Senior Gameplay Animator New

• Create high-quality animation content in Maya and ensure proper implementation in our game engine
• Serve as a positive role model through exemplary demeanor, ability, proactivity, communication, and productivity
• Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to create new exciting, mind-blowing systemic animations
• Take ownership of challenging projects and provide innovative solutions, including mentoring team members and creating documentation
• Direct and participate in motion capture shoots
• Learn and master Naughty Dog’s unique gameplay systems
• Work with game systems, adhering to efficient and effective practices
• Utilize engine debug tools to identify and resolve gameplay issues in collaboration with designers and programmers
• Partner with animation leadership to define and uphold the style and quality bar for in-game animations
• Provide constructive feedback to improve internal technologies and artistic workflows
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed

• Minimum of 1 shipped AAA game as a Senior Gameplay Animator (or equivalent)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the video game industry
• Expertise in systemic gameplay animation
• Mastery of both motion capture and keyframe character animation as showcased by your strong animation reel
• General technical knowledge of animation technologies, including state machines, blend trees, and motion matching
• Passion for gaming and a deep understanding of game design principles and player experience
• Ability to provide clear and constructive feedback to peers
• Proven experience planning, setting up, and directing motion capture shoots independently and efficiently
• Must be comfortable using a script editor
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly to challenges
• Highly motivated, proactive, and solution-oriented, with a “can-do” attitude
• A natural team player who fosters collaboration and inspires others across departments
• Strong communication skills, ensuring clear and proactive interaction with animation and other teams
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage shifting priorities, and keep stakeholders informed
• Proactive in taking ownership of assignments and identifying new opportunities to support the team and company goals
• Proficient with Maya/MotionBuilder animation tools, including layers, time/trax editor, and mocap tools

Bonus Skills:

• Experience developing animation tools is a plus
• Character rigging experience is a plus
• Experience setting up in-game physics assets is a plus

The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below, this is an hourly rate.

$69.52 - $86.93 USD

Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together. We’d love to find an experienced gameplay animator to join us!, Sony Interactive Entertainment pushes the boundaries of entertainment and innovation, starting from the launch of the original PlayStation in Japan in 1994. Today, we continue to deliver innovative and thrilling experiences to a global audience through our PlayStation line of products and services that include generation-defining hardware, pioneering network services, and award-winning games. Continue reading