Technical Rigger - 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 Technical Rigger/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 Technical Rigger/Animator will work closely with the Art Director and Animation Lead from project inception to completion and will have a significant role in establishing and maintaining the animation style. Major responsibilities include:
<ul type="square"> * The Technical Rigger/Animator will work closely with animators, programmers and other technical artists in order to solve advanced rigging problems and develop animator/game friendly rigs.
* Work with programmers to implement new animation and rigging technologies into a cutting edge game engine.
* Support for the development of facial animation techniques using the relevant software package.
* Participate in defining tools and art production pipeline.
* Maintain awareness of latest animation technologies and tools.
* Learn proprietary tools quickly and work within a complex asset development pipeline. [/list]
Qualifications:
<ul type="square"> * Games industry experience rigging a broad range of creatures and characters in 3ds Max and/or Maya (were open to hearing from a wide selection candidates, from entry-level all the way up to a Senior industry veteran).
* In-depth knowledge of character kinematics, deformation, and dynamics.
* Strong leadership and interpersonal abilities.
* Actively accepts and provides direction, works well under deadline pressure.
* Knowledge of cutting-edge character pipeline and workflow techniques.
* Extensive experience in Max Script and/or MEL.
* Highly proficienct in technical problem solving.
* In-depth knowledge of Character Studio.
* Experience with Xbox 360, PS3, PC game development. [/list]
Pluses:
<ul type="square"> * Strong animation skills.
* Knowledge of setting up dynamics, clothes, fur, etc...
* Has an enormous passion for games.
* Additional technical art experience (modelling, lighting, FX, etc ).
* Knowledge of C/C++ or other programming languages.
* Leadership and management experience.
* Experience dealing with motion capture as part of the production pipeline. [/list]
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!
* Comfortable office environment with numerous amenities including a bar, pool table, ping pong, free sodas, 2 fancy latte machines, and multiple biometric hand scanners (we dont believe in office keys). [/list]
Contact Info:
Big Huge's preferred method of viewing your artwork and resume is by email submission of your portfolio website link to [Email]greatartjob@bighugegames.com.[/Email] Links to professional blogs are also of interest. We encourage applicants to attach 3 samples of their strongest character work (small MPG, AVI or WMV animation clips). Limit total of attachments to 3mb or less. Note in the subject line Technical Rigger. 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!