Lead Gameplay Animator

Playground Games is looking for a Lead Gameplay Animator to join our talented Fable team in Leamington Spa.

ABOUT US:

As a first-party Xbox Game Studio, we are passionate about making genre-defining games that are accessible, beautiful, and, most of all, fun. We are excited to be rebooting the much-loved Fable franchise and are expanding our diverse team to create a new classic in the action RPG genre. 

ABOUT THE ROLE: 

As Lead Gameplay Animator, you will manage and inspire our animation team while working closely with the Art Director to establish and maintain the highest quality animation standards throughout production. You'll be responsible for delivering exceptional gameplay animations that enhance the player experience while ensuring technical requirements and project deadlines are met.

WHAT YOU'LL DO: 

• Establish and maintain animation benchmarks in collaboration with the Art Director to ensure consistent visual quality
• Lead and mentor the animation team, providing guidance, setting objectives, and conducting performance evaluations
• Plan and prioritize team-wide animation tasks, balancing quality with technical requirements and deadlines
• Support team growth through recruitment, skill development, and process improvement initiatives
• Foster strong relationships across departments and proactively resolve team-wide challenges
• Drive continuous improvement in animation tools and techniques
• Collaborate with outsource partners to create high quality animation assets 

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:

• Deep understanding of animation principles and expertise in industry-standard software (Maya, 3ds Max, Blender)
• Proven experience in gameplay animation, including character movement, combat, and environmental interactions
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing and mentoring animation teams
• Excellent communication abilities and experience presenting to stakeholders
• Solid technical understanding of game engines and animation constraints
• Experience with motion capture integration and implementation
• Background in AAA game development or similar large-scale projects
• Ability to adapt to changing project needs while maintaining high-quality standards