Animator: Narrative Gameplay (All Levels)

1 Month ago • 1 Years + • Animation

Job Summary

Job Description

Rockstar Games is seeking talented Animators passionate about gameplay animation to create narrative in-game story and open-world moments for their video games. Responsibilities include planning and directing motion capture shoots, embellishing performances, editing mocap data for in-game interactions, collaborating with global teams, and implementing feedback. Candidates should possess exceptional skills in animating human figures, a strong understanding of game development issues, and the ability to troubleshoot animation systems in-engine. The role demands strong interpersonal and communication skills to work closely with artists, designers, and programmers.
Must have:
  • Create stunning, responsive animations
  • Collaborate with design team
  • Implement and debug animation systems
  • Improve animation pipelines
  • Minimum 1 year game animation experience
  • Exceptional animation demo reel
Good to have:
  • Programming knowledge (Python, C#, C++)
  • Advanced MotionBuilder & motion capture knowledge
  • Experience with third-person action games
  • Knowledge of state machines and motion trees

Job Details

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

Become part of a team working on some of the most rewarding, large-scale creative projects to be found in any entertainment medium - all within an inclusive, highly-motivated environment where you can learn and collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry.

Rockstar Toronto is on the lookout for talented Animators who possess a passion for gameplay animation.

This is a full-time, in-office position based out of Rockstar’s unique game development studio in Oakville, ON. 

WHAT WE DO

  • We create narrative in-game story and open world moments for all Rockstar video games.
  • We are involved in the planning and direction of motion capture shoots.
  • We embellish performances, emphasizing weight, timing & silhouette to create visually stunning animations.
  • We take mocap data and edit the structure to work for in-game interactions.
  • We work with the global animation and design teams to problem solve and implement immersive sequences.
  • We review animations in-game and implement feedback from lead reviews.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Create stunning animations that are responsive and support the overall player experience.
  • Work closely with the design team to create immersive experiences.
  • Implement, troubleshoot, and debug animation systems in-engine.
  • Help improve animation pipelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Art/Animation or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum 1 year of experience animating video games.
  • Outstanding demo reel (preferably demonstrating biped gameplay animations,in-game and in real time).

SKILLS

  • Positive, solution-oriented individual, with deep-rooted interest in video games, and game development.
  • Exceptional skill in animating the human figure to create realistic character animations.
  • Strong understanding of development issues in getting animations into a game.
  • Ability to bring innovation and resolution to technical problems and challenges throughout production.
  • 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.).
  • Advanced knowledge of MotionBuilder and motion capture.
  • Professional experience developing third person action games.
  • Practical knowledge of state machines and motion trees.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply with a resume and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the skills above. If we would like to move forward with your application, a Rockstar recruiter will reach out to you to explain next steps and guide you through the process.

Rockstar is committed to creating a work environment that promotes equal opportunity, dignity and respect.  In line with this commitment, Rockstar will provide accommodations to job applicants with disabilities (or on the basis of any other protected ground under human rights legislation) during the recruitment process, as well as to any Rockstar employees in order for them to perform the essential functions of their roles.  Rockstar will comply with its obligations under the Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and will provide accommodations as long as such accommodations do not pose an undue hardship on Rockstar.  If you need more information about Rockstar’s accommodation policies or process, or need to request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.

If you’ve got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from all suitable candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, race, or any other protected category.

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About The Company

Join a tight-knit team responsible for creating and publishing some of the most popular, innovative and critically acclaimed interactive entertainment in the world including the Grand Theft Auto series, the Red Dead series and many more.


Known for our dedication to quality and authenticity, a career at Rockstar Games is an opportunity to work on some of the most cutting edge, creatively rewarding and challenging projects available in any entertainment medium with some of the most talented people in the industry.


We offer successful candidates highly competitive salary and compensation packages, including a comprehensive benefits package for all eligible employees. Rockstar Games is an equal opportunity employer.

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