Job Description

About KOMODO

KOMODO is a 100% privately-owned company that has published over 120 games globally. We are now building our first fully in-house title, a competitive PVP action game focused on revolutionizing the shoot ‘em up genre for the next generation. Alongside this, we continue to expand Steam Deck sales across Asia, including the introduction of new Steam and other gaming hardware, and are developing NIUHI, an indie manga platform.

Supported by experienced mentors from across the industry, we are building a small and powerful team where every individual has the freedom and creative agency to make a meaningful impact. This is an opportunity to join at an early stage, where your work will directly influence core gameplay, visual identity, and overall player experience.

If you’re looking for a role where your ideas matter, your contributions are visible, and you can help build something from the ground up, KOMODO offers a rare opportunity to do exactly that!

The Opportunity

KOMODO is looking for a 3D Animator based in Tokyo to join the team working on Nanos, a competitive PvP action game currently in early prototyping.

In this role, you will focus on rigging and creating high-quality character animations that help define each character’s personality and presence. This includes producing polished idle animations and character select animations for 3D character models. Your work will play an important role in establishing the visual identity and presentation of characters early in development.

You will collaborate closely with designers and gameplay engineers, iterating on animations based on feedback and playtesting. As an early member of the team, you will also help define animation standards and workflows that will support the project as it moves into full production.

A successful candidate has a strong eye for motion, timing, and character expression, and enjoys refining animations through iteration. You are comfortable working in a collaborative environment and contributing to a growing game from an early stage.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality character animations for 3D models, including idle and character select animations
• Collaborate closely with designers and gameplay engineers to align animations with character direction and game needs
• Iterate on animations based on feedback, playtesting, and creative direction
• Help define animation standards, style guidelines, and workflows during early production
• Ensure animations are polished, expressive, and consistent across characters
• Support the animation pipeline as the project scales toward full production

Requirements

Requirements

• Professional experience creating character animations for games or interactive content
• Strong understanding of animation fundamentals, including timing, weight, posing, and character expression
• Experience animating 3D character models using industry-standard tools
• Ability to iterate quickly and incorporate feedback effectively
• A portfolio or reel demonstrating your animation work
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across disciplines
  High proficiency in English communication

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience implementing animations in Unreal Engine
• Experience with character rigging and skinning
• Familiarity with game animation pipelines and real-time animation constraints
• Experience working on stylized or anime-inspired games
• Experience collaborating closely with gameplay or combat teams
• Shipped game titles or completed commercial projects

Tools

• Animation tools are flexible (e.g., Maya, Blender, or equivalent), as long as they effectively support production needs

Benefits

• Performance-based ProfitsSharing
• KOMODO Special Leave ( 5-business day Summer holiday, 7 business Winter holiday, 1-day Birthday holiday, and 1 day Game Launch Day )
• Paid leave by Japanese labor laws.
• Full Social Insurance Coverage (Kanto IT Software Health Insurance Society)
• Free language learning classes (Japanese, English)
• Company Events (Office Lunch Parties, Year-end Parties, etc.)
• Work Visa Support
• A Steam Deck will be provided to employees for their employment.
• Free Games and Manga

Some benefits will be available after the completion of the probationary period.