Lead Animator - AAA RPG - Big Huge Games
Big Huge Games, developer of the award-winning real-time strategy games Rise of Nations and Rise of Legends, is expanding into a multi-team, multi-genre, next-gen company. We're looking for an experienced, exceptionally knowledgeable, talented, and motivated Lead Character Animator to participate in the creation of our upcoming RPG (to be published by THQ, check out the press release here).
Big Huge Games is a company that values team skills as much as it values technical skills. By sticking to this "core value" we have created a fun and energetic workplace with a passion for AAA game development. We realize the key to our continued success hinges on nurturing a talented and motivated team that takes great pride in their accomplishments. We're looking for people interested in:
<ul type="square"> * Developing cutting-edge new IP across multiple next-gen platforms and genres, which will include work on our unannounced console RPG title led by Ken Rolston, Lead Designer of Oblivion and Morrowind.
* Pushing the development of RTS games through our Rise of Nations® franchise and beyond.
* Continuing to develop downloadable games like our upcoming version of Settlers of Catan for XBLA. [/list]
Job Purpose and Responsibilities:
The Lead Character Animator will work closely with the Art Director and project Leads from project inception to completion and will have a significant role in establishing and maintaining the animation style. Major responsibilities include:
<ul type="square"> * Create jaw-droppingly top-notch animations of characters, cameras, weapons and other objects for both gameplay and cinematic sequences.
* Learn proprietary tools quickly and work within a complex asset development pipeline.
* Guide character artists in creation of models so that animation considerations are taken into account.
* Maintain a high level of animation quality while working within design constraints and balancing performance issues.
* Mentor less experienced animation team members.
* Participate in defining tools and art production pipeline.
* Maintain awareness of the latest Animation technologies and tools. [/list]
Qualifications:
<ul type="square"> * A minimum of three years professional game development experience.
Shipped titles as a Senior and/or Lead Animator on PC or Console (PS2/ PS3/ Xbox/ 360/ Wii). Experience in FPS and/or RPG a plus.
* Extensive working knowledge of 3D Max and Character Studio (experience in MotionBuilder a strong plus, Maya animation experience is also of interest).
* A variety of animation experience (e.g. bipeds, quadrupeds, octopeds, various forms of combat, scripted sequences, floating or flying monsters, etc).
* Has a solid understanding of Character setup process (skeletons, IK, FK, facial animation system, constraints and other systems used for character animation).
* Experience working with mocap data.
* Solid understanding of next-gen game character development processes, limitations and dependencies.
* Excellent communication, time-management and organizational skills.
* Task driven, self-motivated, proactive.
* Actively accepts and provides direction.
* Works well under deadline pressure.
* Must have an enormous passion for games.
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In addition to competitive salaries, Big Huge Games offers an extremely attractive benefits package, including:
<ul type="square"> * A royalty based bonus plan far in excess of industry standards.
* Stock options to all full-time employees.
* 401(k) plan.
* Generous paid vacation, sick leave, maternity/paternity/family leave, personal days and holidays.
* Comprehensive health insurance plan that is, you guessed it, employer funded for you and your dependents. We don't just stop there, you and your family members get employer funded life insurance and disability coverage too! [/list]
Contact Info:
Big Huge's preferred method of viewing your artwork and resume is by email submission of your portfolio website link to greatartjob@bighugegames.com Links to professional blogs are also of interest. We encourage applicants to attach 3 samples of their strongest animation work (small MPG files preferred). Limit total of attachments to 3mb or less. Note in the subject line "Lead Animator". In addition to the attachments, links to work samples on YouTube or similar online video sites is also acceptable. Please do not send items via US Mail.
Big Huge Games is located in Timonium, Maryland. What's so special about Maryland? Click here to find out!