About the role
Company Description
Ubisoft is a global leader in video games, with teams around the world creating original and memorable gaming experiences, from Assassin’s Creed to Rainbow Six, Just Dance, and many others. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress for both players and teams. If you are passionate about innovation and want to push the boundaries of entertainment, join our adventure and help us create the unknown!
Job Description
Beyond Good & Evil 2 is an open-world action-adventure game set in a captivating space opera universe. It is the direct prequel to the 2003 classic! Thanks to the technological advancements provided by our proprietary engine, Voyager, Beyond Good & Evil 2 aims to offer an organic and seamless experience of space exploration and piracy at the scale of a solar system, featuring exotic locations, colorful characters, and numerous mysteries to discover solo or with friends. If you are looking for a unique adventure, join our team to help us create System 3!
We are looking for our future Gameplay Animation Director to define and embody the project's gameplay animation vision.
Role Overview
You will work in collaboration with Creative Director Fawzi Mesmar and other project directors. You will be involved in both vision and production.
Missions
Vision & Artistic Direction
You define the path:
- Develop the gameplay animation vision.
- Define animation intentions: style, rhythm, readability, impact, and fluidity.
- Propose an animation artistic direction consistent with the targeted gameplay experience.
- Produce key documents: animation vision, briefs, guidelines, workflows, and references.
- Interpret the Artistic Director's vision and translate it into concrete animation proposals.
- Conceive visual and mechanical intentions autonomously.
- Drive the development of innovative solutions for gameplay animation.
- Act as the guarantor of consistency between animation and the player experience.
Production & Quality
You ensure excellence:
- Supervise the creation and integration of in-game animations in collaboration with the supervisor.
- Ensure the quality and consistency of animations: character, dynamism, and gameplay readability.
- Validate deliverables: prototypes, final animations, and polish.
- Collaborate with Game Designers and the Gameplay team to ensure excellent feel and character responsiveness.
- Every animation must serve the game.
Leadership & Collaboration
You build a culture:
- Establish the foundations and vision allowing the lead and supervisor to effectively guide and support animators, ensuring artistic and technical consistency in animation.
- Promote an ambitious and inspiring animation culture, fostering mentoring, knowledge sharing, and constructive feedback to develop team skills.
- Collaborate with other departments: Art, Tech Anim, Design, Narration, and Audio.
- Actively participate in gameplay and creative decisions.
- Create a demanding and ambitious environment.
Documentation & Communication
- Produce clear, structured, and visual documents allowing the team to effectively execute the vision.
- Ensure fluid, structured, and respectful communication adapted to all stakeholders.
Qualifications
Requirements
- Significant experience in 3D animation in video games.
- Proven experience directing gameplay animation or readiness to take this step.
Ideal Qualifications
- Experience on at least one AAA project.
- Strong vision regarding realistic or stylized animation.
- English level C1 minimum to communicate with English-speaking collaborators.
Key Technical Expertise
- Solid background in animation (portfolio required).
- Mastery of MotionBuilder (keyframe + mocap).
- Experience with game engines and animation systems.
- Understanding of gameplay and technical constraints.
Creative Sense
- Keen sense of rhythm and movement.
- Ability to translate creative intention into playable animation.
- Mastery of readability and impact.
- Ability to propose both visual and mechanical solutions.
Success Factors
- Ability to define and defend a clear vision.
- Demanding and inspiring leadership.
- Decision-making capability.
- Active listening skills.
- Desire to make a mark on a major project.
Onboarding
Upon arrival:
- Immersion in the project vision.
- Meetings with leads and key teams.
- Access to existing documentation.
Additional Information
Contract & Location
- Contract Type: CDI (Permanent Contract)
- Location: Montpellier (On-site presence is mandatory due to the nature of creative decisions and daily team interactions)
- Start Date: As soon as possible
Recruitment Process
- Application Review: Our team will carefully review your profile.
- Quick Pre-qualification (Max 30 min by phone): If your profile matches, you will have an initial phone exchange to validate certain points.
- Interview 1: Discovery (1h, via video): An exchange with a member of the recruitment team to get to know you and verify alignment with our expectations.
- Interview 2: Technical (1h, via video): A discussion with two team members, focused on technical aspects to speak the same language.
- Final Step: If initial stages are validated, we invite you to our offices to immerse yourself in the studio atmosphere, meet the teams, and test the game. A technical test may be required to better understand your way of working and technical sensitivity.
Application Requirement
- Send your portfolio. Show us what makes you unique.