Animator - Game Development Studio - Sunderland... · Sunderland, UK ·

Tombola Ltd; Sunderland; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading online gaming company in Sunderland is seeking an Animator to join their Media team. The ideal candidate will utilize strong 2D animation skills and embrace Generative AI to enhance workflows. Responsibilities include creating dynamic animations for mobile-first games, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and optimizing animation performance. This hybrid role promises long-term career growth opportunities and a supportive work culture aimed at innovation and balance.

Benefits

Collaborative culture

Long-term growth opportunities

Supportive work environment

Flexible work-life balance

Qualifications

• Strong animation fundamentals combined with curiosity in emerging tools.
• Experience using Generative AI in creative workflows.
• Ability to create optimised animations for real-time game engines.

Responsibilities

• Create visually rich 2D animations for mobile games.
• Use Generative AI tools to support animation ideation and iteration.
• Refine animations through feedback while maintaining brand integrity.

Skills

2D animation principles

Bone-based animation systems

Post production skills

Digital animation tools

Iterative mindset

Clear communication

Tools

Adobe After Effects

Spine 2D

Toon Boom

Job description

Ready to make millions smile? We need an Animator!

Love bringing characters, symbols, and worlds to life with fluid, bone‑based 2D animation and excited by how Generative AI can supercharge that process? Then you’ll feel right at home at Tombola.

We’re the UK’s biggest online bingo site, and we build all our games in‑house. That gives us freedom to experiment, iterate, and evolve, including how we use Generative AI to create richer visuals, smarter pipelines, and more delightful player moments.

We’re looking for an Animator to join our talented Media team in Sunderland (hybrid). This role isn’t just about animating assets, it’s about blending strong animation fundamentals with modern AI‑assisted workflows to help our games shine.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll be embedded in the full game development cycle, collaborating closely with R&D, Design, and Engineering to bring ideas to life efficiently and creatively.

Your day‑to‑day will include:

• Creating visually rich 2D animations for real‑time, mobile‑first games.

• Using Generative AI tools to support ideation, concept exploration, asset generation, and iteration.

• Exploring automation opportunities to streamline animation workflows (e.g. asset prep, variations, polish passes).

• Optimising animations and assets for performance, memory, and smooth playback in‑game.

• Helping shape animation scope and feasibility during early project planning.

• Refining animations through feedback while maintaining our fun, friendly Tombola brand.

• Occasionally contributing motion graphics to internal videos and communications.

Your animation (and AI) superpowers

We’re looking for someone who combines strong animation fundamentals with curiosity and confidence in emerging tools.

Core skills:

• Solid understanding of 2D animation principles and bone‑based animation systems.

• Post production/compositing skills in software like Adobe After Effects.

• Experience with digital animation tools for 2D (or 3D where relevant).

• An iterative mindset with a strong eye for detail and polish.

• Ability to create optimised animations for real‑time game engines and mobile platforms.

• Clear communicator who enjoys collaborating with developers and project managers.

Generative AI & automation mindset:

• Hands‑on experience using Generative AI in creative workflows (image generation, animation support, ideation, iteration, or tooling).

• Interest in AI‑assisted automation — reducing repetitive work to focus more on creative impact.

• Comfortable experimenting with new tools, workflows, and techniques, and sharing learnings with the team.

Bonus points if you have

• Experience with Spine 2D, Toon Boom, or similar tools.

• Understanding of how animations are implemented technically in games.

• Exposure to 3D animation or hybrid 2D/3D pipelines.

• Experience adapting AI‑generated outputs for production‑ready animation.

• A genuine enthusiasm for staying ahead of creative technology trends.

Why Tombola?

You’ll help shape the visual experience enjoyed by millions of players, creating moments that feel playful, polished, and alive.

This role offers:

• A chance to work with modern animation and AI‑driven workflows in a real production environment.

• Long‑term growth into roles such as Senior Animator, Lead Animator.

• A collaborative, supportive culture that values experimentation, learning, and work‑life balance.

• The freedom to influence not just what we make — but how we make it.

If you’re passionate about animation, excited by Generative AI, and ready to help define the future of game visuals, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now — and let’s get animated.