At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning 2D animations for exciting mobile games and enhance user experiences.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in the fast-paced i-gaming industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team and bring games to life with your animations.
- Qualifications: Degree in Animation or related field; experience with animation tools like After Effects and Spine 2D.
- Other info: Work closely with talented artists and game developers on multiple projects each month.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a talented and creative Game Animator to join a highly experienced and collaborative team. This role focuses on producing engaging, high-quality animations for a wide range of mobile i-gaming / online lottery products, using a combination of in-house animation tools and industry-standard software. You’ll play a key role in enhancing the visual quality and user experience of our games. In addition to animation work, the role involves preparing and adapting artwork created by game artists—ensuring assets are animation-ready and optimised before being implemented into the game engine. This position suits someone who is self-sufficient, process-driven, and comfortable working at pace, as the business delivers a high volume of games on a consistent schedule and relies heavily on strong internal processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Create high-quality 2D animations using our in-house animation/game engine and tools such as After Effects and Spine.
- Prepare artists’ artwork for animation (Photoshop, sprite sheets, exports) and integrate assets into the game engine for testing and final delivery.
- Collaborate with product owners, artists, developers, and external art partners to understand animation requirements and ensure smooth integration.
- Conceptualise and storyboard animations to support strong visual storytelling.
- Optimise animations for performance across multiple devices and platforms.
- Take ownership of animation tasks, manage priorities, and meet deadlines without compromising quality.
- Contribute feedback to improve in-house animation tooling and workflows.
- Work closely with the Lead Animator to raise quality standards and refine animation processes.
- Stay up to date with animation trends, tools, and techniques.
Current team:
- 1 Animator (this hire will be the 2nd Animator)
- 12 Game Artists
This role will sit directly under the Lead Animator (Evelyn) and provide daily support across multiple teams. Collaboration across 4–5 internal teams, plus external art partners. Typically 1–2 games per month. Each project ranges from 3 symbols to full character animation. Strong support focus due to recent artist attrition — this hire is critical for stabilising timelines and supporting the wider art team.
Internal animation tool: Steep learning curve (~12 months to fully master)
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Animation or a related field.
- Experience in gaming or i-gaming.
- Proficiency with animation and creative tools, including: After Effects, Spine 2D, Game engines (Unity experience beneficial).
- Solid understanding of animation fundamentals: timing, spacing, weight, anticipation.
- Experience using JIRA, Confluence, or similar workflow tools.
- Understanding of game mechanics, UX, and performance considerations.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills.
- Highly organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple projects.
Game Animator (Spine 2D) employer: Develop
Contact Detail:
Develop Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Game Animator (Spine 2D)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow animators, game developers, and industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to get your name out there and discover hidden job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a standout portfolio that showcases your best animations and projects. Make sure to include a variety of styles and techniques, and don’t forget to highlight any experience with tools like After Effects and Spine 2D.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common animation-related questions and showcasing your problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your process and how you collaborate with artists and developers to bring ideas to life.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from passionate candidates. Tailor your application to highlight your experience in gaming and your understanding of animation fundamentals to catch our eye.
We think you need these skills to ace Game Animator (Spine 2D)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: When you're applying, make sure to highlight your animation skills and experience with tools like After Effects and Spine 2D. We want to see what you can do, so include a portfolio or links to your work that showcase your best animations!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send the same application everywhere! Take a moment to tailor your CV and cover letter to our job description. Mention how your experience aligns with our needs, especially in gaming and i-gaming, to show us you’re the perfect fit.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and make sure to highlight your key achievements and relevant experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Develop
✨Showcase Your Animation Skills
Make sure to bring a portfolio that highlights your best 2D animations. Include examples that demonstrate your proficiency with tools like After Effects and Spine 2D. Be ready to discuss the techniques you used and the thought process behind each piece.
✨Understand the Game Mechanics
Familiarise yourself with the basics of game mechanics and user experience. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how your animations can enhance gameplay and contribute to a better user experience. This shows that you’re not just an animator but also understand the bigger picture.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to team projects, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Stay Updated on Trends
Keep yourself informed about the latest trends in animation and gaming. Mention any recent developments or tools you’ve been exploring during the interview. This demonstrates your passion for the field and your commitment to continuous learning, which is crucial for this role.