CHARACTER ANIMATOR JOB DESCRIPTION TEMPLATE

A Character Animator brings virtual creatures, players, and bosses to life frame by frame. Game studios producing titles across console, PC, and mobile platforms depend on this seat to own every movement system a player sees and feels, from locomotion and combat to cinematic cutscenes. The role demands a working command of both keyframe technique and motion capture retargeting. Getting it wrong means characters that feel weightless, unresponsive, or unconvincing - and players notice immediately.

As the Character Animator, you create and implement high-quality 3D animation assets that drive player experience across all character systems within a game production. You collaborate daily with lead animators, designers, programmers, and artists, contributing across in-game, UI, and cinematic animation within a multi-discipline studio pipeline.

Career Impact: Building a shipped game portfolio across movement systems like locomotion, combat, and creature animation establishes measurable technical credibility in a competitive game studio market.

Business Impact: The animation quality you deliver directly shapes how responsive and believable a game feels to players, influencing review scores and player retention on shipped titles.

Growth Opportunity: Hands-on experience with motion capture pipelines, animation system debugging, and pipeline improvement positions you for Lead Animator or Technical Animator roles at larger studios.

• Implement and maintain character animations across player, creature, boss, and cinematic systems to ensure visual consistency throughout the game.
• Create keyframe animations from target references, delivering human body and facial performance to the standard defined by the lead animator.
• Retarget and clean motion capture data onto game-ready rigs, resolving technical issues to meet the artistic vision.
• Collaborate with designers and programmers to integrate animation assets into the game engine, supporting core movement mechanics and gameplay responsiveness.
• Review and improve existing animations independently, identifying quality gaps against the established style and escalating where needed.
• Develop and document animation pipeline processes, proposing long-term solutions that reduce recurring production bottlenecks.
• Guide junior animators on daily responsibilities and provide structured feedback on contractor submissions to maintain quality standards.
• Participate in multi-discipline reviews, communicating animation constraints and solutions clearly to code, design, and art stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree in Art, Animation, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of professional character animation experience in the game industry, with at least one shipped title.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality 3D animation showing weight, body mechanics, and strong understanding of animation principles applied to bipedal and creature figures.
• Proven ability to work with motion capture data, including retargeting onto game-compatible rigs and resolving data quality issues.
• Strong ability to rig and skin characters within an established studio pipeline.
• Solid keyframe animation skills with working knowledge of anatomy, physics, and human and creature motion.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to give and receive structured feedback across disciplines.
• Up-to-date demo reel or portfolio demonstrating a range of character animation styles required.

• Experience shipping games on console, with familiarity working within engine and platform constraints.
• Comfortable animating across both stylized and realistic visual styles, including cartoony and grounded art directions.
• Experience with CAT rig workflows or MOBA and RPG game genres.
• Familiarity with pipeline scripting or process improvement contribution within a production environment.

• Animation asset approval rate per sprint, measuring how often work clears lead review without revision cycles.
• Motion capture retargeting turnaround time, tracking efficiency from raw data to game-ready clip.
• Number of animation pipeline improvements proposed and adopted per production cycle.
• Junior animator feedback sessions completed per month, reflecting coaching consistency.
• Percentage of animation assets integrated into engine without post-handoff bug reports, indicating technical handoff quality.
• Typical tools: 3D animation (commonly Maya or 3ds Max); game engine animation (commonly Unity or Unreal Engine); motion capture editing (commonly MotionBuilder)

• Base Salary Range: $65,000 to $105,000 per year depending on seniority and studio size.
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus, typically 5 to 10% at mid-size studios.
• Equity: Stock options or profit-sharing at larger publicly traded or pre-IPO studios.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard across most studio employers.
• PTO: 15 to 20 days per year, with additional studio closure days common around major releases.
• Common Perks: Game library access, hardware allowance, remote or hybrid scheduling on select projects.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required for all positions using this template. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process upon request. Final employment offers are contingent on the successful completion of a background check.

The Character Animator delivers high-quality animated performances across film and television productions, creating compelling character work through daily reviews with the Director. Collaborating with animation leadership, management, and peers, this role shapes the storytelling quality and entertainment value of each production.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and present animated performances to the Director in daily reviews for notes and approval.
• Receive and implement direction from the film or show's Director(s).
• Work collaboratively with animation leadership, management and peers.
• Understand the intent of storyboards, story reels, recorded dialogue, set layout and direction.
• Plan and explore performance possibilities to maximize potential for entertainment, clarity and specificity.
• Set up shots to allow for efficient iteration.
• Demonstrate versatility in performance and animation styles.
• Complete work for Director approval in a timely manner.
• Attend and participate in animation dailies and additional reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Solid understanding of cinematic storytelling and traditional animation principles, including physical motion, acting, weight, timing, balance, texture and form.
• Computer animation experience preferred but not required.
• Reel should emphasize character performances that demonstrate specificity and intention in acting choices, conveyance of sub-text and examples of high entertainment value.
• Include performances that convey strong visual storytelling with clear and entertaining poses, silhouette and composition.
• Demonstrate clear understanding of animation principles, timing, physical motion, weight and balance.
• Highlight your strongest material first and clearly indicate work of others.

