Senior Animator, New Game Team

Not long ago, Supercell started two new game development teams in North America. These teams represent a unique & incredible opportunity for the team members: the full creative freedom & independence of creating a new game, without the distractions and uncertainties of establishing and running a new company. A big motivation for pursuing this effort is to create new kinds of games that players haven’t yet seen from Supercell. We want to create unique new gameplay experiences across multiple platforms, not just mobile. In other words: let’s build something new!

One of these teams is looking for an experienced 3D animator to spearhead our game’s character, npc, and prop animations;and establish a signature animation style. We are looking for someone who can keyframe animations that are highly expressive, embracing squash and stretch with an emphasis on humor. We are still prototyping and as a critical team member, you’re energized by the ambition, experimentation, creativity, and responsibility it represents. This is a highly collaborative role that would have influence on the game concept, core systems and mechanics design as well. We aren’t looking for just a character animator, this role requires hand-on implementation (rigging, weighting, etc) and iteration.This is an opportunity for growth, ownership and doing your best work yet.

Responsibilities

• Create keyframe animations for characters, npcs, props and environments using industry standard 3D software established.
• Establish a signature animation style focusing on exaggerated poses, movement and humor.
• Design and prototype character animation systems and mechanics
• The ability to quickly previs ideas and game mechanics
• Contribute to all technical aspects of animation including simple 3D modeling, creating rigs, and weighting meshes
• Contribute to the game direction & design choices, with an eye for detail in building the most immersive and captivating player experiences
• Embrace and champion levity and humor

Requirements

• Provide a reel/portfolio that demonstrates a mastery of animation in real-time game experiences (we are not looking for someone specializing in cinematic or narrative animation)
• Expert knowledge or industry standard 3D animation software (Maya, Blender, etc)
• Ability to prototype and implement animation using Unreal
• Fundamental skills in character rigging, weighting, and other technical processes essential for creating fully functional 3D characters.
• Collaborate closely with other disciplines like game design, art, and sound
• Ability to work independently in a high trust environment, while taking initiative and creating novel solutions for moving game development forward in new ways
• Ability to travel domestically (1x a month) and overseas (1-2x year)

Nice to Haves

• Located on the west coast of the US
• Experience with creating 2.5D side scrollers
• Experience making VFX in Unreal
• Proficiency in modeling is a plus
• A passion for co-operative/social player experiences
• Experience developing multiple game prototypes
• Thrive in an environment of high autonomy and experimentation
• A great sense of humor

What’s in it for you:

• The stability, support, and inspiration of being part of one of the best gaming companies in the world, combined with being an initial member of a new game team in a new studio. This all adds up to:
• Freedom to focus entirely on making a great game
• Working with some of the most talented and ambitious teammates in the industry
• Ability to create without the drag of large studio processes and hierarchies, nor the distractions of starting your own company
• The opportunity to make something that earns a spot in the history of important games
• Flexible, remote work environment

Benefits and Compensation
While the salary range based on your background, skills, and experience for this position is $152k – $228k, your financial compensation model also consists of an annual bonus, RSU equity, and 401k.
However, luring you in with glitter, glamour, and gems is not what we seek to do. We develop Supercell as an employer for you to do your best work and to call this the best experience in your professional life.
We want you to enjoy your time here fully, so we structure our compensation and benefits to serve this purpose. It starts with perceiving you as a human being, not a resource. Read More

About Supercell
We are a game company based in Helsinki, Finland, with offices in San Francisco, Seoul and Shanghai. Since our launch in 2010, we've released five games globally – Hay Day, Clash of Clans, Boom Beach, Clash Royale, Brawl Stars, and Squad Busters.
To make six games, we've killed dozens along the way. That's because we're obsessed with quality. Our mission is to create great games that as many people as possible play for years and that are remembered forever. To achieve this goal, we put together the best possible teams and give them the freedom and independence to succeed. Read More

You Might Love It Here...
If you love games, Supercell is the place for you. We're made up of proactive, independent teams that have the freedom to do what they think is best for their players, our games, and the company.
We know it takes more than trust and independence to make great games, so we also take good care of our people, providing them with the compensation, work environment and resources they need to succeed and have fun while at it. Read More

This position is in North America, but you're not?
Luckily, moving to an ideal location in North America is easier than you might think. No matter where you would be moving from, our dedicated people will help you from beginning to end. We're here to ensure the process is as smooth as possible for you, your family and whoever and whatever you bring along. In addition to cats and dogs, we've even relocated a horse. Read More

Not sure if you should apply? 
Do it! You might feel like you don't tick all the listed requirements with stellar scores. That's fine! We're here to help you succeed. Also, we're happy to learn about any specific accommodations you might require to fully engage in our recruitment process.

And here's a video about what we do. (Best enjoyed with salmiakki and rye bread)