Game Animator
About the Role
Join Light Pattern, a boutique game development studio led by Path of Exile co-creator Chris Wilson.
Light Pattern is seeking a Game Animator to help bring our game's characters and creatures to life, creating animations that give them personality, weight, and a distinct identity. From imposing monsters to subtle character behaviours, your work will help establish the look and feel of a dark, atmospheric world.
This is a full-time, on-site position in Auckland, New Zealand. Relocation assistance is available.
Responsibilities
- Bring characters and monsters to life through punchy, believable, and visually distinctive animation
- Develop animation styles and movement characteristics that reinforce the personality and identity of different characters and monsters
- Take ownership of animations from early exploration through to polished, game-ready assets
- Work with the Art Director to establish a consistent animation style that complements the game's visual direction and gameplay
- Collaborate with designers and programmers to create animations that feel responsive, communicate gameplay clearly, and integrate effectively into the game
- Animate other elements of the game as needed, including props, environmental features, and mechanical objects
- Help shape the team's animation workflows and production processes as the project evolves
Requirements
- At least 3 years of professional experience in 3D animation for games
- Proficiency in Blender (or possibly Maya, with a desire to learn Blender)
- A compelling animation reel demonstrating strong character and creature animation skills
- Excellent command of animation fundamentals, including timing, spacing, posing, weight, anticipation, and follow-through
- Experience producing animations for real-time game engines, with an understanding of the technical considerations involved
- An understanding of how animation contributes to gameplay readability, responsiveness, and overall game feel
- An appreciation for classic RPGs from the 1990s and 2000s
- A deep familiarity with Diablo II. Not just playing it, but understanding what makes its characters, creatures, art, and systems so enduring