Lead Animator
Osaka, Japan
Employees can work remotely
Full-time
Flexible Working Organization: Hybrid
Company Description
Ubisoft is composed of over 20,000 talented people located in 55+ development studios and offices across the globe. With more than 80% of our teams dedicated to creation, Ubisoft is the biggest in-house creative force in the industry.
Based in Osaka, Japan, the studio formerly known as Digital Kids was acquired by Ubisoft in 2008. Since then, the studio built up a wealth of experience developing for console, handheld, and mobile platforms. The studio released many successful titles, notably for the Petz® brand, and worked on games for a number of high profile partners including Tetris®, The Smurfs™, and The Disney Channel. Ubisoft Osaka collaborated with the Ubisoft San Francisco studio on the development of South Park™ The Fractured But Whole™ and the Rocksmith® franchise. With an eye on the future, the studio continues to grow in size with a focus on fostering its close working relationship with Ubisoft San Francisco to develop upcoming AAA projects.
Ubisoft’s worldwide network of video game development studios and business offices work hand-in-hand each day to deliver rich and innovative gaming experiences that reflect the creativity and diversity of their teams. This cross-studio collaboration model means every team member has the opportunity to participate in challenging projects based on iconic brands including Assassin's Creed®, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege®, Tom Clancy's The Division®, For Honor®, Rabbids®, Rayman®, Watch Dogs®, Far Cry®, The Crew®, Just Dance® and more. Ubisoft is a global leader in the video games and entertainment software industry.
Ubisoft is committed to enriching player’s lives with original and memorable gaming experiences. We create worlds where people can express themselves, explore and discover new possibilities.
Job Description
Manage a team of Animators and support creation of high-quality 3D animations for the game, including human body and facial animation and environment animation.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Contribute to the set-up and maintenance of the animation pipeline.
Collaborate with Technical Artists to design and build custom rigs and skeletons
Work with Art Directors and Lead Artists to understand the high-quality objectives and ensure animation style consistency across the game.
Responsible for team members overall efficiency and motivation.
Animate and perform motion editing within complex animation systems including integration and refinement of Mocap data, ensuring technical constraints are met.
Provide accurate time estimates for tasks and meet production deadlines.
Support production in planning and prioritizing tasks.
Verify in-game animation quality with the Art Director and adapt according to feedback.
Act as mentor for more junior animators.
Qualifications
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
At least 8 years’ experience as an animator within the Video games industry, with published AAA titles on console.
Excellent team management skills.
Excellent skills in key frame animation and strong experience working with mocap.
Excellent knowledge of Maya and Motion builder
Understanding of the character and animation pipeline including rigging and integration.
Up to date knowledge of current animation techniques and development processes.
Good knowledge of human and animal anatomy and movement, body language and the mechanics of expression of emotion.
Good understanding of gameplay systems, state machines and blend spaces.
Knowledge of Photoshop and Scripting is an asset.
Able to work to deadlines under pressure and with minimal supervision.
Open to receive and act on constructive criticism.
Ability to work collaboratively in an open team environment.
A positive attitude and a commitment to bringing fresh ideas to the team and the game.
Japanese skill: JLPT N3 or above, English skill: Business level or above
