Senior Gameplay Animator

Torn Banner Studios is a Toronto, Canada-based independent game development studio founded in 2010. We first made our mark with Chivalry: Medieval Warfare, a multi-million copy selling title that redefined melee combat in gaming. Since then, we’ve continued to grow and innovate, releasing Chivalry 2 and, most recently, No More Room in Hell 2, currently in Early Access. Today, our team of around 100 developers is dedicated to creating unique, challenging, and fun gaming experiences.

As a Senior Gameplay Animator at an indie studio, you will be expected to work independently and take responsibility for a wide range of tasks. You will be an owner of gameplay animation features requiring a deep understanding of design requirements, hand key/mocap character animation, and integrating/troubleshooting your animations. You will work with studio leadership, animators, designers, programmers, and producers to bring our characters to life and realize both the gameplay and cinematic vision for our games.

Note: While this role can be carried out remotely, candidates are required to be current Ontario residents or willing to relocate to Ontario.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality animations using Keyframe and Motion Capture data for gameplay, cinematics, and scripted events.
• Integrate animations into the game engine, troubleshoot issues, and ensure seamless alignment with project direction, animation state machines, and overall quality standards.
• Iterate animations based on feedback from playtesting, team reviews, and performance metrics to enhance the player experience.
• Collaborate closely with the animation team and other departments to meet project deadlines and achieve the desired game quality.
• Contribute to the setup, maintenance, and development of the animation department’s processes and pipelines.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of gameplay animation experience in the industry, preferably for PC and consoles.
• Strong experience with Third Person animation, with the ideal candidate also having experience developing First Person Shooters / First Person Hack and Slash.
• Work experience with Motion Builder and Maya.
• Understanding of body dynamics through experience with realistic human hand key animation.
• Experience with motion capture animation workflows.
• Experience working with game engines and animation state machines preferably Unreal Engine 4 or above.
• Strong interpersonal communication and collaboration skills; self-motivation, initiative, and the drive to undertake research and self-education independently.
• An animation reel demonstrating a relevant and high-level animation skillset.
• This role may require an animation test. If one if requested, it will be a paid test.

Bonus

• Cinematic and/or Scripted events experience.
• Rigging/Scripting/Pipeline experience.

Benefits & Perks

• 6.5 weeks paid vacation
• Unlimited sick days
• Eligible for game performance bonuses.
• Flexible schedule and work location, with your choice of remote, hybrid, or on-site.
• Healthcare & benefits plan, for you and your family
• 100% parental leave top-up for 16 weeks, for Canadian employees.

To see our team, our office and what we do as a company visit tornbanner.com/careers.

Torn Banner Studios welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Compensation

• The pay range for this role is $90,000 - $120,000 CAD per year. The range for this role represents candidates across a wide range of skills and experience for the position. Increased salaries may be achievable for those who have achieved mastery and deep industry knowledge over time. Your specific offer will rely on your unique experience and alignment to our team's needs for the position.

Transparency on use of AI and position vacancy

• Our recruitment process does not use artificial intelligence to automatically screen, assess, or select applicants. All decisions on progressing, rejecting, and offering candidates are made by human reviewers.
• One AI–enabled tool that may be used during the interview process is that of interview recording, transcription, and summarizing. Again, this would not make decisions, but simply make reviewing the notes easier. We will always ask for the candidates approval before using such a tool.
• In compliance with Ontario regulations, the advertised posting is for a currently vacant position.