Published: Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:50:07 GMT
Position: Senior Animator
Location: Cambridge, UK – (Remote within the UK with occasional on-site days in the Cambridge office)
Are you an experienced games animator looking to collaborate with artists and designers to bring characters and creatures to life in a visually stunning world?
As a Senior Animator for RuneScape: Dragonwilds, our new open-world survival crafting game currently in early access and developed in Unreal Engine 5, you will play a crucial role in creating high-quality animations that enhance gameplay and support storytelling.
You will work on a variety of creature and humanoid animations, utilizing both hand-keyed and motion capture techniques. Your expertise will establish the standard for in-game animation quality and you will be instrumental in refining animation systems, pipelines, and cross-discipline collaboration.
This is a hands-on, creative role for someone who enjoys solving complex animation challenges, mentoring others, and delivering impactful performances that elevate the player experience. If you are ready to shape the movement and feel of an ambitious new game within a beloved IP universe, we want to hear from you.
What you will do:
– Create and implement top-quality in-game animations using motion data and hand-key techniques
– Work closely with the Lead Animator to maintain and review quality standards, provide guidance and feedback to junior team members
– Collaborate with Tech Art and Engineering to ensure efficient animation pipelines and tools
– Independently prototype, iterate, and research and develop animation features that support gameplay and narrative moments
– Contribute to motion capture planning and execution
– Communicate with other departments to ensure animations meet technical and design requirements
– Develop reusable and shared animation systems for efficiency
– Provide feedback and guidance to external partners or freelancers
– Assist with recruitment and team development alongside the Lead Animator
– Foster a positive and open creative culture within the team and studio
What we are looking for:
– A strong portfolio showcasing professional and personal animation work, including both realistic and stylized examples, preferably with experience in both mocap and hand-key workflows
– Advanced understanding of animation principles and pipelines, with clear examples of timing, weight, posing, and motion
– Experience animating a diverse range of characters and creatures in both stylized and realistic styles
– Proven ability to create animations that enhance gameplay while adhering to design and technical constraints
– Experience working with game engines such as Unreal Engine, and implementing and fine-tuning in-game animation assets
– Strong storytelling skills and a talent for visual communication (diagrams, motion studies, etc.)
– At least one shipped title in a senior or higher animation role
What we offer:
When you join Jagex, you can expect a generous Perks & Benefits package, including:
– Private Healthcare, including Dental Plan
– Minimum 6% Pension contributions
– Employee Assistance Programme and on-site Counselling
– Life Insurance
– Discretionary annual performance bonus
– Enhanced family leave policies from day 1
– Flexible working hours
– 25 days annual leave plus Bank holidays, with the option to buy/sell holidays, and more
About Jagex:
Jagex is a leader in developing and publishing deep, engaging online games that connect millions of players worldwide. Best known for the RuneScape franchise, which includes two of the world’s longest-running and most successful MMORPGs, Old School RuneScape and RuneScape, as well as the open-world survival crafting game, RuneScape: Dragonwilds, we have a proven track record of creating immersive “Forever Games” and fostering strong player communities.
We strive to cultivate an inclusive workplace built on trust, autonomy, and a shared passion for creating “Forever Games.”
Our values guide everything we do: We Embrace Fellowship by collaborating and sharing openly; We Hone our Craft by continuously learning and improving; We Honour our Vows by being honest and transparent; We are our Customers’ Heroes by striving to understand our team and players’ needs; and We Seize The Day by making the most of every opportunity.
With over two decades of experience and a team of over 400 people, we continue to innovate in live game development, leveraging data-driven insights and a commitment to player-first game design. Our diverse and talented team thrives on creativity, collaboration, and community-driven game development.
As part of Jagex, you will have the opportunity to work on a globally successful franchise, contribute to exciting new projects, and be part of a company that values our employees and players. Apply link