In May 2021, we embarked on a journey to start Haven Studios with a small team and big ambitions. Our goal was to build a studio where we could make the kind of games we’ve always wanted to create – and games we’ve longed to play.

We’ve made amazing progress in a short time thanks to our talented, passionate team and their exceptional contributions. We established a culture at Haven grounded in kindness, adaptability and courage that unlocks creativity. Our first new IP for PlayStation is on track to deliver a AAA multiplayer experience with a vision to build a systemic and evolving world focused on freedom, thrill, and playfulness that will keep players entertained and engaged for years.

Haven joined the PlayStation Studios family in 2022, and we are on track to build an exclusive new IP for Playstation and grow the first Sony game development team in Canada.

3D Animator - Narrative and seasonal content

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Animator to join our project team. This role is integral to the development of our Games as a Service (GAAS) title, focusing on creating exceptional animations for in-game scripted events, menus, and player emotes.

As an Animator, you will be responsible for setting a high bar for animation quality in your areas of focus, working closely with the Animation Director and other departments to deliver a consistently polished and engaging player experience.

Direction

The Senior Animator will report directly to the Producer, but work in close collaboration with the Animation Director and Animation Lead to define and uphold animation standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality, expressive animations for key in-game scripted events and narrative sequences.

• Produce quality NPC contextual idles and conversations animations to create a compelling in-game environment.

• Create fluid, appealing, and thematically appropriate animations for all in-game menus and game flow non playable moments.

• Design and implement a diverse range of player emotes, ensuring they possess high appeal, personality, and technical robustness for a live-service environment.

• Collaborate with design, engineering, and art teams to integrate animation assets efficiently and ensure they meet technical constraints without compromising artistic quality.

• Contribute actively to the animation systems and pipeline, focusing on optimization and efficient creation of content updates.

Minimum Qualifications

• Proficient with any industry standard animation software (e.g., Motion Builder, Maya,).

• Possess strong animation skills, demonstrating a masterful understanding of the principles of animation, body mechanics, and character performance.

• Ability to communicate effectively and foster a highly collaborative team environment across multiple disciplines.

• Be a creative thinker, applying extensive experience to resolve complex technical and artistic challenges and limitations specific to GAAS content pipelines.

• High proficiency in keyframe animation and Motion Capture editing/cleanup.

• Thorough understanding of game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) technical animation workflows and integration processes.

• A strong passion for making and playing Games as a Service (GAAS) titles.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience creating animation for live-service games or content-heavy update cycles.

• Experience with Cinematic cameras and facial animation.

• Previously worked with in engine sequencing tools for scripted animation.

• Strong interest in and experience with new animation related technologies.