3D Gameplay Animator

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a 3D Gameplay Animator (Freelance) based in Canada.

This freelance role offers the opportunity to shape the movement, combat, and visual identity of PC and console game projects.
You will bring expert-level animation skills to create responsive, impactful, and believable gameplay experiences.
Working at the intersection of art, gameplay, and technology, you’ll collaborate closely with animation, programming, and art direction teams.
Your work will focus heavily on combat systems, character movement, attacks, hit reactions, and the physicality that makes gameplay feel authentic.
You’ll work with Maya and/or Blender while ensuring animations integrate effectively with Unreal Engine and animation state machines.
The role combines creative ownership with technical problem-solving, autonomy, and knowledge sharing across the team.
The freelance assignment runs through March 2027, with the possibility of extension, and offers remote or hybrid flexibility in Quebec City.

• Create high-quality 3D gameplay animations for combat systems, character movement, attacks, hit reactions, and other gameplay interactions using Maya and/or Blender.
• Translate gameplay and artistic requirements into compelling animation solutions
  , balancing visual quality, responsiveness, and technical constraints.
• Ensure animation compatibility with Unreal Engine
  , including engine requirements and Animation State Machine logic.
• Deliver agreed milestones independently
  , effectively managing priorities, timelines, and workload throughout the freelance engagement.
• Elevate animation quality and gameplay feel through careful attention to body weight, timing, impact, momentum, movement dynamics, and combat credibility.
• Collaborate with the internal animation team to share best practices, technical knowledge, workflows, and techniques across Maya and Blender.
• Document animation work and workflows to support effective knowledge transfer between artists and programmers.
• Interpret artistic direction and gameplay constraints
  , proposing creative, dynamic, and technically viable animation approaches.
• Participate in constructive creative reviews
  , incorporating feedback while proactively suggesting innovative solutions to complex production challenges.
• Evaluate character rigs and animation setups
  , identifying potential issues and recommending optimizations that improve production quality and delivery efficiency.
• Contribute to the overall visual identity of the project by consistently raising the quality and polish of gameplay animation.

• Approximately 10 years of professional 3D animation experience within the video game industry, with strong specialization in combat animation and experience contributing to shipped PC and/or console titles.
• Exceptional understanding of movement and physics
  , including weight, timing, momentum, impact, dynamism, and gameplay feel.
• Advanced proficiency with Maya and Blender for professional 3D animation production.
• Strong technical understanding of Unreal Engine integration
  , including animation implementation and State Machine concepts.
• Ability to work autonomously
  , manage priorities effectively, and consistently deliver high-quality work against agreed deadlines.
• Strong collaborative and communication skills
  , with the ability to work effectively with artists, programmers, and other multidisciplinary stakeholders.
• Curiosity and a supportive mindset
  , with a willingness to share knowledge, learn from others, and contribute to collective team development.
• Fluency in French and/or English for effective communication within the development environment.
• Experience integrating and configuring animation assets directly in a game engine is an asset.
• Knowledge of or interest in cinema tics and narrative sequences is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of VFX or shader adjustments is considered an additional advantage.

• Freelance contract through March 2027
  , with the possibility of extension.
• Remote work from Quebec, Canada
  , with the option to work in a hybrid setup in Quebec City.
• Competitive hourly or daily rate
  , based on experience and expertise.
• Full-time workload of approximately 37.5 hours per week.
• High degree of flexibility associated with a freelance engagement.
• Opportunity to work on large-scale PC and console game projects and make a direct contribution to their visual identity and gameplay quality.
• Collaboration with a passionate, talented, and multidisciplinary game development team
  .
• A work environment centered on gaming, creativity, respect, knowledge sharing, and collective growth
  .