Embedded within a passionate game development team, the 3D Character Animator builds polished animations from scratch and according to references, ensuring correct integration of animation assets across disciplines. Working closely with directors and multiple teams, this role advances the artistic vision of each production through expert use of Maya and motion capture pipelines.

Core Functions

• Create animations from scratch and according to references.
• Test animations repeatedly and validate designs.
• Polish animations to a high standard.
• Ensure high quality data capture and data quality assurance during shoots.
• Track and retarget motion capture data.
• Make necessary changes to ensure work aligns with the artistic vision.
• Collaborate with different teams to ensure correct integration of animation assets according to the director's vision.
• Carry out all other related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Expert knowledge of Maya or similar tools, including layers, time editor, keyframing and trax editor.
• Strong portfolio showing 3D animation skills and demonstrating a high level of artistic creativity.
• Strong storytelling skills and strong ability to animate characters.
• Familiarity with motion capture systems and data.
• Familiarity with UE4.
• Good organization and strong time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, spoken and written.
• Considerable understanding of video games and broad video game culture.

Reporting to the director, the Character Animator rigs and creates quality animation characters and objects using 2D and 3D tools, following the overall theme and concept of the project. Partnering with directors, artistic teams, and fellow animators, this role contributes to process improvement and the delivery of compelling character storytelling.

Primary Duties

• Rig and create quality animation characters and objects using 2D and 3D tools.
• Plan shots with an understanding of story and character context.
• Effectively tell the story through vivid and compelling character acting and movement.
• Follow the overall theme and concept of the project.
• Work closely with the director to define the animation direction.
• Support other animators and 3D artists with reviews and feedback.
• Collaborate with and take direction from directors and artistic teams.

Skills and Qualifications

• Proficiency in Maya or preferred animation program.
• Experience in technical animation.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives.
• Portfolio showcasing completed work.
• Strong technical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to give feedback to 3D artists to improve overall project quality.

Sitting at the intersection of artistic performance and technical execution, the Character Animator animates a wide variety of characters including creatures and elements for use in final compositing. Operating across CG workstation environments and reporting to 3D leads and supervisors, this role delivers cohesive animation that demonstrates weight, solid body mechanics, and strong storytelling through camera angles and framing.

Duties

• Animate a wide variety of characters, including creatures and elements.
• Operate CG workstation and report to 3D leads and supervisors.
• Design and execute high-level animation for use in final compositing.
• Use effective storytelling skills through knowledge of camera angles and framing shots.
• Communicate effectively with team and management.
• Consult with other artists to maintain continuity and an overall cohesive look.

Experience and Qualifications

• 3+ years in a 3D animation role.
• Strong portfolio of animation for characters, monsters and animals.
• Experience rigging and animating for games.
• Experience with UE4 and Maya animation tools.
• Solid experience and understanding of Maya and Shotgun, including familiarity with production pipeline workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high quality animation showing weight and solid body mechanics.
• Solid keyframe animation skills and knowledge of anatomy, physics and human and creature motion.

A key member of the animation team, the 3D Character Animator leads asset creation and implementation for key movement systems within the game engine, delivering animations across cartoony and realistic styles. Collaborating across design, art, and animation disciplines, this role supports gameplay and narrative goals through expert application of Unity and 3ds Max workflows.

Accountabilities

• Deliver high quality 3D animations in various styles.
• Work with the animation lead on animation asset creation and implementation for key movement systems within the game.
• Demonstrate expert understanding of how animation supports gameplay and narrative.
• Animate characters and elements to show realism and weight.
• Collaborate with designers and artists to create animation assets that fulfill the requirements of the project's game and visual design.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 2 years of professional experience as a 3D character animator in the gaming industry.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, theory and technique as applied to 3D human bipedal figures and other forms.
• Animation workflow experience in 3ds Max, with CAT rig experience as a bonus.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Comfortable with cartoony and realistic styles.
• Experience working in Unity engine, including animation implementation process.
• Solid and up-to-date demo reel required.
• Experience with MOBA and RPG games is a bonus.

Immersive open world gameplay depends on the Character Animator, who implements and maintains animations for a wide range of characters including player, creatures, bosses, and cinematics. Based within a collaborative game development team, this role shapes production pipelines, identifies long-term solutions, and supports team growth through feedback and documentation.

