BioWare creates games focused on rich stories, unforgettable characters and vast worlds. It operates primarily out of Edmonton (Alberta, CAN) and Austin (Texas, USA) creating some of the world's most critically acclaimed titles since 1995. The studio is currently working on future game experiences for the Mass Effect™ franchise, one of the highest rated video game series of all time, and the Dragon Age™ franchise, whose latest entry won 150+ Game of the Year awards.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Gameplay Animator with a focus on Previsualization of Gameplay Systems for Third-Person Action 3C development (Character, Camera and Controls). You will collaborate with core Gameplay and Narrative leadership groups to create animations that help to establish systems which blur the lines between traditional Gameplay and Narrative experiences.
The Senior Gameplay Animator will report to the Animation Director.
Responsibilities:
Create and implement character animation using mocap, keyframe and in-engine tools
Create high-quality gameplay animations that are responsive, dynamic, and enhance the overall gameplay experience.
Iterate and refine animation based on both aesthetics and feel
Collaborate with the animation team, designers, and other departments to ensure that animations fit within the vision of the game.
Implement animations into the game engine, ensuring smooth transitions and interactions.
Participate in animation brainstorming and contribute creative ideas for enhancing gameplay.
Address and resolve animation-related bugs and issues reported by the QA team.
Mentor junior animators and provide feedback on their work, aiding in their growth and development.
Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and best practices in gameplay animation to bring new and innovative techniques to the team.
Qualifications:
Minimum 5 years of experience in gameplay animation, with at least 1 shipped AAA title.
Expertise in Maya, Motionbuilder or comparable Animation software.
A deep understanding of animation principles, specifically the ability to convey emotion, weight, and momentum in character movements.
Experience with motion capture workflows, including clean-up and enhancement.
Familiarity with integrating animations in game engines, such as Unreal or Unity.
Experience tuning animations and systems for Player Experience and 3C Gameplay
Strong sense of visual storytelling and camera fundamentals.
Proficiency in taking an idea and rapidly providing visual breakdowns through previsualization videos and block-outs.
Proficiency in runtime engine animation workflows
Experience with third-person animation.
Portfolio:
All submissions must include a demo reel showing personal and/or professional artwork. Portfolio should demonstrate a diverse range of animations, including gameplay, cinematics, and character animations.
US COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The base salary ranges listed below are for the defined geographic market pay zones in these states. If you reside outside of these locations, a recruiter will advise on the base salary range and benefits for your specific location. EA has listed the base salary ranges it in good faith expects to pay applicants for this role in the locations listed, as of the time of this posting. Salary offered will be determined based on numerous relevant business and candidate factors including, for example, education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and business or organizational needs.
BASE SALARY RANGES
California (depending on location e.g. Los Angeles vs. Sacramento): º $131,600 - $213,300
New York (depending on location e.g. Manhattan vs. Buffalo): º $131,600 - $213,300
Jersey City, NJ: º $154,800 - $213,300
Colorado (depending on location e.g. Denver vs. Colorado Springs): º $131,600 - $179,600
Washington (depending on location e.g. Seattle vs. Spokane): º $131,600 - $195,200
Base salary is just one part of the overall compensation at EA. We also offer a package of benefits including paid time off (3 weeks per year to start), 80 hours per year of sick time, 16 paid company holidays per year, 10 weeks paid time off to bond with baby, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.
About Electronic Arts
Everything we do is designed to inspire the world to play. Through our cutting-edge games, innovative services, and powerful technologies, we bring worlds with infinite possibilities to millions of players and fans around the globe.
We’re looking for collaborative and inclusive people with diverse perspectives who will enrich our culture and challenge us. We take a holistic approach with our benefits program, focusing on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community wellness to support our people through every chapter of life. We provide comprehensive benefit packages and support for a balanced life with paid time off and new parent leave, plus free games and so much more. Our goal is to provide a safe and respectful workplace that empowers you to thrive in both work and life.
Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will also consider employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.
