Lead/Senior 3D Character Animator - Next-Gen MMO

Blizzard Entertainment is looking for an exceptionally skilled lead or senior 3D character animator for a team focused on next-generation massively multiplayer online games. The ideal candidate has experience animating both human and non-humanoid characters. A solid grasp of the principles of body movement, anticipation, overshoot, follow-through, squash and stretch, forward and inverse kinematics, and other facets of both 2D and 3D animation is essential. The lead animator must have experience managing a team of animators and skills in another character art task as well -- illustration, modeling, texturing, or rigging -- and be well-versed in Maya and related tools. The ideal candidate works well in an environment of peers who are passionate about making great games.

Blizzard Entertainment offers a fun, creative, and technically rewarding environment with excellent compensation and a full range of benefits.

Requirements

• 5+ years experience in game development using Maya or equivalent 3D program
• Exceptional skill in animating the human bipedal figure as well as other organic forms
• Experience working with an art director in developing a unique and cohesive animation style
• Experience managing, scheduling, critiquing, and administering performance reviews for a team of animators (Required for lead applicants only)
• A thorough understanding of animation pipelines and the processes involved from the conceptual phase to implementation
• The ability to effectively collaborate with game designers and programmers
• Self-motivation, good communication skills, and a great team-player attitude
• A passion for games
• Skill in one or more of the related character creation tasks -- illustration, modeling, texturing, or rigging
• Ability to work full-time in the Irvine, California area

• Have shipped AAA PC or console titles as a senior or lead character animator
• Outstanding 2D animation skills
• Experience in FX and particle animation
• A passion for developing online games
• Understanding of Blizzard Entertainment's visual style and a passion to push it to the next level

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No calls or follow-up emails, please. This is a full-time position in Irvine, California.