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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Bring characters and worlds to life with 2D animation and Generative AI.
- Company: Join Tombola, the UK's biggest online bingo site, in a creative environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, growth opportunities, and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Shape visuals for millions while exploring modern animation techniques.
- Qualifications: Strong 2D animation skills and experience with digital tools.
- Other info: Collaborative team focused on innovation and work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Ready to make millions smile? We need an Animator! Love bringing characters, symbols, and worlds to life with fluid, bone-based 2D animation and excited by how Generative AI can supercharge that process? Then you’ll feel right at home at tombola. We’re the UK’s biggest online bingo site, and we build all our games in-house. That gives us freedom to experiment, iterate, and evolve, including how we use Generative AI to create richer visuals, smarter pipelines, and more delightful player moments.
We’re looking for an Animator to join our talented Media team in Sunderland (hybrid). This role isn’t just about animating assets, it’s about blending strong animation fundamentals with modern AI-assisted workflows to help our games shine.
What you’ll be doing
- You’ll be embedded in the full game development cycle, collaborating closely with R&D, Design, and Engineering to bring ideas to life efficiently and creatively.
- Your day-to-day will include:
- Creating visually rich 2D animations for real-time, mobile-first games.
- Using Generative AI tools to support ideation, concept exploration, asset generation, and iteration.
- Exploring automation opportunities to streamline animation workflows (e.g. asset prep, variations, polish passes).
- Optimising animations and assets for performance, memory, and smooth playback in-game.
- Helping shape animation scope and feasibility during early project planning.
- Refining animations through feedback while maintaining our fun, friendly Tombola brand.
- Occasionally contributing motion graphics to internal videos and communications.
Your animation (and AI) superpowers
- We’re looking for someone who combines strong animation fundamentals with curiosity and confidence in emerging tools.
- Core skills
- Solid understanding of 2D animation principles and bone-based animation systems.
- Post production/compositing skills in software like Adobe After Effects.
- Experience with digital animation tools for 2D (or 3D where relevant).
- An iterative mindset with a strong eye for detail and polish.
- Ability to create optimised animations for real-time game engines and mobile platforms.
- Clear communicator who enjoys collaborating with developers and project managers.
- Hands-on experience using Generative AI in creative workflows (image generation, animation support, ideation, iteration, or tooling).
- Interest in AI-assisted automation — reducing repetitive work to focus more on creative impact.
- Comfortable experimenting with new tools, workflows, and techniques, and sharing learnings with the team.
Bonus points if you have
- Experience with Spine 2D, Toon Boom, or similar tools.
- Understanding of how animations are implemented technically in games.
- Exposure to 3D animation or hybrid 2D/3D pipelines.
- Experience adapting AI-generated outputs for production-ready animation.
- A genuine enthusiasm for staying ahead of creative technology trends.
Why Tombola?
You’ll help shape the visual experience enjoyed by millions of players, creating moments that feel playful, polished, and alive.
This role offers
- A chance to work with modern animation and AI-driven workflows in a real production environment.
- Long-term growth into roles such as Senior Animator, Lead Animator.
- A collaborative, supportive culture that values experimentation, learning, and work-life balance.
- The freedom to influence not just what we make — but how we make it.
If you’re passionate about animation, excited by Generative AI, and ready to help define the future of game visuals, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now — and let’s get animated.
Animator - Game Development Studio - Sunderland... · Sunderland, UK · employer: Tombola
Contact Detail:
Tombola Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animator - Game Development Studio - Sunderland... · Sunderland, UK ·
✨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 learn about potential job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best animation work, especially projects that involve Generative AI or innovative techniques. Make sure to include a variety of styles and techniques to showcase your versatility.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your knowledge of the latest animation tools and trends. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the team at tombola and how your skills align with their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the tombola team and contributing to our exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Animator - Game Development Studio - Sunderland... · Sunderland, UK ·
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Animation Skills: When you're applying, make sure to showcase your best animation work. Include a portfolio that highlights your 2D animations and any experience with Generative AI tools. We want to see how you bring characters and worlds to life!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for at tombola.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experience and skills. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tombola
✨Showcase Your Animation Skills
Make sure to bring a portfolio that highlights your best 2D animations. Include examples that demonstrate your understanding of bone-based animation systems and how you've used tools like Adobe After Effects. Be ready to discuss the thought process behind each piece and how you approached challenges.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Generative AI
Since the role involves using Generative AI, brush up on how you've integrated AI into your creative workflows. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've used AI for ideation or asset generation, and express your enthusiasm for experimenting with new tools and techniques.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
This position requires close collaboration with R&D, Design, and Engineering teams. During the interview, highlight your experience working in teams and how you effectively communicate ideas. Share examples of how you've refined animations based on feedback while maintaining a fun and friendly brand image.
✨Demonstrate Your Iterative Mindset
Talk about your approach to refining animations through iteration. Discuss how you handle feedback and make adjustments to improve your work. Show that you have a strong eye for detail and are committed to delivering polished animations that enhance the player experience.
