Spine Animator - Fruit Ninja

UserWise is developing a new mobile game based on a globally recognized entertainment IP, combining proven F2P systems with a fresh hybrid-casual approach.

We are looking for a Spine Animator who can breathe life into our world. As a core member of our art team, you will have a direct hand in defining our character animations and how our interface responds to the player. You will work alongside a team that values high-quality execution and iterative design, moving from early prototypes to a polished, global launch.

If you are a specialist in 2D skeletal animation who loves the challenge of making a UI feel "juicy" while giving characters a cinematic feel, this role offers the autonomy and creative runway to make a massive impact.

Type

Full time

What You’ll Do

• Character Animation: Create high-quality 2D animations for a diverse cast of characters using Esoteric Spine, focusing on weight, personality, and fluid movement.
• UI & Motion Graphics: Design and implement dynamic UI animations and transitions that enhance the user experience, providing clear feedback and satisfying "game feel."
• Rigging & Skinning: Build efficient, flexible rigs and meshes that allow for expressive movement while remaining optimized for mobile performance.
• Technical Integration: Work closely with engineers to integrate animations into Unity, ensuring technical constraints are met without sacrificing visual quality.
• Optimization: Manage draw calls, texture atlases, and bone counts to ensure the game runs smoothly across a wide range of mobile devices.
• Pipeline Collaboration: Partner with the Art Director and 2D Artists to ensure animations align with the established art style and IP guidelines.

Iterative Design: Rapidly prototype animation concepts to test gameplay feel, refining them based on feedback from the design team and player data.

Requirements:
What We’re Looking For

• 3+ years of experience in 2D animation for games, with at least one shipped mobile title.
• Mastery of Esoteric’s Spine: You are an expert in rigging, weighted meshes, and the dopesheet.
• Character Specialist: A deep understanding of traditional animation principles (squash and stretch, anticipation, staging) applied to 2D skeletal rigs.
• UI Animation Expertise: Experience animating buttons, menus, and HUD elements to create a premium, responsive interface.
• Unity Pipeline Proficiency: Experience working within Unity (Spine-Unity runtime), including an understanding of Animators, Controllers, and basic prefab management.
• Problem Solver: Ability to look at a static UI mock-up or character concept and determine the best way to bring it to life technically and artistically.
• Strong English communication skills and the ability to stay organized and self-motivated in a fully remote environment.

Bonus Points

• VFX Skills: Experience creating 2D particles or hand-drawn FX to complement animations.
• IP Experience: Previous work with licensed entertainment IPs and the ability to maintain strict brand consistency.
• Motion Graphics: Proficiency in After Effects for pre-visualizing UI flows or marketing assets.

Technical Art: Knowledge of C# or Unity shaders to further enhance visual effects and UI interactions.

Benefits:
• Help build a new mobile game from concept to launch, not just maintain one.
• Work on a globally recognized IP with real brand reach and growth potential.
• Collaborate with a veteran-led studio that prizes creativity, experimentation, and player-first thinking.
• High ownership, high visibility, and direct influence on how players engage with our product.
• 100% remote, flexible work with a small, passionate, execution-focused team.
• As we scale post-MVP, you’ll play a key role in shaping our design culture and mentoring future designers.