Weta Workshop
Games Developer from New Zealand, WellingtonAuthored by
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Our Game Studio transforms ideas into the magic of play. From the beginning, we take a custodian’s approach that forms the foundation of the games and entertainment properties we create. As passionate, accomplished world-builders, we thrive on developing interactive stories that can be enjoyed by people around the world. With experience working on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and web browsers, our studio team knows the process inside out, from start to finish.
In 2012, Wētā Workshop formed its Game Studio to create the world’s first mixed-reality game, Dr. Grordbort’s Invaders. Set amongst rayguns, rocket ships and deadly robot miscreants imagined by our friend and colleague Greg Broadmore, we were approached by Rony Abovitz, founder of Florida-based company Magic Leap, to bring this extraordinary world into people’s homes. Following rave reviews on its release, we developed three more games: Dr. Grordbort’s Boosters, The Society of (NOT) Getting Along Nicely and Raygun Arena. Wētā Workshop has been nominated for both Visual Effects Society Awards and DICE Awards and has received a New Zealand Game Award and a Wellington Gold Award.
Our next title is due for release in July 2025 - Tales of the Shire. In this storybook return to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, you live the cosy life of a Hobbit as you set forth in Bywater. Though not yet established as an official village, you’ll play a big part in helping the quaint town flourish. Greet comfort at the door as you decorate your own Hobbit-hole, tend to your garden, fish at clear ponds, forage wild fruits and herbs, and trade with townsfolks.
Our workplace is flexible, inclusive, supportive ... and dog friendly!
- Help us develop cutting edge games across a variety of platforms within the Interactive division
- Fun, collaborative team that looks out for each other
- Full time, based in Miramar
Weta Workshop’s award-winning concept design and manufacturing facility has been making cool stuff for over 30 years, right here in Miramar, Wellington.
Applying our innovative artistry to the world’s creative industries we take on projects of any size, scope, or scale, from the earliest stages of creative development through to manufacture and delivery all over the world.
We are currently looking for a talented Game Animator to join our Interactive crew and help us deliver our next PC and Console game project with a major worldwide IP that is very close to our hearts.
What will you be doing?
- As a member of the art team, you will be tasked with creating compelling, authentic character animations. These will be for characters and NPCs of all shapes and sizes.
- Developing eye-catching environmental scripted events, creature and tool animations.
- Liaising with the whole Interactive Team and stakeholders to ensure all organisations standards are met and design briefs are adhered to
- Project planning and working with Programmers to create and maintain animation tree graphs
- Engage in R&D of new tools and technologies relevant to the project.
- Provide feedback and guidance to programmers to develop new animation processes and systems. State machine experience necessary.
What we’re looking for from you?
- Previous games-industry experience with at least 1 shipped title as a game animator
- You will need to have a strong understanding of human, animal, and mechanical movement.
- Experience working within a broad range of animation areas including facial and keyframe is essential. Experience with motion capture is a bonus.
- You’ll have expert knowledge of Maya, and ideally have sound working knowledge of game engines and behaviour trees - ideally in Unity.
- Portfolio demonstrating a good understanding of the principles of animation.
So, what can we offer you? I’m glad you asked! We promise you that the content you produce will be deeply integral to defining our upcoming games and experiences! If that wasn’t awesome enough, you’ll also get to work with an exceptionally talented team of experienced game veterans, fresh-faced idea generators as well as the world-building imaginations that forged Middle Earth, Pandora, and many others. And we’re in Wellington, New Zealand - which is bloody nice if we do say so ourselves
We’re a fun, collaborative team, we look out for and support each other. Creative, down to earth, and inclusive, we welcome diversity, dogs and pretty much anything that makes for a better workday.
Sound like you? Hit the “Apply for this job” now. Applications close Tuesday 21st September 2021
For a copy of the Job Description or to find out more contact Kate Grealish at recruitment@wetaworkshop.co.nz