Defining the Role - Skillset

Skillset defines a game animators (they seem to refer to 3D animation throughout this article as opposed to 2D) role in the following way:

Link: http://www.skillset.org/games/careers/article_4731_1.asp

"Animators in the games industry are responsible for the portrayal of movement and behavior. Most often this is applied to give life to game characters and creatures, but sometimes animations are also applied to other elements such as objects, scenery, vegetation and environmental effects."
While this is true, the role "Character Animator" does exist which I would expect would limit the role to just characters.

A key point to note is according to skillset Animators in the games industry are usually permanently employed as opposed to a project by project basis that can happen in other sectors.


Animators are not responsible for the design or modelling of the assets used within games however depending on the size of the company they may be expected to rig the character in order to achieve the motions they require. the animator will be responsible for designing the motion of the character and so may need to work closely with the modeler in order to have appropriate topology.


Animators are required to work in a slightly different manner to animators in other sectors of the entertainment industry. They will need to produce an extensive and reusable library of animations for each character while working within the limitations of the technology. Unlike film animation the performance of the character comes secondary to the interactive quality needed. animators may be required to work with limited key frames in order to keep the movements quick so not to aggravate the player. The more efficient technically the animation is produced the better it will run in engine and also makes it less likely to cause performance drops. 


Typical Career routes (that apply to me)
Most enter the industry after gaining some proficiency in a computer animation package although a background in practical art, particularly  life drawing skills is considered particularly useful.

"Any animator considering a career in game production should understand the interactive nature of games and also have an overall grasp of all aspects of their discipline, including character modelling, rigging, skinning, kinematics, and basic cinematography."

Essential skills

• knowledge of traditional and computer 2D and 3D animation techniques;
• creativity and imagination;
• knowledge of full motion video (FMV);
• spatial awareness and a feel for movement over time;
• knowledge of constraints;
• ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• organisational skills and the ability to work to deadlines;
• good communication and presentation skills;
• knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.

"Animators will be required to demonstrate their work through a portfolio and/or show reel. Reels should last about 2-3 minutes and detail the specific contribution the Animator made to the work. Recruiters look for a variety of genres and styles; walk and run cycles, as well as more fully developed sequences; and, perhaps most important, an ability to portray a character’s personality through movement and behaviour."