GAMEPLAY ANIMATOR SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Apr 09, 2025 – The Gameplay Animator demonstrates strong animation skills with a passion for gameplay, supported by hands-on experience in video game development and motion capture. This position brings deep expertise in Maya and MotionBuilder, contributes to workflow improvement and fosters a collaborative, learning-focused team culture. The animator also delivers clear direction and feedback while actively supporting peers and cross-functional teams in a dynamic production environment.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Gameplay Animator Resume
  • Animation Implementation
  • Cinematic Animation
  • Project Scheduling
  • Character Animation
  • Engine Integration
  • Mocap Animation
  • Gameplay Design
  • Tech Problem Solving
  • Animation Systems
  • Visual Validation
  • Creative Feedback
  • Art Direction
  • Team Leadership
  • Collaboration
  • Team Mentoring
  • Communication
  • Mentoring
  • Technical Collaboration
  • Ownership
  • Team Coordination

Summary of Gameplay Animator Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Game Art with 6 years of Experience

  • Games Industry work experience (At least 1 shipped title)
  • Worked in - or has a passion for PVP games
  • Experience working in handling Motion Capture Data
  • Basic knowledge of Rigging and Skinning
  • Experience using a major animation package (e.g., Maya, Motionbuilder, 3DSMax)
  • Solid Keyframe Animation experience/ability.
  • Experience working in commercial game engines (Unreal)
  • Positive, solution-oriented individual with a passion for video games and animation.
  • Ability to debug and develop animation systems, including blend trees and state machines.
  • Great understanding of anatomy and human body mechanics.
  • Proven application of the 12 principles of Animation (squash n stretch, exaggeration, timing, etc)
  • Be self-motivated, proactive, and positive when faced with technical problems and challenges throughout production.
  • Great interpersonal and communication skills to work closely with Artists, Designers, and Programmers.

2. BS in Computer Graphics with 3 years of Experience

  • Documented experience in video game animation or the film industry.
  • Very good knowledge of Motion Builder and/or Maya.
  • Solid knowledge of animation principles and an eye for dynamic poses.
  • Experience in animation of bipedal/quadruped characters and other organic and inorganic forms.
  • Experience working with motion capture technology, including setup, acting, and animation cleanup.
  • Ability to effectively collaborate with game designers and programmers.
  • Outstanding creativity and a very strong commitment to a project.
  • Passion for games and, in general, for animation
  • Possess the ability to take tasks to completion with high fidelity
  • Collaborative ability to work with multiple people and disciplines to complete tasks
  • Possess the ability to receive and address feedback
  • Methodical and have a keen eye for detail

3. BS in Digital Arts with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience in gameplay animation, including third-person action-adventure titles.
  • Have shipped 2+ AAA titles as a gameplay animator.
  • Experience working in a senior gameplay animator role.
  • Have experience working in mentoring other animators.
  • Experience with advanced animation systems and root motion (Motion Matching, Warping)
  • Push innovation and fidelity in gameplay animation and mechanics.
  • Have a passion for creating cinematic and realistic content.
  • Have extensive experience developing in a real-time environment (Unreal)
  • Excel at rapid prototyping and quick iteration.
  • Thrive in a self-driven environment.
  • Great communicators and cross-disciplinary collaborators.
  • Strong time management and long-term planning skills.

4. BS in Game Design with 7 years of Experience

  • Outstanding demo reel displaying strong animation ability.
  • Experience working in animating video games.
  • Experience working with motion capture.
  • Experience as an Animator in the video games industry.
  • Excellent collaboration and team environment experience.
  • Can provide structured, clear briefs and feedback to colleagues and the outsourcing.
  • Excellent understanding of Maya/MoBu and have experience with different rigs and setups.
  • Put passion into everything you do and aim to improve the workflows and tools.
  • An active contributor to the craft, promoting a transparent and learning culture within the team
  • Passion for making and playing games
  • Enthusiastic, positive, must have the ability to interact and collaborate with all departments and teams
  • Self-sufficient and self-motivated, can perform duties with little oversight
  • Team-oriented with a desire to assist other animators
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