3D Gameplay Animator

• Create high-quality 3D gameplay animations for combat systems, character movement, attacks, hit reactions, and other gameplay interactions using Maya and/or Blender.
• Translate gameplay and artistic requirements into compelling animation solutions, balancing visual quality, responsiveness, and technical constraints.
• Ensure animation compatibility with Unreal Engine, including engine requirements and Animation State Machine logic.
• Deliver agreed milestones independently, effectively managing priorities, timelines, and workload throughout the freelance engagement.
• Elevate animation quality and gameplay feel through careful attention to body weight, timing, impact, momentum, movement dynamics, and combat credibility.
• Collaborate with the internal animation team to share best practices, technical knowledge, workflows, and techniques across Maya and Blender.
• Document animation work and workflows to support effective knowledge transfer between artists and programmers.
• Interpret artistic direction and gameplay constraints, proposing creative, dynamic, and technically viable animation approaches.
• Participate in constructive creative reviews, incorporating feedback while proactively suggesting innovative solutions to complex production challenges.
• Evaluate character rigs and animation setups, identifying potential issues and recommending optimizations that improve production quality and delivery efficiency.
• Contribute to the overall visual identity of the project by consistently raising the quality and polish of gameplay animation.

Requirements

• Approximately 10 years of professional 3D animation experience within the video game industry, with strong specialization in combat animation and experience contributing to shipped PC and/or console titles.
• Exceptional understanding of movement and physics, including weight, timing, momentum, impact, dynamism, and gameplay feel.
• Advanced proficiency with Maya and Blender for professional 3D animation production.
• Strong technical understanding of Unreal Engine integration, including animation implementation and State Machine concepts.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage priorities effectively, and consistently deliver high-quality work against agreed deadlines.
• Strong collaborative and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with artists, programmers, and other multidisciplinary stakeholders.
• Curiosity and a supportive mindset, with a willingness to share knowledge, learn from others, and contribute to collective team development.
• Fluency in French and/or English for effective communication within the development environment.
• Experience integrating and configuring animation assets directly in a game engine is an asset.
• Knowledge of or interest in cinematics and narrative sequences is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of VFX or shader adjustments is considered an additional advantage.

Benefits

• Freelance contract through March 2027, with the possibility of extension.
• Remote work from Quebec, Canada, with the option to work in a hybrid setup in Quebec City.
• Competitive hourly or daily rate, based on experience and expertise.
• Full-time workload of approximately 37.5 hours per week.
• High degree of flexibility associated with a freelance engagement.
• Opportunity to work on large-scale PC and console game projects and make a direct contribution to their visual identity and gameplay quality.
• Collaboration with a passionate, talented, and multidisciplinary game development team.
• A work environment centered on gaming, creativity, respect, knowledge sharing, and collective growth.