Games
Animator (Games)
Also known as: Computer graphics (CG) animator, Games animator, 3D animator
What does a games animator do?
Animators take the objects created by 2D and 3D artists and breathe life into them by making them move. Working from the designer’s storyboard, they create the movements for characters and vehicles. They add personality, emotion and realism to the game.
Animators also have a good understanding of programming and game engines. As game animation is often a complicated combination of different types of movement, animators make libraries of the movements, so they can reuse them for each character. They work in a way that makes best use of the game engine’s technology and maximises the opportunities for game play and interactivity.
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What’s a games animator good at?
- Art: draw and reveal attitude, emotions and mood through a character’s movement, have spatial awareness and a feel for movement over time
- Knowledge of gameplay: understand how movements will appear when played within the context of the game
- Knowledge of games engines: understand how to create an animation that works within an engine’s technical constraints
- Communication: be able to respond to direction and share ideas with other team members
- Organisation: work within the production schedule, manage files and meet deadlines
Tools of the trade
- Programming languages (PyMel, C++)
- Game engine software (Unity, Unreal)
- 3D animation software (Maya, Motion Builder,3DS Max)
These are some of the tools used by professionals, but you can develop your skills using free software. Go to Build your games portfolio for a list.
Who does a games animator work with?
Animators work closely with programmers and artists. They usually report to the art director.
How do I become a games animator?
At school or college:
This is one of several roles within the games industry where it’s useful to have both artistic and programming skills. While at school or college, try to combine arts and sciences if you can. If you want to go to university, it would be useful to get A-levels, Highers in art and design, media or computing. Or you might like to take a level 3 vocational qualification in one of those subjects. See what your local college offers such as:
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production)
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
- T Level Media, Broadcast and Production
- UAL Applied General Diploma in Art and Design
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (3D Design)
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Graphic Design)
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Photography)
- T Level Craft and Design
- T Level Digital Software Development
Look for an apprenticeship:
You might be able to find an apprenticeship as a junior animator. Even if that role isn’t in the games industry, it might be worth taking it up. Animation in games has different considerations from animation in feature films or TV, but you can learn core skills in other industries that you can transfer into games at a later point.
Check out What’s an apprenticeship? to learn more about apprenticeships and Find an apprenticeship to learn how to find one in your region, or approach companies directly. Go to ScreenSkills information on games apprenticeships for the main apprenticeship schemes in games.
Get a degree:
There are a growing number of junior animation jobs for graduates, so it’s worth getting an animation-related degree. Have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses in animation. We recognise courses with our ScreenSkills Select award where they offer training in the relevant software, dedicated time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the games industry.
Build a portfolio:
Learn animation software, experiment with games engines and start creating work that you can show to admissions tutors or employers. This is essential. Go to Build your games portfolio to learn how.
Search for jobs:
Use the UK Games Map to find games companies near you, then go to their websites directly and check out their open roles. Even if they are not advertising the right role, if you like a specific company it’s worth emailing them to let them know you’re looking in case something suitable comes up in future. Some employers will take on a junior animator if you have a strong portfolio, showing creativity, flair and software skills.
Look outside games:
It’s also worth considering animation roles in any other industry as using similar software will build up your skills. You can use this and any professional artwork you produce to continually improve your animation portfolio, putting you in a stronger position for an entry-level role in games.
Meet people in the industry:
Go to ScreenSkills’ events, follow your local film office and any local community arts and media organisations and attend their events. Go to how to network well for some tips.
Network online:
Create a LinkedIn profile. See if there’s a Facebook page or other social media group for people making films or videos in your area. Join it and take part. Create a ScreenSkills profile.
Explore ScreenSkills Resources:
ScreenSkills careers information:
The your career hub has a wealth of resources designed to help you start or progress your career.
ScreenSkills e-learning:
ScreenSkills has a suite of free e-learning modules for those who are over 18 which can improve your knowledge. The ScreenSkills Passport modules also prepare you as they are essential for some production roles. Some modules are available for those under 18. For anyone wanting advice about first steps, the Getting into the screen industries modules are very useful.
ScreenSkills skills checklists:
If you would like more detail about the tasks, responsibilities and skills required for many key roles in film and TV drama, children’s TV and unscripted TV you can look at our skills checklists.
You might also be interested in…
Being a gameplay designer, technical animator, generalist programmer, gameplay programmer, physics programmer or an artificial intelligence (AI) programmer in the games industry. You might also be interested being an animator or a rigging technical director (TD) in visual effects (VFX), or a rigger, an animator or animation TD in the animation industry.
