Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the animation team to create stunning gameplay animations.
- Company: Join Playground Games, a passionate Xbox Game Studio rebooting the beloved Fable franchise.
- Benefits: Enjoy a diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for self-development and career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a talented team making world-class games that connect with players.
- Qualifications: Expertise in animation software and proven leadership experience in gameplay animation required.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and welcome everyone to be themselves at work.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
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 will 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
This is a fantastic opportunity to make world-class games with an established, talented, and collaborative team at one of the industry's most exciting first-party game studios.
Playground Games is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, we believe that diversity and inclusion fuels creativity. We are dedicated to creating a safe, comfortable and welcoming working environment. We strive to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices of our team members. It drives our innovation and connects us closer to our players. We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion across age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
At Playground Games we recognise the importance of self-development, career progression, well-being and retention of our colleagues. We celebrate difference and welcome everyone to join us and to be themselves at work.
If you require any reasonable accommodation to apply for this position, please contact us on recruitment@playground-games.com
Lead Gameplay Animator employer: Playground Games Limited
Contact Detail:
Playground Games Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Gameplay Animator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Fable franchise and its animation style. Understanding the unique aesthetic and gameplay mechanics will help you align your vision with the team's goals, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing past experiences where you've successfully managed and mentored teams. Highlight specific examples of how you've improved team performance or resolved conflicts to demonstrate your capability as a Lead Gameplay Animator.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Playground Games on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in animation technology and techniques. Being knowledgeable about advancements in tools like Maya, 3ds Max, and Blender will not only enhance your skill set but also show your commitment to continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Gameplay Animator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Lead Gameplay Animator position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in gameplay animation and leadership.
Showcase Your Skills: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your expertise in industry-standard software like Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender. Provide specific examples of your previous work in gameplay animation, particularly in character movement and combat.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since this role involves managing and mentoring a team, be sure to detail your leadership experience. Discuss how you've previously guided teams, set objectives, and conducted performance evaluations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for the Fable franchise and your commitment to creating inclusive and diverse gaming experiences. Make it personal and engaging to stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Playground Games Limited
✨Showcase Your Animation Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your deep understanding of animation principles and your experience with industry-standard software like Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender. Bring examples of your previous work that highlight your skills in gameplay animation, especially character movement and combat.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves leading and mentoring an animation team, be ready to share your experiences in managing teams. Discuss how you've set objectives, conducted performance evaluations, and supported team growth through recruitment and skill development.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication is key for this position. Practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently, especially when discussing technical aspects of animation and how they relate to game engines. Be prepared to present your thoughts to stakeholders.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your ability to foster strong relationships across departments. Share examples of how you've proactively resolved challenges and collaborated with outsource partners to create high-quality animation assets, as this will be crucial for the role.
