Senior Gameplay Melee Animator
Why PlayStation?
PlayStation isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Today, we’re recognized as a global leader in entertainment producing The PlayStation family of products and services including PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®VR, PlayStation®Plus, acclaimed PlayStation software titles from PlayStation Studios, and more.
PlayStation also strives to create an inclusive environment that empowers employees and embraces diversity. We welcome and encourage everyone who has a passion and curiosity for innovation, technology, and play to explore our open positions and join our growing global team.
The PlayStation brand falls under Sony Interactive Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation.
For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5. We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Part I is now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we’re busy at the kennel working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PC and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us.
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 are offering a rare opportunity to be a part of our brand-new franchise, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. This ambitious project presents limitless possibilities for top-tier gameplay animators, blending keyframe and motion capture animation to craft immersive experiences using Naughty Dog’s cutting-edge animation technology.
Ability to work hybrid from our Santa Monica, CA based studio is required.
What you will do:
- 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
What skills you will use:
- 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 gameplay animation, ideally with a strong background in human and creature melee animation
- A strong animation reel showcasing mastery in both motion capture and keyframe character animation
- 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
As a part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio or demo reel of their work and may be asked to complete an animation test.
Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression, and gender reassignment), race (including color, nationality, ethnic, national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.
We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.
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The estimated USA base pay range for this zone (Los Angeles area) is listed below. This role may be eligible for additional compensation packages that includes annual bonus and other incentive plans.
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At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.
Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
In addition, this role is eligible for SIE’s top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click here to learn more.
The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below.
$139,000 - $173,800 USD
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.
We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.
PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.
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