Animator [Contract] (Retro Studios)

RETRO STUDIOS:

Founded in 1998, Retro Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., and a powerhouse in game development. Working hand-in-hand with Nintendo, we craft award-winning titles for the company’s cutting-edge platforms, blending innovation, artistry, and gameplay excellence.

Our home base is Austin, Texas, a vibrant city known for its creative energy, live music, stunning natural scenery, and forward-thinking culture. With year-round sunshine and endless options for outdoor adventures, Austin offers the perfect backdrop for world-class developers to stay inspired, balanced, and at the top of their game.

Retro Studios is looking for an Animator!

We are looking for someone who is passionate about quality and takes pride in their work. An animator who wants to be part of a creative and collaborative team. Someone who will be thrilled to work on Nintendo’s awesome IPs!

We expect our animators to exhibit leadership qualities and encourage involvement and responsibility across wider aspects of the project. 

DESCRIPTIONS OF DUTIES:

• You will implement and maintain animations for a wide range of characters, creatures, bosses, cinematics and pretty much anything that moves.
• You will be responsible for collaborating and sharing your ideas on animation as well as other aspects of our projects such as gameplay and story.
• We will count on you to help us identify needs and propose solutions that will improve our production pipeline. We all use “Band-Aid solutions” from time to time, but we love forward thinkers, people who think long term.
• Your feedback will be greatly appreciated, and you will get plenty of critique from others to help you grow your own skills.
• You feel comfortable on the technical side of animation deployment. You don’t have to be an expert rigger or scripter, but you know how to set up simple characters and are familiar with using a variety of tools to speed up your work process.
• You are part of a creative team, the process of game making is dynamic, so it is important that you maintain familiarity with the game, the latest changes and updates.
• You enjoy collaborating with other development disciplines, contributing your expertise and taking advantage of the expertise of others to achieve more together.
• Did we mention how excited we are that you are considering this position?

*This job description outlines primary duties and requirements and is not intended to identify all tasks that may be performed; individuals occupying the position may be required to perform other duties.  The company may modify job duties from time to time, either in practice or in writing.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience with in-game and/or cinematic video game animation, including at least 2 full video game production cycles.
• A robust portfolio that demonstrates a wide range of animation experience. 
• Considerable experience animating in Maya.
• Undergraduate degree in art related subject or completion of an intensive art training program preferred. Specific experience can be substituted for formal education.
• Effective written, verbal and interpersonal skills.

Retro Studios is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy, and respect for each