Senior Gameplay Animator

As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Ubisoft, your key responsibilities include creating and fine-tuning animations for various characters and objects, using mocap data or keyframing techniques to enhance gameplay assets. You’ll also integrate your animations into the game engine, collaborate closely with fellow team members to implement updates, and ensure that animations run smoothly and as intended in the game environment.

To excel in the Senior Gameplay Animator role at Ubisoft, candidates should have a minimum of 4-5 years of experience in video game animation. Proficiency in animation software such as Motion Builder, 3ds Max, or Maya is essential, alongside strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with other team members. A passion for pushing creative boundaries within a cohesive team setting will also be important.

Senior Gameplay Animators at Ubisoft primarily utilize software tools such as Motion Builder, 3ds Max, and Maya. These tools allow animators to create stunning animations that enhance gameplay, ensuring that every character movement is both realistic and engaging within the game’s broader framework.

Candidates applying for the Senior Gameplay Animator position at Ubisoft can expect a thorough hiring process, which involves submitting a portfolio showcasing their best work along with a CV. Company talent acquisition specialists, Charles-Antoine and Marie, will review applications and focus on the candidate's animation skills, experience, and passion for gaming.

At Ubisoft, the work environment for a Senior Gameplay Animator is collaborative and dynamic. The company practices a hybrid work model, promoting in-person teamwork at the office for at least 3 days a week while allowing for remote work the rest of the time. This balance fosters creativity and effective communication among team members.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects where you utilized both techniques. Share details about how you approached animation using keyframing vs. mocap, the results achieved, and what you learned from them. Highlight your ability to adapt techniques to the needs of the project.

Discuss your collaborative process in understanding the game's narrative and design goals. Mention the importance of communication with designers and other departments, and how you integrate feedback into your animations to maintain consistency with the game's artistic vision.

Share a specific challenge related to your animation work, such as tight deadlines or technical issues. Detail the steps you took to address the challenge, emphasizing problem-solving skills, teamwork, and successful outcomes to demonstrate your resilience.

Explain your openness to constructive criticism and the importance of a team-oriented approach in animation. Provide examples of how you have effectively incorporated feedback into your work to enhance the quality of your animations and align them with the team's vision.

Discuss specific animation principles you apply to achieve realism, such as weight, timing, and spacing. Provide examples of how you've studied character movements in real life or through research to enhance the authenticity of your animations.

Highlight a standout animation project where you played a significant role. Discuss your responsibilities, the techniques employed, and the impact of your animations on the player experience. Share what you learned and how it shaped your skills as an animator.

Share your methods for staying current in the animation field, including attending conferences, following industry news, reading academic literature, or engaging with online communities. Emphasize a proactive approach to continuous learning and professional development.

Discuss your systematic approach to animating, testing, and troubleshooting animations during integration. Provide insights into the tools you use, how you collaborate with programmers, and the importance of iteration in refining your animations for gameplay.

Share your passion for gaming and animation, explaining how the thrill of storytelling and player engagement inspire you. Highlight specific experiences that spark your creativity and commitment in this dynamic field.

Explain your strategies for maintaining creativity while adhering to deadlines, such as prioritizing tasks and setting milestones. Share how you stay inspired and motivated under pressure, demonstrating your ability to produce high-quality work consistently.