Company Overview
Hundred Star Games is an independent video game developer based in Hackney Wick, East London, founded by Jamie Walker and Sefton Hill, previous founders of Rocksteady and the creative leadership team behind Rocksteady’s Batman Arkham series. We are growing to a maximum of 100 people over the next few years and are committed to making great games while building meaningful connections with our team. Our company culture encourages leadership at all levels, autonomy, accountability, team support, vulnerability, and treating people well.
Position Overview
You will serve as an Advanced Gameplay Animator, working closely with the Animation Director, Animation team, and other creative disciplines. You will own key features, lead junior members, and contribute to the studio’s creative vision. Our hybrid studio model means everyone works in‑studio Tuesday through Thursday, with Mondays and Fridays open to working from home within the UK.
Responsibilities
* Work closely with the Animation Director, Animation team, and other creative disciplines to establish animation benchmarks and ensure consistent style and quality throughout the project.
* Own a key feature in the game, collaborating with others to obtain feedback and ensure the feature design is optimal.
* Champion and inspire team members, providing guidance and insight to junior colleagues and helping advance the wider industry where possible.
* Create and implement world‑class quality animations using keyframe and/or motion capture.
* Implement gameplay features with Engineering, VFX, Audio and other teams to create great‑feeling behaviours for the player.
* Foster strong relationships across all departments to proactively resolve team‑wide challenges as they arise.
* Offer feedback and suggestions to improve animation tools and pipeline.
* Collaborate with outsource partners to create high‑quality animation assets where necessary.
Qualifications
* Highly skilled in gameplay animation, with examples of character agility, combat, environmental interactions, etc.
* Solid grasp of Unreal Engine’s Animation Blueprints and confidence working alongside gameplay code.
* Comprehensive understanding of animation principles and confident use of industry‑standard software (Maya).
* Confident partnering with Gameplay Engineers to deliver industry‑leading gameplay animations.
* Expertise in keyframe animation and equal comfort with motion capture integration. Experience directing and/or performing in motion capture systems would be advantageous.
* Strong creative throughput, able to take direction and produce multiple ideas, adapting to changes in design.
* Comfortable working closely with all departments to support continued development and weave gameplay and storytelling into a cohesive thread.
* Experience setting goals for team members or managing outsourcing animation teams would be beneficial.
* Previous experience in AAA game development or on similar large‑scale projects.
* Experience working in UE5.
* Passion for animation, games, film, and creating fun and engaging experiences.
Benefits
* 28 Days Annual Leave
* Discretionary annual bonus
* Private Medical, Cash Plan and Dental insurance through BUPA (Couple and Family cover) – medical history disregarded
* Life, Critical illness and Income Protection benefit
* Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave and Pay
* Well‑being focus, including subsidised gym membership, annual fitness grant, in‑house yoga and fitness classes, and discounted massages
* Regular social events throughout the year, including a Summer Wellness Retreat and monthly birthday and milestone celebrations
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