Lead Gameplay Animator (Skeleton Key)

At Wizards of the Coast, we connect people around the world through play and imagination. From our genre defining games like Magic: The Gathering® and Dungeons & Dragons® to our growing multiverse, we continue to innovate and build new ways to foster friendship and connection. That's where you come in!
Skeleton Key is a new game development studio and division of Wizards of the Coast. We are a group of industry veterans who are guided by the belief that empowering our teams and providing the proper time, tools, and support we can foster a creative culture where everyone can do their best work.
Our new studio is located in Austin, TX, and we are looking for a passionate and dedicated Lead Gameplay Animatorto join us and bring our first AAA game to life. We offer fully remote, hybrid, or in-office options for day-to-day work.
Reporting to the Animation Director you will play a meaningful role as we prototype and kick off pre-production. You'll help build impactful actions and performances for both creature and characters and work closely with design and engineering to build amazing animation and outstanding gameplay. A solid understanding of game engine state machines and animation implementation is a must, and the ideal candidate must also possess the expertise in body mechanics and keyframing technique vital to consistently produce outstanding gameplay animation.
The ideal candidate will have proven experience creating high-fidelity AAA animations in gameplay for both player and enemies, possess a solid understanding of animation tools and pipelines, and is deeply creative with a great sense of what makes animation fun, immersive and engaging. You have high standards in everything you do and are committed to crafting memorable gaming experiences. You put the player first.
What You'll Do:

• Create high quality game animation using both motion capture and keyframe animation techniques.
• Prototype, visualize and polish gameplay mechanics and systems for a wide cast of compelling characters.
• Provide an animator's perspective and feedback during multi-disciplinary meetings that helps inform and encourage the team.
• Think creatively to find systemic solutions that push animation fidelity and/or increase efficiency.
• Help to iteratively improve animation pipelines and tools.
• Mentor and critique animators on the team.
• Help foster a culture of excellence in game animation by encouraging the team with your work.
• Design, plan, and help guide in-house motion capture sessions.

What You'll Bring:

• 5 or more years of experience as a Gameplay Animator with at least 1 shipped AAA title.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, certification in a relevant field of Art/Animation, or equivalent industry proven experience.
• Experience using motion capture data and technologies to deliver compelling real-time performances.
• Expert level skill in key-frame animation and the ability to create high fidelity movement and performances for in-game systems.
• Extensive experience animating humans, creatures, or pretty much anything that moves.
• Outstanding artistic and technical creativity and curiosity.
• Experience working in Unreal or other AAA game engines.
• Sophisticated experience building and maintaining gameplay animation systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in tools and process.
• Self-sufficient and self-motivated, can perform duties with little oversight.

Nice to Have:

• Leadership experience.
• High-level blueprint/state machine experience in Unreal.
• Experience animating cameras and knowledge of cinematography.
• Maya tool scripting and/or animation tools experience.
• Experience with motion capture directing and performance.
• Experience developing 1st person action games.

We are an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer
The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for satisfactory performance in this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities, or requirements of the position.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you are selected to move forward in our application process and need to request an accommodation, please let your recruiter or coordinator know.
In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation range for this role. The range listed is just one component of Wizards of the Coast's total compensation package for employees. Employees may also be eligible for annual and long-term incentives. In addition, Wizards of the Coast provides a variety of benefits to employees. Here's a look at what your benefits package may include: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Paid Vacation Time & Holidays, Generous 401(k) match, Paid Parental Leave, Volunteer Program, Employee Giving & Matching Gifts Programs, Tuition Reimbursement, Product Discounts, and more.
Compensation Range
$135,000 - $228,000 USD