Gameplay Animator

Job Description

Why PlayStation?

Summary: Responsible for creating high-quality animations of 3D characters, weapons, vehicles, and cameras for both gameplay and cinematic sequences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
• Creates high-quality gameplay and cinematic animations using hand key animation and motion capture data
• Takes the initiative to communicate with lead to seek out and address feedback in order to complete work to quality on schedule
• Manipulates motion capture data within Maya and Motion Builder to achieve desired performance while maintaining the integrity of the base mocap data.
• Animates a variety of facial expressions and performances
• Successfully implements characters in game, and creates all blend trees and nodes responsible for the technical implementation of gameplay animation and/ or cinematic assets.
• Collects, creates, and studies applicable reference material in order to remain informed about animation techniques and to develop a better understanding of the underlying mechanics of character motion
• Other duties may be assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university; or two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience, covering all basic animation principles and techniques. At least two years' experience working with motion capture to create in-game and cinematic performances that go beyond the underlying motion capture and exude personality.

Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.  Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Skills: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills: Knowledge of Maya, and common production programs. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Motion Builder is a plus. Proficiency in and Adobe Premiere as well as working with sound and music is a plus. Knowledge of common state machine flow in any game engine is preferred.
Other Skills: Demonstrated understanding of basic animation principles including squash and stretch, timing and motion, anticipation, staging, weight, and appeal. A working knowledge of cinematography and editing skills, as well as use of sound in animation. A fundamental understanding of creating animation content for video games. Works well in a highly collaborative environment with other animators, designers, and programmers, as well as the ability to communicate effectively and take direction well

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

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 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.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rzmo72-18-117-216-229-42 in your application.