Animation Director - Dungeons&Dragons

Leader in the development and publishing of mobile games, Gameloft has established itself as one of the top innovators in its field since 2000. Gameloft creates games for all digital platforms, two of which are featured in the “Top 10 Games by All-Time Worldwide Downloads” from App Annie. Gameloft operates its own established franchises such as Asphalt, Order & Chaos, Modern Combat and Dungeon Hunter and also partners with major rights holders including Universal, Illumination Entertainment, Disney, Marvel, Hasbro, Fox Digital Entertainment, Mattel and Ferrari. Gameloft distributes its games in over 100 countries and employs 4,600 people worldwide. Every month, 114 million unique users can be reached by advertisers in Gameloft games with Gameloft Advertising Solutions, a leading B2B offering dedicated to brands and agencies. Gameloft is a Vivendi company.

Job Description

Based in our Barcelona Studio, join the talented team in Montréal and embark on a unique gaming adventure!

We're on the lookout for an Animation Director to contribute their skills to our Dungeons & Dragons PC/console project. This innovative game will blend action-RPG/survival features with the unique elements of life-simulation games to redefine the genre and capture the imaginations of players worldwide.

• Lead and mentor a team of animators, offering guidance and support to nurture their professional development and creative potential.
• Oversee the entire animation direction by providing teams with guidelines and references to clarify/solidify animation vision for both 3D and 2D assets encompassing characters, creatures, environments, VFX, and potentially UI/motion design elements.
• Collaborate with designers, tech artists, and engineers to integrate animation assets into the game engine and troubleshoot any technical issues (this will include, but is not limited to: tech animation / custom rig review, custom avatar and creature animation state machine).
• Work with engineers and tech artists to establish and enhance an effective animation pipeline for rapid prototyping and iterative development.
• Apply your expertise in both team leadership and gameplay animation, with a focus on stylized keyframe animation and delivering dynamic character animations.
• Utilize your understanding of character motion / body mechanics and animation principles throughout the creative process, balancing game design requirements with technical constraints to enhance gameplay and ensure a cohesive visual execution.
• Stay informed about current and emerging animation technologies, maintaining a commitment to innovation and excellence in your work at Gameloft.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in AAA game design, including at least five years in a Lead or Principal role, or a combination of relevant education and experience.
• Proficiency in animation software such as 3ds Max or Maya.
• Knowledge of animation technologies such as IK, FK, ragdoll, and procedural animation, including their advantages and limitations.
• Ability to articulate and communicate a vision effectively to ensure team alignment.
• Strong artistic judgment and the ability to provide constructive feedback that encourages team creativity.
• Basic understanding of game design, narrative design, animation state machine, and core game mechanics (3Cs).
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and empower a diverse group of designers and developers.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, capable of conveying complex technical concepts to non-technical team members.
• Passion for gaming, with a deep understanding of game design principles, player psychology, and user experience fundamentals.
• Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, with a commitment to excellence and ongoing improvement.

Additional Information

Why Join the World of Gameloft?

• Because you want to be part of an exceptional experience within a company that is constantly growing!
• Because you want to work with talented people who are industry pioneers!
• Because you want to be part of an international environment with daily contact with other countries & cultures!
• Because you want to work in an inclusive equal opportunity workplace!
• Or, just because you’re looking for a great place to work!
• Permanent contract, full-time job with excellent Social Benefits.
• 25 vacation days per year + Birthday day off.
• Private medical health insurance.
• Flexible compensation with Ticket Restaurant Card.
• Free language courses.
• Flexible schedule + option to work a shortened schedule on three days.
• Flexible work-from-home hybrid model.
• Merit based salary progression system and a competitive initial salary package.
• Career-development opportunities.
• Excellent local working conditions (quality of offices, geographical location of office in the centre of Barcelona).
• ... and Tuesday & Thursday afterwork beers!

We can’t wait to find our next great talent!

Join our team, recently recognized in Forbes' top 100 companies to work for! We're gamers from all walks of life, united in creating a culture of inclusivity. Partnering with organizations like COGAM, we ensure a safe workplace for everyone, regardless of background or gaming preference. Whether you're a casual or hardcore gamer on any platform (we're cross-platform now!), we want you to feel like you belong. Be part of shaping the gaming industry with us!

Please note that only selected candidates will be contacted and your CV will be saved in our files for a period of 6 months.

Want to know more? Please visit our Website: www.gameloft.com

If the offer interests you, Join the Game!