Expert Gameplay Animator

Who We Are

Founded in 2023, Small Axe Studios is 2K’s newest stand-alone studio, built to push the boundaries of game development and bring 2K’s next groundbreaking sports franchise to life. Headquartered in Burnaby, we are assembling a world-class team of visionaries, builders, and passionate gamers who thrive on creative collaboration, technical excellence, and bold ideas. At Small Axe Studios, we believe big things start with sharp focus—and we’re crafting an exceptional, player-first experience from the ground up. If you’re ready to tackle unique challenges, leave your mark on a brand-new IP, and help shape the future of interactive sports entertainment, we want you on our team!

What We Need

Our studio is looking for an experienced Gameplay Animator who has a high quality bar and a passion for replicating authentic sports behaviors. In this role, you will work closely with AI and Animation Engineers, Designers and Producers to implement authentic sports behaviors to build highly polished world – class gameplay for what will be the next massive sports franchise in our industry!

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate as a professional in a multidisciplinary game development environment
• Participate in review/feedback process both in source animation and gameplay contexts.
• Edit, enhance and clean up motion Capture Data in accordance with Gameplay and engine and design requirements
• Collaborate with Design Leads to define the animation needs and create the design for animation based features
• Collaborate with Engineers and Designers to influence the technical implementation of features in order to build the strongest feature possible
• Collaborate with the Animation Director to understand, and deliver on, the quality bar for the animations that you create
• Collaborate with the Design Lead and Engineering team to implement your features in engine
• Champion animation quality and authenticity within your features, bringing the animation perspective to all decision making
• Occasionally contribute elements such prototype assets, sketches, layouts and other elements for game/cinematic previsualization
• Provide task estimations with regard to animation work.

What Will Make You A Great Fit

• A university degree in visual arts with specialization in graphic design, commercial art, graphic communications or cartooning or completion of a college diploma program in graphic arts is required
• Experience or training in multimedia design at a post-secondary, college or technical institution may be required Please confirm if applicant has this experience
• Creative ability and artistic talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required for graphic designers and illustrators
• A passion, and understanding of sports games
• Experience working with ‘second-to-second’ interactive animation features
• Player experience focused
• Open minded, proactive and collaborative
• Experience with Unreal Engine
• Passionate about playing and/or watching sports
• Passion for video games (not just ours!)
• Subject matter expert in human movement pertaining to professional sport

The pay range for this position in British Columbia at the start of employment is expected to be between $99,800 and $147,680 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews, and when emailing, we only use 2K.com accounts

#LI-Hybrid

A university degree in visual arts or a college diploma in graphic arts/multimedia design is required. Candidates must demonstrate creative ability and artistic talent through a portfolio of work. Experience working with 'second-to-second' interactive animation features, proficiency with Unreal Engine, and a deep understanding of human movement pertaining to professional sport are essential. The role demands a proactive, collaborative approach and a passion for sports games.