Senior Animator, New Game Team

Not long ago, Supercell started two new game development teams in North America. These teams represent a unique & incredible opportunity for the team members: the full creative freedom & independence of creating a new game, without the distractions and uncertainties of establishing and running a new company. A big motivation for pursuing this effort is to create new kinds of games that players haven’t yet seen from Supercell. We want to create unique new gameplay experiences across multiple platforms, not just mobile. In other words: let’s build something new!

One of these teams is looking for an experienced 3D animator to spearhead our game’s character, npc, and prop animations;and establish a signature animation style. We are looking for someone who can keyframe animations that are highly expressive, embracing squash and stretch with an emphasis on humor. We are still prototyping and as a critical team member, you’re energized by the ambition, experimentation, creativity, and responsibility it represents. This is a highly collaborative role that would have influence on the game concept, core systems and mechanics design as well. We aren’t looking for just a character animator, this role requires hand-on implementation (rigging, weighting, etc) and iteration.This is an opportunity for growth, ownership and doing your best work yet.

Responsibilities

• Create keyframe animations for characters, npcs, props and environments using industry standard 3D software established.
• Establish a signature animation style focusing on exaggerated poses, movement and humor.
• Design and prototype character animation systems and mechanics
• The ability to quickly previs ideas and game mechanics
• Contribute to all technical aspects of animation including simple 3D modeling, creating rigs, and weighting meshes
• Contribute to the game direction & design choices, with an eye for detail in building the most immersive and captivating player experiences
• Embrace and champion levity and humor

Requirements

• Provide a reel/portfolio that demonstrates a mastery of animation in real-time game experiences (we are not looking for someone specializing in cinematic or narrative animation)
• Expert knowledge or industry standard 3D animation software (Maya, Blender, etc)
• Ability to prototype and implement animation using Unreal
• Fundamental skills in character rigging, weighting, and other technical processes essential for creating fully functional 3D characters.
• Collaborate closely with other disciplines like game design, art, and sound
• Ability to work independently in a high trust environment, while taking initiative and creating novel solutions for moving game development forward in new ways
• Ability to travel domestically (1x a month) and overseas (1-2x year)

Nice to Haves

• Located on the west coast of the US
• Experience with creating 2.5D side scrollers
• Experience making VFX in Unreal
• Proficiency in modeling is a plus
• A passion for co-operative/social player experiences
• Experience developing multiple game prototypes
• Thrive in an environment of high autonomy and experimentation
• A great sense of humor

What’s in it for you:

• The stability, support, and inspiration of being part of one of the best gaming companies in the world, combined with being an initial member of a new game team in a new studio. This all adds up to:
• Freedom to focus entirely on making a great game
• Working with some of the most talented and ambitious teammates in the industry
• Ability to create without the drag of large studio processes and hierarchies, nor the distractions of starting your own company
• The opportunity to make something that earns a spot in the history of important games
• Flexible, remote work environment