Associate Principal Technical Artist: Rigging at Rockstar Games

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Rockstar Games Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Game DevelopmentIndustries

Requirements

  • A degree in Computer Science or related discipline
  • 3+ years of industry experience working as a character rigger, technical animator, animation engine programmer, or in a closely related role
  • A demo reel and/or online portfolio that demonstrates exceptional rigging skills, motion control systems, and complex body and face deformation and skinning for characters and creatures
  • Strong Python programming and 3D math skills
  • Proven experience creating tools for Rigging and Animation
  • Experience using source control software (i.e. Perforce, Git)
  • Strong communication, self-management, and organizational skills

Responsibilities

  • Develop, test, and maintain high-quality body and face rigs, skinning, and secondary motion setups for a diverse range of 3D assets
  • Collaborate with runtime programmers, animators, and artists to create and improve engine features
  • Create authoring tools for the Rigging team in digital content creation environments and standalone applications
  • Partner with animators, artists, and technical artists to create tools and refine pipelines to maximize the best results throughout production
  • Support the entire rigging pipeline – from motion capture to final in-game output
  • Stay informed on the latest technology and research in motion and deformation to help keep our dynamic art visuals at the forefront of innovation
  • Write clear and detailed documentation for tools and workflows

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

RiggingSkinningSecondary MotionMotion CaptureDeformation SystemsAuthoring ToolsPipeline DevelopmentDCC ToolsRuntime Features3D Assets

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Is this position remote or in-office?

This is a full-time, permanent and in-office position based in Rockstar’s state-of-the-art game development studio in Edinburgh, Scotland.

What are the key required skills for this role?

The role requires a degree in Computer Science or related discipline, 3+ years of industry experience as a character rigger or similar, strong Python programming and 3D math skills, experience creating tools for Rigging and Animation, and strong communication, self-management, and organizational skills.

What is the salary or compensation for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the company culture like at Rockstar Games?

Rockstar offers an inclusive, highly-motivated environment where you can learn and collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry on large-scale creative projects.

What should I include in my application to stand out?

Include a demo reel and/or online portfolio that demonstrates exceptional rigging skills, motion control systems, and complex body and face deformation and skinning for characters and creatures.

Rockstar Games

Develops and publishes popular video games

About Rockstar Games

Rockstar Games develops and publishes popular video games, focusing on creating immersive experiences for gamers on platforms like Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. Their games, such as "Grand Theft Auto" and "Red Dead Redemption," are known for their engaging storytelling, impressive graphics, and gameplay mechanics. Rockstar generates revenue through game sales, both physical and digital, as well as in-game purchases and downloadable content, which provide ongoing income after the initial sale. They also engage in licensing deals and merchandise related to their game franchises. What sets Rockstar apart from competitors is their commitment to high-quality game development and continuous investment in research to enhance gaming technology. The company's goal is to deliver exceptional gaming experiences that captivate a global audience.

New York City, New YorkHeadquarters
1998Year Founded
$5MTotal Funding
ACQUISITIONCompany Stage
Entertainment, GamingIndustries
1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Company Equity
Performance Bonus
Flexible Work Hours

Risks

Frequent game content leaks could undermine marketing strategies and financial outcomes.
Delayed PC releases, like GTA VI, might frustrate PC gamers and affect sales.
High expectations for GTA VI could lead to backlash if not met.

Differentiation

Rockstar Games develops high-quality, immersive games with strong storytelling and graphics.
The company uses its proprietary Rockstar Advanced Game Engine (RAGE) for game development.
Rockstar Games has a diverse portfolio, including GTA, Red Dead, and Max Payne.

Upsides

Cross-platform play and cloud gaming trends enhance Rockstar's game accessibility.
User-generated content and modding communities extend game lifecycles and engagement.
AI integration in games enhances NPC behavior and immersive experiences.

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