Lead Gameplay Animator at Striking Distance Studios
Company: Striking Distance Studios (KRAFTON Americas)
Location: San Ramon, CA, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $120,000 – $166,000 per year
About the Company
Striking Distance Studios is a AAA game development studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The studio blends art, design, and technology to create immersive, high-quality gaming experiences. Backed by KRAFTON Americas, the team is driven by creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.
Job Overview
The Lead Gameplay Animator (Player Feel) will play a critical role in shaping the responsiveness and moment-to-moment experience of player-controlled characters on an upcoming Unreal Engine 5 title. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on delivering high-quality gameplay animation while guiding a small team of animators.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and implement gameplay animations for movement, combat, and player interactions.
- Define and refine player feel, ensuring responsive and satisfying character control.
- Collaborate with designers, engineers, audio, and VFX teams to align animation with gameplay systems.
- Develop and optimize animation systems including locomotion, blending, and state machines.
- Lead and mentor a small team of gameplay and technical animators.
- Continuously iterate on gameplay animation through playtesting and feedback.
- Ensure animation-driven feedback integrates seamlessly with audio and visual effects.
Required Qualifications
- 7+ years of gameplay animation experience in the video game industry.
- Experience in a senior or lead role on at least one shipped PC or console title.
- Strong demo reel showcasing gameplay animation with emphasis on responsiveness and readability.
- Professional experience with Unreal Engine (UE5 preferred).
- Deep understanding of body mechanics, locomotion, and animation principles.
- Experience with action-oriented gameplay animation systems.
- Strong collaboration skills across design, engineering, and creative teams.
Education
A degree in Animation, Game Design, Computer Graphics, or a related field is preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
Benefits
- Competitive salary package based on experience and skills.
- Opportunity to work on a cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5 project.
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- Career growth and leadership opportunities within a AAA studio.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
How to Apply
Apply through the official application page below:
Note: Include your portfolio or demo reel showcasing gameplay animation work.