Job Description

Step into a lead role within IGT’s Vibe game studio, located in Reno NV, as an Animator V, 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. 

• Create and/or lead complex animations and dynamic visual effects, bringing objects, worlds and characters to life with an advanced level of artistic and technical expertise in EGM development. Real time and pre rendered.
• Drive/collaborate the creative vision for animations across multiple EGM game development projects, setting standards for quality and style. 
• Create storyboards, animatics & plan the flow of game events, maximizing player excitement during gameplay.
• Creation of our studio demo reel, and/or internal studio promotional content of our games. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on animation strategies and higher-level artistic decisions, contributing to the creation of creative direction and final animation assets.
• Spearhead the development of specialized animation techniques for complex game mechanics, such as progressive bonuses, jackpots, immersive bonus rounds and attracts.
• Mentor and coach less experienced animators, guiding them in refining their skills and mastering industry tools and techniques.
• Review animation assets created by junior/peer team members for integration into the game engine, ensuring they meet performance and visual standards.
• Play games in our studio test bed, play Unity game builds and/or standalone versions of all games in development, supply constructive feedback concerning all animations in a game. Challenge team to take to next level as needed. Animations are exciting, fun, celebratory and engaging to players. 
• Innovate by developing new animation techniques, improving workflows, and incorporating advanced visual effects like particle systems and motion graphics to enhance the gaming experience.
• Ensure the tone, atmosphere, and aesthetic integrity of animations align with the intended player experience. Guidance and/or adjusting as needed.
• Partner with Producer, TAs & art peers to conceptualize animation sequences and provide constructive feedback, that enhance storytelling and player interaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or advanced degrees in relevant fields, or equivalent experience.
• 15 years of professional animation experience, including at least 12 years in roles focused on game development.
• Proven track record of leading animation projects or teams within the gaming industry, especially for EGMs or other real-time interactive experiences.
• A reel that illustrates visual storytelling, choreography, timing and strong principles of animation across multiple assets like special effects, symbols, scenes, & characters.
• Expertise in 2D and 3D animation software (After Effects, Spine, Maya, Blender), with demonstrated leadership in animation or visual effects projects.
• Unity, experience in real time animations.
• Strong understanding of EGM-game specific animation elements, such as reel spins, transitions, base/bonus features, math screens, attracts and jackpot effects.
• Familiarity with animation pipelines for slot games or casino gaming, including experience with integrating assets into proprietary game engines or development platforms.
• Acute attention to detail in principles of animation, movement, composition, and timing, coupled with experience in fast-paced development environment.

Keys to Success

Leading the business

• Drive results
• Foster innovation
• Demonstrate a digital mindset
  

Leading complexity

• Be flexible & manage change
• Have courage & be accountable
  

Leading people

• Collaborate with others
• Foster inclusion and cultural awareness
  

Leading self

• Demonstrate personal agility
• Demonstrate a growth mindset

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