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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: 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 Generative AI tools.
- Other info: Collaborative team focused on innovation and work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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.
- 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.
Generative AI & automation mindset
- 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 (Hybrid) employer: Tombola
Contact Detail:
Tombola Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animator - Game Development Studio - Sunderland (Hybrid)
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Showcase your best animation work, especially any projects where you've used Generative AI. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and highlights your skills in 2D animation and collaboration.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other animators and game developers on platforms like LinkedIn or Discord. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to get your name out there and learn about potential job openings.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising your pitch! Be ready to talk about your animation process, how you’ve used AI tools, and your collaborative experiences. Show them you’re not just a great animator but also a team player who can bring ideas to life.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. 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 (Hybrid)
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 projects where you've used Generative AI. We want to see your creativity in action!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how you connect your background to what we do at tombola.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points for your skills and experiences, and make sure to highlight your understanding of 2D animation principles and any relevant tools. We appreciate straightforward communication!
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
✨Know Your Animation Fundamentals
Brush up on your 2D animation principles and bone-based systems. Be ready to discuss how you apply these fundamentals in your work, especially in the context of game development. Show them you understand the importance of fluidity and character movement!
✨Showcase Your AI Curiosity
Since they’re keen on Generative AI, come prepared with examples of how you've used AI tools in your animation process. Whether it’s ideation or asset generation, share specific instances where AI has enhanced your creativity or efficiency.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
This role involves working closely with R&D, Design, and Engineering teams. Prepare to discuss your collaborative experiences and how you’ve effectively communicated with different departments. Highlight any projects where teamwork led to successful outcomes.
✨Be Ready to Iterate
An iterative mindset is key for this position. Talk about how you handle feedback and refine your animations. Bring examples of past projects where you’ve made significant improvements based on critique, showcasing your attention to detail and commitment to quality.
