Animator IV

Step into a lead role within IGT’s Vibe game studio, located in Reno NV, as an Animator IV, where your creativity and vision will help shape not only our newest games but the very culture of innovation within our studio. In this senior role, you’ll guide/work animation projects from concept through to completion, setting the visual tone for our groundbreaking titles and mentoring junior animators to achieve new levels of artistry. By working closely with cross-disciplinary teams—from Producers, Engineers, TAs and Art peers—you’ll drive a holistic approach to game development that pushes the boundaries of what gaming can be. Your contributions will play a key role in IGT’s mission to pioneer the future of gaming, ensuring that every animation enhances player experience and leaves a lasting impression. 
 

• Lead or create advanced animations and visual effects—both real-time and pre-rendered—for objects, worlds, and characters in EGM development.
• Drive the creative vision for animations across multiple EGM projects, setting quality and style benchmarks.
• Develop storyboards and animatics to plan game event flow and maximize gameplay excitement.
• Create demo reels and internal promotional content showcasing studio game work.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define animation strategies and contribute to overall creative direction.
• Lead development of complex animations for progressive bonuses, jackpots, immersive bonuses, and attract features.
• Mentor junior animators, supporting skill development and mastery of tools and techniques.
• Review peer and junior animation assets for quality, performance, and game engine integration.
• Playtest games in Unity or standalone builds; provide animation feedback and challenge teams to elevate quality.
• Innovate new animation workflows, techniques, and effects (e.g., particles, motion graphics) to enhance player experience.
• Ensure animation tone, atmosphere, and style align with the intended player experience; guide adjustments as needed.
• Partner with Producers, TAs, and Art peers to concept animations and give feedback that enhances story and player interaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, advanced degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience.
• 15 years of professional animation experience, including 12+ in game development roles.
• Proven leader of animation projects or teams within the gaming industry, especially EGMs or real-time interactive games.
• Reel showcasing visual storytelling, timing, choreography, and animation principles across effects, symbols, scenes, and characters.
• Expert in 2D/3D animation tools (After Effects, Spine, Maya, Blender); strong leadership in animation/VFX projects.
• Real-time animation experience in Unity.
• Deep understanding of EGM-specific elements: reel spins, transitions, features, math screens, attracts, and jackpots.
• Knowledge of slot game animation pipelines and integration into proprietary engines or platforms.
• Strong eye for animation, movement, timing, and composition; thrives in fast-paced development environments. 
  
  

Animation challenge/test will be required for consideration.

Keys to Success

• Building collaborative relationships
• Decision making
• Drive results
• Foster innovation
• Personal energy
• Self-leadership