Game Animator

Light & Wonder is the global leader in cross-platform games and entertainment. The company brings together 5,000 employees from six continents to connect content between land-based and digital channels with unmatched technology and distribution. Guided by a culture that values daring teamwork and creativity, Light & Wonder builds new worlds of play, developing game experiences loved by players around the globe. We create our own award-winning games and also partner with premium licensees such as Netflix, Warner Bros and others to bring franchises like Squid Game, Willy Wonka and The Wizard of Oz to life in online gaming products. The company’s Infinity platform powers the largest digital-gaming network in the industry. Light & Wonder is committed to the highest standards of integrity, from promoting player responsibility to implementing sustainable practices.     

   
We are looking for a Core Animator to join our new Sofia Office. Working closely and collaboratively with artists and developers, the Core 2D Animator is responsible for creating animations and developing of high-quality motion graphics, animated content and game imagery based on specific game mechanics/story boards and briefs. Their work is directly linked to the signature look of our creations which guarantees their success. Our animators play a key role as the bridge between the Creative Team and the Development Engineers. The Core 2D Animator will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth flow of assets between teams on their projects. Applying their expertise, the Core 2D Animator contributes to all animated aspects of projects and games, such as the following:  

•    Mock Ups, animatics, and test renders 
•    Characters and objects. 
•    Environments. 
•    Symbols and logos. 
•    Promotional videos. 

The Core 2D Animator must be versatile to create visual concepts in a range of styles. Their Artistic sensibilities and understanding of the target market will be leveraged constantly to quickly fine tune work for the project at hand. 
  
The Core 2D Animator will ensure intellectual property and copyright guidelines are followed and production deadlines are met. They must possess a good knowledge of casino gaming overall, casino game art and game play. 

The Core 2D Animator must have the creative skills to produce animatics, user flows and motion graphics, they will produce work quickly and efficiently and be fully conversant with the current tools of the trade. The successful candidate will be able to design rich and spectacular motion graphics and animations as well as have an in-depth knowledge of rigging, particle effects and other key aspects of animation. A drive to grow and learn, curiosity, passion for the trade and the desire to meet challenges. 

The Core 2D Animator needs to be familiar with assets optimization for HTML 5/Online game purposes. They will also need to be familiar with Webp, Texture Packer and other similar optimization tool or Algorithms. Familiarity and working knowledge with Spine will also be beneficial.   

• Thorough knowledge of animation principles 

• Comprehensive knowledge of animation tools: Adobe After Effects, After Effect Plugin, Maxon/Red Giant, Spine 

• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop CC 

• Familiarity with +Adobe Firefly or Adobe Photoshop AI assistant. 

• Ability to visually express concepts and ideas through animatics, drawings and sketches 

• Hands on knowledge of the technology used in games and multimedia 

• Ability to optimize assets using current technology for online delivery 

• Skilled at bringing characters to life 

• Technical aptitude and rigor 

• Capable of quickly learning how to use new software and of maintaining current knowledge. 

• Knowledge of production steps and understanding of creative processes 

• Use of common collaboration tools such as MS Office and Slack 

• Bilingual - Must be comfortable in a French environment.  

Assets: 

• Familiarity with 3D tools would be an asset 

• Experience with Game Engines such as Unity or Unreal 

• Professional experience in the Casino Gaming industry 

• Working knowledge of use of AI in Casino Gaming industry 

• Adobe Illustrator proficiency would be an advantage