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Full-Time

Senior Technical Gameplay Animator

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Naughty Dog

Naughty Dog

501-1,000 employees

Develops story-driven video games for PlayStation

Gaming
Entertainment

Compensation Overview

$126.4k - $227.5kAnnually

+ Bonus + Profit Sharing + Incentive Plans

Senior, Expert

Santa Monica, CA, USA

Category
Character Design
Animation
Art, Graphics & Animation
Required Skills
Communications
Animation
Requirements
  • 5+ years of industry experience in technical animation for games
  • Proficiency in Python, C#, C++ or other programming languages is required
  • Full understanding of in-game animation tools like state machines, blend trees, IK solvers, etc.
  • Expertise with mocap and keyframe based digital content creation pipelines built on Maya or Motionbuilder
  • Proven track record of creating visually stunning animations for diverse game genres
  • Proactively contributes to the progress of the team and the project
  • Strong eye for animation and in-depth knowledge of how to achieve realistic motion using modern in-game animation techniques
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on achieving high-quality gameplay animation
  • Strong leadership and mentoring skills
Responsibilities
  • Facilitate the creation and implementation of tools and techniques that allow the building of complex and high-quality animation systems
  • Innovate and streamline animation pipeline processes and workflows
  • Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve in-game animation implementation issues and animation-related technical challenges
  • Create high quality animation content supporting the newly developed behaviors and systems and implement it in engine
  • Work with the animation leadership on defining and maintaining the style and quality bar of the in-game animation
  • Take ownership of challenging projects and provide innovative solutions, including mentoring team members and creating documentation
  • Contribute to the strategic development of internal technologies and artistic processes

Naughty Dog develops video games, focusing on creating high-quality, story-driven experiences for players. Their games, such as Crash Bandicoot, Jak and Daxter, Uncharted, and The Last of Us, are known for their emotional depth and engaging narratives. The games are primarily available on PlayStation platforms, which helps to build a loyal fan base and drive console sales. Naughty Dog's products work by combining advanced technology with compelling storytelling, allowing players to immerse themselves in rich, interactive worlds. Unlike many competitors, Naughty Dog emphasizes exclusivity to PlayStation, which not only enhances their brand but also creates a unique gaming experience that is not available on other platforms. The company's goal is to continue producing iconic games that resonate with players and achieve critical acclaim, while also exploring new media opportunities, such as adaptations of their games into television series.

Company Stage

M&A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Santa Monica, California

Founded

1984

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Naughty Dog's numerous industry awards and accolades, including multiple Game of the Year awards, highlight its industry leadership.
  • The development of new IPs and remastered versions of popular titles offer continuous opportunities for innovation and revenue.
  • Collaborations like the HBO series adaptation of The Last of Us expand the studio's influence beyond gaming, creating additional revenue streams.

What critics are saying

  • The cancellation of The Last of Us multiplayer game may disappoint fans and impact the studio's reputation.
  • Relying heavily on a few key franchises could limit creative diversity and increase financial risk if new titles underperform.

What makes Naughty Dog unique

  • Naughty Dog's focus on emotionally engaging, story-driven games sets it apart in an industry often dominated by action-centric titles.
  • Their exclusivity to PlayStation platforms drives console sales and fosters a dedicated fan base, unlike multi-platform developers.
  • The studio's commitment to cutting-edge technology and high production values ensures a consistently superior gaming experience.