A

Absurd Ventures

Creates immersive narratives for distribution

Principal Gameplay Animator

Full-Time
$150k - $175k/yr+ Bonus + Equity
Senior, Expert
Santa Monica, CA, USA
In PersonOn-site in Santa Monica, California.
Art, Graphics & AnimationAnimation & VFX

About the job

Requirements
  • At least 7 years of animation experience within the video game industry.
  • Proficiency in Maya and other industry-standard animation tools.
  • Multiple shipped AAA titles in a gameplay animation role.
  • A strong understanding of anatomy, motion, and weight in animation.
  • Experience with both keyframe animation and motion capture techniques.
  • A proven track record of leading animation teams and delivering high-quality content.
  • The ability to work collaboratively across departments and communicate effectively.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities with a balance of artistic vision and technical execution.
  • The ability to drive complex initiatives with minimal oversight.
Responsibilities
  • Create high-quality gameplay animations that establish the visual and gameplay standard for characters, creatures, and objects.
  • Drive the development of locomotion, traversal, combat, interaction, and systemic animation content.
  • Review animation content and help maintain consistent quality and artistic direction across gameplay features.
  • Collaborate with the Animation Director to define animation style and direction.
  • Partner with Design and Engineering teams to implement animation systems that enhance gameplay feel, responsiveness, and player immersion.
  • Work with Technical Animation to improve pipelines, tools, and workflows.
  • Establish efficient workflows that balance visual quality, gameplay requirements, and technical constraints.
  • Provide feedback and mentorship to other animators.
  • Ensure animations meet performance and memory constraints for different platforms.
  • Partner with outsource and co-development teams to review deliverables and ensure quality standards are met.
  • Stay current with industry trends and techniques in animation.
Desired Qualifications
  • Strong understanding of Unreal Engine 5 animation systems, including Animation Blueprints, State Machines, Blend Spaces, Control Rig, and Motion Matching workflows.
  • Experience developing animation systems for AAA titles or games focused on realistic animation.
  • Experience with creature animation and complex character rigs.
  • Deep knowledge of traversal and combat animation.
  • Experience with motion matching, procedural animation, and physics-driven systems.
  • Experience building or improving animation pipelines and tools.
  • Experience working with external vendors and co-development partners.
  • Passion for open world gameplay, player expression, and immersive character performance.

About the company

A

Absurd Ventures

View
Website

Absurd Ventures operates in the storytelling industry by creating and distributing original, immersive narratives for a wide range of audiences. It develops and provides storytelling content to clients through partnerships, licensing, and direct sales, generating revenue from these arrangements. The product work involves crafting engaging stories and delivering them as content experiences to clients, often via curated partnerships or licensing deals. Absurd Ventures differentiates itself by targeting a niche that seeks diverse and compelling storytelling, continuously evolving its services to stay relevant and appealing in a rapidly changing market. Its primary goal is to meet growing demand for fresh, high-quality narrative experiences and to grow its business through licensing, partnerships, and direct distribution.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Santa Monica, California

Founded

N/A

Get referred to Absurd Ventures

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • American Caper volume one launched July 2026 after North American bestseller status for issue one.
  • Absurd Ventures Press launched March 2026, widening monetization beyond games into publishing.
  • Netflix Is a Joke screened Absurdaverse shorts in May 2026, validating transmedia reach.

What critics are saying

  • Absurd Ventures lacks a shipping blockbuster; A Better Paradise remains unreleased in 2026.
  • Revenue depends on hit translation across media; American Caper volume one is the only clear consumer proof.
  • A failed AAA launch from Smilegate partnership would starve cash and sink the studio.

What makes Absurd Ventures unique

  • Dan Houser brings GTA and Red Dead storytelling credibility since 2021.
  • Absurd Ventures spans games, comics, podcasts, books, and animation across one IP strategy.
  • Smilegate funded and will publish A Better Paradise globally in 2025.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Company Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Company Match

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

16%

1 year growth

15%

2 year growth

29%
Polygon
Oct 3rd, 2026
GTA creator has avoided GTA 6 while making new open-world games.

GTA creator has avoided GTA 6 while making new open-world games. While Dan Houser is best known as one of Rockstar's co-founders and for creatively spearheading the first five Grand Theft Auto games, he founded Absurd Ventures in 2023 to make new creative projects, including video games. He teased the first two games that Polygon Company can expect from Absurd Ventures, confirming that one is a comedic open-world game. Despite his track record of working on great comedic open-world games, Houser surprisingly revealed that he doesn't play that kind of game anymore. He has even avoided watching the gameplay reveal of Grand Theft Auto 6, stating that he wants Absurd Ventures' first games to "find new things that haven't been done before." What games is Absurd Ventures working on right now? In an Oct. 2 interview on Variety's Strictly Business podcast, Houser teased the two games. The first is "an open-world comedy which is trying to really lean into comedy and character memory," while the second is "a dystopian sci-fi about a video game development gone very wrong and about a rogue AI that discovered sentience." Absurd Ventures previously teased it was working with Smilegate on a AAA sci-fi game set in its A Better Paradise universe, while the more comedic game is set in the "Absurdaverse." An open-world game with comedic undertones certainly feels reminiscent of franchises like Grand Theft Auto or Saints Row. Despite that, Houser says he doesn't really enjoy playing the open-world competition that Absurd Ventures' first game will face. "I find when I play them, I can almost deconstruct the strengths and weaknesses of the team in real time and it's distracting. I'm always thinking, 'Well, their animation team is weak, but I think this game design is fantastic.' And, 'Oh, I can imagine that meeting when they discuss this feature.' I'm not a game designer, I'm a sort of creative director. So I'm trying to always find new things that haven't been done before, or that I can steal from older media, quite frankly." Essentially, Houser doesn't feel the need to play other open-world games because he wants to design one that feels fresh, and he will already be thinking too much about how the sausage is made if he does decide to check out a rival open-world title. It's also part of why he avoided the gameplay reveal for Grand Theft Auto 6, as he wants to "avoid stuff that's going to distract or disrupt me creatively." Neither of Absurd Ventures' games has been officially unveiled or given a release window yet. That said, Houser teased that the Absurdaverse open-world game is something "that we'll have more information on in the next few months."

Helpful Info For You
Jul 25th, 2026
Physical vs digital gaming: industry trends and future outlook.

Physical vs digital gaming: industry trends and future outlook. Table of Contents Introduction. The debate between physical and digital video games has been buzzing for years, but it recently gained fresh momentum thanks to a big announcement from Sony. The company revealed that it will stop making physical PlayStation game discs after January 2028. This news sparked a lively conversation among gamers about the value of owning physical copies versus going fully digital. After all, many players still love having a tangible collection on their shelf, while others are all about the ease of digital libraries. Adding to this discussion, Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser shared his thoughts on the topic during San Diego Comic Con, shedding light on why physical games might still have a place in the future of gaming. The source for this story comes from a recent feature on Video Games Chronicle, where Houser's comments were highlighted and sparked further interest across the gaming community. Dan Houser's views on physical and digital games. At San Diego Comic Con, Dan Houser spoke with IGN about the ongoing physical versus digital debate. Houser isn't worried about game discs disappearing entirely, but he firmly believes companies should continue to offer physical copies for those who want them. It's not just nostalgia driving this view - it's about choice and respect for different player preferences. Houser also pointed out that digital-only releases have their perks. With digital games, companies can send updates and patches more quickly, improving gameplay experiences over time. This flexibility can make games better long after launch. However, Houser acknowledges that digital-only distribution does have critics, especially among players who value ownership and sharing that physical discs make easier. Lazlow Jones' perspective on physical and digital media. Lazlow Jones, a former Rockstar radio writer and current collaborator with Houser at Absurd Ventures, brings a personal touch to the conversation. Lazlow enjoys the feel of holding physical products, whether it's a game, book, or something else. There's something satisfying about holding the actual item in your hands, which a digital download can't quite match. At the same time, Lazlow appreciates digital convenience. For example, he mentioned downloading games on a Steam Deck before traveling. This blend of physical sentimentality and digital ease captures how most gamers juggle both worlds today. Physical media beyond games - books and comics. The discussion doesn't stop with video games. Lazlow often compares physical comics to their digital counterparts. He says that flipping through a printed comic or book gives a unique sense of accomplishment and connection to the story. It's a different experience than tapping through pages on a screen. Absurd Ventures, where Houser and Jones work, recently launched the American Caper comic series. This project highlights their love for storytelling in physical form. Houser agrees wholeheartedly, sharing that he's also a big fan of physical books. For both creators, the tactile nature of print media holds a special place alongside digital innovations. Conclusion. In the end, digital distribution brings undeniable benefits, from instant access to speedy updates. Yet, physical copies still mean a lot to many gamers and creatives alike. The key takeaway here is the importance of keeping options open. Companies should respect that some people want physical discs, books, or comics, while others prefer digital formats for convenience and portability. Dan Houser and Lazlow Jones continue developing new open-world experiences at Absurd Ventures. While no new game details came from their Comic Con chat, their thoughts remind Helpful Info For You that the future of gaming - and media - likely includes both digital and physical worlds, working side by side.

First Comics News
Jul 14th, 2026
Absurd Ventures and Dark Horse Comics release American Caper Volume 1: red-pilled Blues trade paperback.

Absurd Ventures and Dark Horse Comics release American Caper Volume 1: red-pilled Blues trade paperback. The first collected volume of Dan Houser's hit crime-fiction comic book series is now available at booksellers and comic shops worldwide. Dark Horse Comics will celebrate with a rare Dan Houser signing at San Diego Comic-Con next week. LOS ANGELES - July 14, 2026 - Absurd Ventures, the entertainment company founded by longtime Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption creative director and writer Dan Houser, and Dark Horse Comics, have released American Caper Volume 1: Red-Pilled Blues, the series' first trade paperback collection featuring the first four issues of the series. The book is now available for purchase through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, theAbsurd Ventures Store, and other booksellers andcomic book shops worldwide. Absurd Ventures has also released a new trailer today featuring artwork from the first four issues collected in American Caper Volume 1: Red-Pilled Blues. This first collected edition of the original crime-fiction saga compiles Issues #1-4 of American Caper. Issue #1 of American Caper debuted in November 2025 as the bestselling crime-fiction comic book in North America, according to ICv2 sales data. The series features a murderer's row of crime-fiction talent, including Houser and his longtime writing collaborator Lazlow, artwork by Eisner Award winner David Lapham (Stray Bullets), Chris Anderson (Lost Angels), Lee Loughridge (Nemesis: Rogue's Gallery), with lettering by Nate Piekos whose work on the series was cited in his 2026 Eisner Award nomination, and covers by Tyler Boss (4 Kids Walk into a Bank). American Caper is a tale of two totally normal, completely damaged families in a world of corrupt business, inept politics, bungling crime, self-righteous justice, and problematic leisure wear. First Comics News follow the fortunes of two neighbors who are on the point of collapse: a Mormon hitman and a gambling addict lawyer, both intertwined in a real estate deal gone wrong. Added to the mix are a Mexican beauty queen on the run from her past, two escaped convicts in love, a Wall Street billionaire who has become a cowboy, and a maniac hellbent on revenge. The manicured wilderness of Verona, Wyoming is the perfect cocktail of American culture: real estate development, violence and snake oil. Recently, creator-writer Dan Houser, producer-writer Lazlow, and Dark Horse Comics' Head of Publishing Tim Wiesch discussed American Caper at this year's Tribeca Festival: Lazlow on the origins of American Caper: "Dan told me about this one story in his head that he felt needed to be a comic book. The story really resonated with me because it touched on a lot of things that we love: humans, violence, Mormon hitmen, red-pilled housewives... stuff we've been making fun of for years. It was exciting to get into this medium and, I have to say, making comics is hard. It's so rewarding, though, every page of it." Dan Houser on creating and writing an ongoing comic book series: "I dabbled in comics before with a three-issue arc for Max Payne, and that was really fun. I've always loved that form of storytelling... I find it so rewarding when the final dialogue gets turned into these beautiful pages. It's an art form I thought was really interesting - and, you know, if we're going to make these things... we're not making books to sell video games. We're not making comic books to make TV shows [out of them]. We're making things to make things - that are beautiful, we hope, and that will stand the test of time, exist for a long time, and be something we can be proud of. Everything we make, we want it to be made with the best talent we can convince to work with us, and to make something we're really proud of - something that can exist in this media-saturated world as a thing of beauty in its own way." Tim Wiesch on signing American Caper to Dark Horse Comics: "I was one of those people that sobbed in front of Red Dead Redemption... I knew as soon as I read the first script of American Caper, that this was going to work... this is meant to be a comic... they had a prestigious comic book editor already working on it, they already had artists that were great. They came with a full package because they understood the medium and wanted to bring that in. I was overwhelmed with it." Absurd Ventures and Dark Horse Comics will celebrate the release of American Caper Volume 1: Red Pilled Blues next week at San Diego Comic-Con. Fans can visit the American Caper section of the Dark Horse Comics booth (#2615) to pick up a copy of the trade paperback, browse first edition copies of sought-after single issues, and view original pages of full-page artwork from the series on exhibit. Dark Horse will be hosting two very rare signings at their booth signing stage: Dan Houser for his first-ever North American signing on Friday, July 24 from 10-10:50am (pre-registration required), signing copies of American Caper, with fans also welcome to bring one copy of their favorite Dan Houser video game to be signed; and on Saturday, July 25 from 2-2:50pm, Lazlow will be joined by American Caper collaborators Tyler Boss, Chris Anderson, Lee Loughridge, and Shelly Bond for a signing. Your First Place For Comics News since October 18, 1998

VentureBeat
Jan 31st, 2025
Dan Houser’S Absurd Ventures Teases Animation Project And Action-Comedy Adventure Game

Dan Houser’s Absurd Ventures is teasing some new projects including an animated series and an action-comedy adventure game.“Prepare to meet some new kinds of heroes (and watch them suffer),” the company said in a statement. The news comes shortly after South Korean game developer and publisher Smilegate made a strategic investment and became a partner in Absurd Ventures, a game studio founded by Rockstar Games cofounder Dan Houser.Houser spent more than 20 years at Rockstar games and drove the creative direction of the Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption franchises, which have collectively sold more than 550 million units worldwide. (Theoretically, that’s about $33 billion worth of games). Houser left Rockstar Games in 2020.Absurd Ventures will be introducing this universe with animation projects later this year. There is also an original story-driven action-comedy adventure game set in the Absurdaverse currently in development at Absurd Ventures studios.And that’s all they’re saying at the moment. Absurd Ventures is an entertainment company creating new IP across all mediums including video games, live-action and animated TV, film, fiction podcasts, books, comic books and more

VentureBeat
Jan 16th, 2025
How Gta Pioneer Dan Houser’S Absurd Ventures Will Make Great Worlds With Strong Storytelling

South Korean game publisher Smilegate recently made a strategic investment and became a partner in Absurd Ventures, a game studio founded by Rockstar Games cofounder Dan Houser.Houser spent more than 20 years at Rockstar games and drove the creative direction of the Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption franchises, which have collectively sold more than 550 million units worldwide. (Theoretically, that’s about $33 billion worth of games). Houser left Rockstar Games in 2020.Through this agreement, Smilegate will have the opportunity to partner on Absurd Ventures’ new intellectual property, which has been in the works since Houser started the studio in 2021. I am looking forward to seeing the creative output of this combination, as Houser was part of a talented team at Rockstar that rose to the pinnacle of the game industry. This is a test as to whether he can do more of the same, this time with a South Korean juggernaut behind him instead of Rockstar and Take-Two Interactive.It’s a big opportunity for Smilegate — the maker of games such as Crossfire and Lost Ark — to team up with Houser, who creatively oversaw globally successful IPs that are cultural cornerstones and rooted in immersive storytelling. I did an interview with Smilegate and Absurd Ventures to find out why they did this deal and to find some clues about what they’re working on