Gameplay Animator

Studio Wildcard - Bellevue, WA

Animator (Remote/Onsite)

We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us work on ARK: Survival Ascended, the remaster of our original hit franchise, and other projects we have in the works. We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies. Wildcard is searching for an exceptionally talented and passionate Animator who can create high-impact work for the expanding ARK franchise.

Job Responsibilities:

• Create grounded human/creature behavior and combat animations utilizing new techniques and methods. Focusing on next level behavioral and environmental performance interaction details and theatrics with UE5.
• Work with the Animation Director and Sr animators to ensure all animation deliverables are completed at the desired quality on time, and perform on the next level of game engine expectations.
• Iterate on animations with cross-functional teams and leads through prototyping and constructive feedback

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of gameplay animation experience focusing on Human/Creature behavioral and combat performance. Preferably with at least one shipped game title with unreal. Best candidates present developing multiple levels of character performance utilizing UE5 systems

• Understanding of Animalistic/Creature/Human performance within a gameplay format

• Understanding and proven application of traditional animation principles

• Familiarity with implementing animations and working with Blueprints in Unreal Engine 5

• Understanding of rig development and application processes involving UE5 Control Rig

• Self-motivated, dependable team contributor that owns the responsibility of tasks assigned and meets deadlines given

Pluses:

• Motion Capture cleanup experience

• Understanding of comparative anatomy and it's practical application within the industry

• Knowledge of Full-Body physics and IK systems within UE5 & Houdini

• Experience with rigging

• Familiarity with Shotgrid, UGS, Perforce and JIRA

• Familiarity with ARK: Survival Evolved/ARK: Survival Ascended

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
• Link to portfolio/demo reel of current work
• Be willing to complete an animation test if requested to do so
• Cover Letter which should include

  • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard

  • What games you are currently playing

About Studio Wildcard

Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Kirkland, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.

Pay Transparency Information

The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.

Wildcard Benefits

We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options