Game Animator

What is a game animator?

A game animator is someone who creates animations, movements, and behaviors for characters, objects, and environments in video games. They use specialized software to bring virtual worlds to life.

What does a game animator do?

Usually, a game animator does the following:

• Collaborates with game designers and artists to understand the vision for a game and its characters.
• Creates animations for characters, such as walking, running, jumping, and attacking.
• Designs and animates objects and environments, including special effects and particle systems.
• Tests and debugs animations to ensure they work correctly within the game.

What does the day-to-day life of a game animator look like?

A game animator usually works between 9am and 5pm, although this may vary depending on the company or project deadlines. They spend their time creating and refining animations using specialized software. They might also attend meetings to discuss the progress of the game and collaborate with other team members.

Where does a game animator work?

Game animators can work in various settings, including:

• Game development studios: Larger game development studios hire animators as part of their in-house teams. You'll work closely with game designers, artists, and programmers to bring characters and game worlds to life.
• Creative agencies: Some smaller game studios or independent developers may hire animators through creative agencies. You'll work on projects for different clients and industries.
• Freelance: As a game animator, you can choose to work as a freelancer, taking on projects from different clients. This gives you the flexibility to work remotely or from your own studio.

What tools/software/hardware does a game animator use?

A game animator uses a variety of tools including:

• Animation software: Popular animation software used in the industry includes Autodesk Maya, Adobe Animate, and Blender.
• Game engines: Game animators use game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine to integrate their animations into the game.
• Graphics tablets: Many game animators use graphics tablets, like a Wacom tablet, to draw and sculpt animations more naturally.
• Powerful computer: Game animation requires a powerful computer with a good graphics card to handle complex 3D animations.

What do I need to become a game animator?

There are a number of ways you can become a game animator, including:

• Bachelor's degree: Some game development studios prefer animators to have a degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field.
• Animation courses: You can take animation courses or programs that focus specifically on game animation to gain the necessary skills and knowledge.
• Portfolio work: Creating a strong portfolio showcasing your animation skills is essential. You can develop your own animations for existing games or make short films and demos to demonstrate your abilities.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available to you as a game animator, including:

• Senior Game Animator: With experience, you can progress to a senior animator role, where you'll have more responsibility and may lead a team of animators.
• Lead Animator: As a lead animator, you'll oversee the animation department and collaborate closely with other departments to ensure consistent and high-quality animation throughout a game.
• Game Art Director: With additional experience and leadership skills, you can pursue a career as a game art director. In this role, you'll be responsible for the overall visual direction of a game, including animation.

What jobs are similar to a game animator?

• 3D Animator: Similar to a game animator, a 3D animator creates animations for films, TV shows, advertising, and other industries using computer-generated imagery (CGI).
• Motion Graphics Designer: Motion graphics designers create animated visuals and effects for various mediums, including films, TV shows, advertisements, and online content.
• Character Designer: Character designers focus on creating and designing characters for games, animations, comics, and other visual media.
• VFX Artist: VFX artists specialize in creating visual effects, such as explosions, fire, or magical effects, for games, films, and TV shows.

What made you want to become a game animator?

How did you get your first game animator job?

What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being a game animator?

Are you a game animator? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to game animation. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.