Game Animator (Spine 2D)
London - Hybrid (3 days a week)
Up to £50,000
Role Summary
We're looking for a talented and creative Game Animator to join a highly experienced and collaborative team. This role focuses on producing engaging, high-quality animations for a wide range of mobile i-gaming / online lottery products, using a combination of in-house animation tools and industry-standard software.
You'll play a key role in enhancing the visual quality and user experience of our games. In addition to animation work, the role involves preparing and adapting artwork created by game artists-ensuring assets are animation-ready and optimised before being implemented into the game engine.
This position suits someone who is self-sufficient, process-driven, and comfortable working at pace, as the business delivers a high volume of games on a consistent schedule and relies heavily on strong internal processes.
Key Responsibilities
Create high-quality 2D animations using our in-house animation/game engine and tools such as After Effects and Spine.
Prepare artists' artwork for animation (Photoshop, sprite sheets, exports) and integrate assets into the game engine for testing and final delivery.
Collaborate with product owners, artists, developers, and external art partners to understand animation requirements and ensure smooth integration.
Conceptualise and storyboard animations to support strong visual storytelling.
Optimise animations for performance across multiple devices and platforms.
Take ownership of animation tasks, manage priorities, and meet deadlines without compromising quality.
Contribute feedback to improve in-house animation tooling and workflows.
Work closely with the Lead Animator to raise quality standards and refine animation processes.
Stay up to date with animation trends, tools, and techniques.
Team & Environment
Current team: 1 Animator (this hire will be the 2nd Animator)
12 Game Artists
This role will sit directly under the Lead Animator (Evelyn) and provide daily support across multiple teams.
Collaboration across 4-5 internal teams, plus external art partners.
High delivery cadence: Typically 1-2 games per month
Each project ranges from 3 symbols to full character animation
Strong support focus due to recent artist attrition - this hire is critical for stabilising timelines and supporting the wider art team.
Internal animation tool: Similar to After Effects, browser-based, with asset upload workflow
Steep learning curve (~12 months to fully master)
Requirements
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in Animation or a related field.
Strong 2D game animation portfolio demonstrating character, object, and environmental animation.
Experience in gaming or i-gaming
Proficiency with animation and creative tools, including: After Effects
Spine 2D
Adobe Creative Suite
Game engines (Unity experience beneficial)
Solid understanding of animation fundamentals: timing, spacing, weight, anticipation.
Experience using JIRA, Confluence, or similar workflow tools.
Understanding of game mechanics, UX, and performance considerations.
Strong collaboration and communication skills.
Highly organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple projects.
Interview Process
Animation test: 2-3 hours
Portfolio review required
Opportunity to play demo versions of existing games
Benefits & Package
Performance bonus: up to 10%
22 days annual leave (increasing with service) + 8 bank holidays
Hybrid working - minimum once every 2 weeks in the office
All training and certifications fully funded
Pension: 6% employer match
Cycle to Work scheme
Staff discounts
Comprehensive family healthcare (Vitality)
Access to IWG Hub discounts (retail, travel, restaurants)
Monthly 30-minute wellness treatment (e.g. Shiatsu, Yoga, Pilates, Meditation)
Modern, engaging office (games consoles, pool table)
Work anniversary rewards
Regular company socials
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