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- 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 collaborative environment with opportunities for self-development and career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team making genre-defining games that are fun and accessible.
- Qualifications: Expertise in animation software and proven leadership in gameplay animation required.
- Other info: Playground Games values diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming workplace for all.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ 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'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
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.
Contact Detail:
PLAYGROUND GAMES LTD 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 demonstrate your passion for the project during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership experience by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored teams in the past. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them to inspire your team.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Playground Games on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which you can leverage in your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your technical knowledge of game engines and animation constraints. Be ready to explain how you've integrated motion capture in previous projects, as this is a key aspect of the role.
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, especially 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 game development and the Fable franchise. Mention how your values align with Playground Games' commitment to diversity and inclusion.
How to prepare for a job interview at PLAYGROUND GAMES LTD
✨Showcase Your Animation Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your deep understanding of animation principles and demonstrate your proficiency in industry-standard software like Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender. Bring examples of your previous work that highlight your gameplay animation skills, especially in character movement and combat.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Since the role involves managing and mentoring an animation team, share specific examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've set objectives, conducted performance evaluations, and supported team growth in past roles.
✨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 ready to present your thoughts on how to resolve team-wide challenges.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
The ability to adapt to changing project needs is crucial. Prepare to discuss instances where you've successfully navigated shifts in project requirements while maintaining high-quality standards. This will show your potential employer that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
