Senior Animator

About the Position

We are Grinding Gear Games, creators of the award-winning dark fantasy Action RPG Path of Exile. We're a world-class studio of more than 200 developers based in Auckland, New Zealand and we're currently expanding the Path of Exile development team.

We are seeking a talented Senior Animator to join our studio. In this role, you will work closely with the Directors, Designers, Riggers, and of course the Animation Team, to craft dynamic and compelling in-game and cinematic animations. Your work will bring to life a diverse range of characters, including bipedal figures, creatures, monsters, and microtransaction assets throughout Wraeclast!

Location: On-site in Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand

Relocation assistance available for the right candidate, if needed

Full-time position – 40 hours a week

Responsibilities

• Create quality 3D animations for Path of Exile under the direction of the Animation Lead for both gameplay and cinematics
• Use your initiative, be proactive, and share innovative ideas within the team
• Be aware of project/task schedules and deliver work to deadlines
• Be able to receive and provide constructive feedback

Requirements

• A minimum of 3 years of animation experience, including at least 1 year in a professional game studio environment
• A strong ability to execute animations that truly understand and respect the importance of core gameplay mechanics and character performance
• Solid knowledge of body mechanics, with experience animating general locomotion, melee, and magic combat for both bipedal characters and creatures/monsters
• The ability to maintain a professional attitude, accept constructive feedback, and work both independently and collaboratively within a team
• Proficiency in Maya
• A self-motivated team player with excellent communication skills
• Ability to perform in-character acting in front of a camera to support animation reference
• An applicant must have examples of hand-keyed combat and gameplay animation for both bipedal characters and creatures in their portfolio, and be willing to complete a short, paid animation test if requested.

Pluses

• Avid gamer with a deep understanding of Path of Exile and its themes
• A sense of humor

We Offer

• Relocation assistance available for the right candidate, if needed
• Permanent position

About the Company

Grinding Gear Games is the developer and publisher of Path of Exile, the award-winning online ARPG. Founded and headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, the company was established in 2006 and released Path of Exile in 2013, winning GameSpot's PC Game of the Year Award that year. Since then, we have continued to evolve Path of Exile with over 45 expansions, eventually winning the 2020 BAFTA award for Best Evolving Game.

Path of Exile 2 is in full production and has been released in Early Access as of Q4 2024 - we're looking for world-class artists, animators, and programmers to help us continue to develop it. Come be part of our story and join us at Grinding Gear Games!