Position Overview
For one of our clients, we are seeking a highly skilled Principal Spine Animator to lead the animation vision and execution of our gaming portfolio. They are a well-funded, fast-growing, high-performing game studio with strong presence in Asia and are entering the global market.
This is a senior leadership role that combines creative direction, hands‑on Spine animation, and team mentorship.
Responsibilities
Animation Direction & Gaming Expertise
- Define and oversee the animation style and motion language for gaming titles.
- Translate game mechanics and reward structures into high‑impact, emotionally rewarding animations.
- Ensure animations enhance player anticipation, in‑game feedback, and retention mechanics.
Hands‑on 2D Animation
- Produce high‑quality 2D animations, effects, transitions, banner motion, and motion graphics.
- Animate symbols, characters, UI elements, titles, and banners using Spine 2D, After Effects, and Adobe Animate.
- Maintain consistent timing, spacing, weight, and motion language across all assets.
Player Psychology & Game Understanding
- Apply deep knowledge of game mechanics and player psychology to design animations that maximise engagement and gratification.
- Benchmark top‑performing gaming titles and integrate market trends into the studio's animation approach.
Team Leadership & Mentoring
- Lead, guide, and mentor mid‑level and junior animators, in coordination with the Art Director.
- Conduct animation reviews, feedback sessions, and targeted training to elevate team quality.
- Collaborate on up-skilling initiatives with the Art Director and Principal Artist.
Research & Innovation
- Explore new animation styles, tools, and techniques, including AI‑assisted animation workflows where beneficial.
- Propose fresh ideas to continuously raise the studio's animation standards.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Work with Game Designers to align animation with gameplay mechanics and pacing.
- Partner with artists, developers, and VFX teams to ensure seamless animation integration.
- Liaise closely with the Principal Artist on all art‑related activities.
Technical & Pipeline Management
- Demonstrate strong understanding of animation pipelines and production workflows.
- Integrate animations into game engines (Unity, Cocos, or Unreal) and ensure their intent is preserved through implementation.
- Optimize assets for performance, memory, and runtime efficiency. Troubleshoot animation and integration issues independently.
Documentation & Standards
- Contribute to defining animation guidelines, principles, and best practices.
- Help build a centralized knowledge base for animation workflows.
- Standardize animation quality and naming conventions across all projects.
Ownership & Delivery
- Take end‑to‑end ownership of animation deliverables, from concept to final in‑engine implementation.
- Work independently while maintaining the highest quality standards.
- Address production challenges with a pragmatic, solution‑oriented approach.
Qualifications
- At least 10 years in game animation, with at least 3 years specifically in gaming or comparable casual games.
- Education: Master's degree, Bachelor's degree, or diploma in: Game Production, Digital Media, Art / Animation or an equivalent discipline.
- Portfolio: A strong portfolio demonstrating game‑ready animations, with clear examples of Spine 2D work for gaming titles. Portfolio submission is mandatory.
Required Skills
- Expert proficiency in Spine 2D, After Effects, Adobe Animate, or equivalent tools.
- Deep command of animation principles (timing, spacing, weight, exaggeration, etc.).
- Experience with VFX and motion graphics.
- Proven ability to lead or mentor animation teams.
- Work on globally distributed gaming titles with a high‑volume, high‑engagement player base.
- Competitive compensation package, inclusive of performance bonuses.
- Leadership role within a dedicated game studio, with direct creative influence.
- Collaborate with experienced Art Directors and Principal Artists in the gaming sector.
- Professional, fast‑paced, and resource‑rich onsite environment in Hyderabad.
Recruitment Process: typically 4 rounds of online interview.
