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Video game animator vs 3d animator

The differences between video game animators and 3d animators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a video game animator and a 3d animator. Additionally, a video game animator has an average salary of $81,133, which is higher than the $73,596 average annual salary of a 3d animator.

The top three skills for a video game animator include animation, motion capture and maya. The most important skills for a 3d animator are animation, storyboards, and visualization.

Video game animator vs 3d animator overview

Video Game Animator3D Animator
Yearly salary$81,133$73,596
Hourly rate$39.01$35.38
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs2,886571
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 80%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

What does a video game animator do?

This is a multimedia artist and animator with a specialty in video games. They use a combination of arts and technology to create special effects, interactive animated images, and an environment for video games. They are expected to work alongside other departments to ensure that all visual artwork meets the specifications of clients. They are responsible for researching trends in video game animation, as well as statistics and techniques. Additionally, they may have to compile briefs and reports and even present your ideas and research findings before potential investors.

What does a 3d animator do?

A 3D animator specializes in designing and developing 3D animation materials, adhering to the program or project's needs. They typically work together with a team of animators and producers in studios or offices. Most of the time, their responsibilities involve performing extensive research, creating drafts and storyboards, consulting with team members and editors, and performing revisions as needed. Furthermore, as a 3D animator, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Video game animator vs 3d animator salary

Video game animators and 3d animators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Video Game Animator3D Animator
Average salary$81,133$73,596
Salary rangeBetween $48,000 And $135,000Between $50,000 And $108,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-Nevada
Best paying company-NVIDIA
Best paying industry-Media

Differences between video game animator and 3d animator education

There are a few differences between a video game animator and a 3d animator in terms of educational background:

Video Game Animator3D Animator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 80%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common majorAnimationAnimation
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Video game animator vs 3d animator demographics

Here are the differences between video game animators' and 3d animators' demographics:

Video Game Animator3D Animator
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 81.4% Female, 18.6%Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 7.7% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 14.0% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between video game animator and 3d animator duties and responsibilities

Video game animator example responsibilities.

  • Lead a team of artists to create the art and animation for motion comics aspects of the show.
  • Provide technical support in Autodesk Maya.
  • Work with engineers to develop process, using Maya.
  • Lay out and optimize UV's for realtime rendering.
  • Direct, texture, animate, and provide VFX for a visually provocative commercial.
  • Create UV maps and unique and/or tiling textures in various styles for game assets.
  • Show more

3d animator example responsibilities.

  • Manage design collaboration and storyboard creations.
  • Attend pre-production meetings and film shootings to assist directors in vfx shoot execution.
  • Animate in-game characters and cinematic sequences for transmedia projects on iOS and PC.
  • Animate monster truck 3D characters in Maya for a children's programming Youtube channel.
  • Develop episodes from concept to completion (design, color, cleanup, FX, audio editing).
  • Create the game animations for the enemies in the game as well as all VFX that appear in game.
  • Show more

Video game animator vs 3d animator skills

Common video game animator skills
  • Animation, 36%
  • Motion Capture, 26%
  • Maya, 23%
  • Unity, 5%
  • Character Animation, 4%
  • Photoshop, 3%
Common 3d animator skills
  • Animation, 30%
  • Storyboards, 5%
  • Visualization, 5%
  • Motion Capture, 4%
  • Motion Graphics, 4%
  • Game Engine, 4%

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