techniques and methods.

What we offer to you?

• Competitive salary, benefits, healthcare, Nordic work-life balance
• Tailored immigration and relocation package to help you get settled into Finland
• State-of-the-art studio facilities in the heart of Helsinki
• Freedom, flexibility and openness in a collaborative culture
• Brilliant, diverse and empathetic colleagues to work with
• Exciting and ambitious projects executed with the best tools
• Access to PlayStation Studios collaboration, games and more!

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Helsinki, Finland.

We will start interviewing promising candidates immediately so please apply as soon as possible.

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Equal Opportunity Statement

Housemarque is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to a culture of inclusion and mutual respect for all employees from every walk of life, reflecting the community we make games for. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race and ethnicity, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity.