Contract
Animator – Isometric Strategy
9-month contract
Posted on 10/4/2025
Blackbird Interactive
51-200 employees
Develops immersive games and art services
Compensation Overview
CA$70k - CA$85k/yr
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Hybrid
Hybrid and remote options across Canada; in-studio availability in Vancouver, BC.
 Art, Graphics & Animation (2) |
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- 4+ years of experience in animation for games.
- Strong knowledge of 3D Game Development Software for animation.
- Demonstrated experience or skillset animating for RTS and games with an isometric camera setup.
- Comfort working in Perforce-integrated pipelines.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
- Animate a broad range of Character and Building Units, matching and improving upon the benchmark of the original title.
- Collaborate with animators and tech animations to define and refine the pipeline.
- Work with the art team and designers to ensure animation integrates cleanly into the game engine, supports gameplay systems and meets performance goals.
- Maintain a productive and collaborative work environment with the development team.
- Proficiency in 3Ds MAX (preferred) or Maya.
- Familiarity with game-ready skeleton design, skinning, and animation scene structure.
- Passion for stylized RTS, MOBA, and/or action-strategy games.
Blackbird Interactive in Vancouver develops and sells video games and also provides art direction, concept art, and IP development services to other studios. Its games are created through a collaborative process that blends art, storytelling, and gameplay to deliver immersive experiences and tailored assets. The studio differentiates itself with its Homeworld pedigree, a culture that invites ideas from all team members, and flexible work options, plus a dual revenue model from game sales and professional services. Its goal is to produce high-quality games and become a trusted partner to other studios while maintaining strong security and privacy practices.
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
Debt Financing
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Vancouver, Canada
Founded
2007
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Homeworld 3 launched May 13, 2024, with DLC like Kalan Raiders Pack August 15.
- Acquired Hardspace IP rights August 2025, launching multiple new projects.
- Emona Capital minority investment bolsters game development and strategies.
What critics are saying
- Homeworld 3 support ended November 2024, creating revenue cliff now.
- Mojang canceled Minecraft Legends January 2025, damaging publisher ties.
- 41 layoffs January 2025 after project cancellations weaken studio capacity.
What makes Blackbird Interactive unique
- Blackbird Interactive specializes in Homeworld sci-fi RTS franchise with VR expansion.
- Studio excels in co-development services using Unreal, Unity, and proprietary engines.
- Vancouver-based team of Relic and EA veterans drives immersive art and cinematics.
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Benefits
4-Day Work Week & Generous Vacation
Employee Profit Sharing Plan
Paid Parental LEave Top Up
Comprehensive Extended Health & Wellness Benefits
Research & Developemnt Opportunities
New IP Pitching Program & Bonus
Fully Equiped Onsite Gym
Dog-Friendly Studio
Company News
Ambrosia Sky Act 1 trailer reveals November release date for power wash action | IGN Fall Fan Fest 2025. Developer Soft Rains and support studio Blackbird Interactive made an appearance at IGN Fall Fan Fest 2025 to announce an Ambrosia Sky Act 1 release date of November 10, 2025, for PC via Steam. The launch update for the studio's upcoming stylized, power wash-inspired action FPS arrives alongside a new two-minute trailer. It's a fresh look at the creative cleaning adventure, promising to release its first chapter in just a few weeks, with Act 2 and Act 3 set to follow in 2026. Ambrosia Sky sees players step into the zero-gravity shoes of a field scientist named Dalia. Her search for the key to human immortality takes her to Saturn's outer rings, where she must face (and clean) hostile fungi and discover what happened to the people who once lived there. "In this gripping first act, Ambrosia Sky thrusts you into a mind-bending world of death, decay, and what comes after," Soft Rains' description for Ambrosia Sky Act 1 says. "Armed with nothing but a chemical sprayer and grappling hook, you must survive varieties of unpredictable alien fungi." Although it takes some clear inspiration from meditative experiences like PowerWash Simulator, Ambrosia Sky spices up its fungus-cleaning activities in a few ways. Dalia can harvest fruit and upgrade her gear, for example, with players also able to craft ammunition and enhance traversal tools like the tether. Soft Rains encourages players to explore while piecing together mysteries and dodging an alien fungus that can electrify, explode, and more. Soft Rains is a Toronto-based indie studio formed with talent behind games like The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, Fallout 3 and 4, Valorant, and Watch Dogs: Legion. Ambrosia Sky was announced in June of this year. If you'd like to see more than what was shown in today's IGN Fall Fest 2025 trailer, you should know an updated Ambrosia Sky demo is available to check out as part of Steam Next Fest until October 20. For more, you can check out its Summer Game Fest Ambrosia Sky preview, where Will Borger went hands-on with a slice from Dalia's journey. At the time, he said, "I am excited to see what else Soft Rains has in store for us on the Cluster, but one thing is clear: their ambition is great." Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
Toronto-based independent developer Soft Rains, in collaboration with Blackbird Interactive, has released a new story trailer for their upcoming game, Ambrosia Sky.
Vancouver's Blackbird Interactive Inc. announced leadership changes and a new financial partnership. Founder Rob Cunningham transitions to board chairman, with Eric Torin as the new CEO. The studio secured a minority investment from London-based Emona Capital LLP, though the amount was undisclosed. The partnership aims to enhance Blackbird's game development and business strategies. Additionally, B.C.'s digital media tax credit will increase to 25%, benefiting the industry.
Gearbox Publishing and Blackbird Interactive released a launch trailer to celebrate the game's launch.
Gearbox Publishing and Blackbird Interactive unveiled the 2024 Content Roadmap for Homeworld 3 which includes additional content for its roguelike RTS mode War Games.