Lead Animation Visionary for AAA Multiplayer Games

7 days ago


San Diego, California, United States Amazon Full time
Company Overview

At Amazon, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of game development and creating bold new experiences that foster community. Our team of industry veterans is working on live service AAA multiplayer games, including New World: Aeternum and an upcoming title based on The Lord of the Rings.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Animation Director to lead both gameplay and cinematic animation efforts. This role involves building and mentoring a world-class team from scratch, establishing animation pipelines, workflows, and standards that will define our studio's aesthetic and player experience.

Key Responsibilities
  • Build, lead, and mentor a team of talented animators for both gameplay and cinematic animation.
  • Establish and oversee animation pipelines, workflows, and quality standards.
  • Collaborate with internal teams (design, engineering, art) and external co-development partners to achieve best-in-industry animation for action games.
  • Spearhead the development and implementation of our motion capture solution.
  • Drive innovation in animation techniques and tools to push the boundaries of what's possible in game animation.
  • Ensure consistency and quality across all animated elements of the project.
  • Contribute to the overall creative vision of the game, working closely with other department leads.

A Day in the Life

You will work closely with the Art Director to establish and refine the animation direction for the game. You will also collaborate with the Technical Animation team to build and optimize animation pipelines and processes. Additionally, you will conduct research and development on cutting-edge animation techniques to push the boundaries of what's possible in-game.

Requirements

To be successful in this role, you will need 5+ years of experience in the games industry, preferably in title development, release, or live ops. A strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in both gameplay and cinematic animation is essential. Experience with motion capture technology and pipelines, as well as proficiency in industry-standard animation software, is also required. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are necessary to work effectively with internal and external teams.

Salary Estimate

The estimated salary for this role is $145,000 - $175,000 per year, depending on location and experience. This estimate is based on national averages and may vary depending on the specific location and company requirements.

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