Role Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain animations for a wide range of characters, including player, creatures, bosses and cinematics.
• Collaborate and share ideas on animation as well as gameplay and story aspects of projects.
• Document information and techniques for archival and sharing purposes.
• Identify production pipeline needs and propose long-term solutions for improvement.
• Provide and receive feedback to support team growth and skill development.
• Work on the technical side of animation deployment, including setting up simple characters and using various tools to speed up workflows.
• Maintain familiarity with the game and its latest changes and updates.

Background and Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience with in-game and cinematic video game animation, including at least 2 full production cycles.
• A robust portfolio demonstrating a wide range of animation experience.
• Considerable experience animating in Maya.
• Motion capture experience is a bonus.
• Undergraduate degree in an art-related subject or completion of an intensive art training program preferred.
• Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

As the Character Animator, this role creates fluid and responsive animations while implementing, troubleshooting, and debugging animation systems for open world gameplay mechanics. The game development team relies on this work to deliver immersive player experiences through close collaboration with programmers, motion capture prototyping, and multi-discipline gameplay reviews.

What You'll Do

• Create stunning animations that are both fluid and responsive.
• Work closely with programmers to create core mechanics and immersive experiences.
• Implement, troubleshoot and debug animation systems.
• Use onsite motion capture facilities to prototype new systems, directing talent and fine-tuning results.
• Participate in multi-discipline gameplay reviews with strong consideration of technical and gameplay constraints.
• Help improve animation pipelines and contribute to open world gameplay mechanics.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Art, Animation or equivalent animation courses.
• Outstanding demo reel required.
• Exceptional skill in animating the human figure to create realistic character animations with motion capture data.
• Strong understanding of development issues in getting animations into a game.
• Deep-rooted interest in video games and game development.
• Ability to bring innovation and resolution to technical problems throughout production.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to work closely with global teams.

Character Animator owns the full animation pipeline from motion capture sessions through in-game, UI, and cut-scene implementation, working independently to review and improve animations across successful console titles. The work directly supports cross-discipline collaboration with lead artists, senior producers, code teams, and designers to deliver polished animation across Unity-based productions.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Liaise with lead artist, senior producer, lead designer and code team to understand animation work required.
• Independently review the game to find and improve on animations.
• Prepare for and take part in directing motion capture sessions.
• Keyframe animations and retarget animations onto a Unity-compatible rig.
• Develop and improve the animation pipeline.
• Work on in-game, UI and cut-scene animations.

Technical Qualifications

• Proven track record of contributions to successful titles, including several games made with Unity.
• Good technical knowledge of Unity's art pipeline, including animation controllers and blend transitions.
• Proven ability to work within constraints of the engine and target platform.
• Ability to rig, skin and animate characters, with proven ability to work with motion capture data.
• Strong communication skills across disciplines, including code and design.
• Ability to optimize existing art, both internal and from third-party sources.
• Experience shipping games on console.
• Strong knowledge of Maya, Max, MotionBuilder and Unity.

The Character Animator shapes in-game animation direction by working with the lead artist to set art direction, design standards, and templates for character animation across mobile gaming projects. Collaborating with designers, artists, and contractors, this role builds animation quality through feedback, quality control, and knowledge-sharing with less experienced team members.

Job Functions

• Work with the lead artist to set project art direction, create templates and design standards for character animation.
• Design in-game character animations and review submissions.
• Work with motion capture data to produce high quality animations.
• Provide feedback for contractor submissions and quality control for in-game animation design.
• Share knowledge and provide guidance and training for less experienced team members.

Professional Experience

• 3+ years of experience in character animation production.
• Good knowledge of human and animal animation production, movement and motion.
• Proficient with Unity3D or UE4 and skeletal animation.
• MoCap experience preferred.
• Passionate about gaming with a basic understanding of the mobile gaming industry.
• Creative and imaginative with ability to animate natural motion and facial expressions.
• Strong understanding of ways to complement gameplay with good animation design.

Embedded within a game animation team, the Character Animator delivers high quality 3D animations including human body and facial animation, working with the lead animator to ensure style consistency across the game. Working closely with junior animators and leads, this role advances animation quality through keyframe work, motion capture, and the adoption of new tools and workflows.

Scope of Work

• Create high quality 3D animations for the game, including human body and facial animation.
• Work with the lead animator to understand quality objectives and ensure animation style consistency.
• Create keyframe animations as per target references.
• Guide junior animators in daily responsibilities.
• Stay enthusiastic about improving creative and technical skills and adopt new workflows and tools.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• 2-7 years of overall experience in the animation industry.
• Bachelor's degree in Art, Animation or equivalent courses.
• High skill in all areas of 3D animation with a strong understanding of animation principles.
• Excellent knowledge of Maya and MotionBuilder.
• Working experience with game engines such as Unreal and Unity.
• Strong portfolio with showreel in video format or online video link required.