Working in the Animation/Gaming Industry: 2D Game Cinematic Animator

Going back to the initial reason why I wanted to learn animation, it’s always been video games. While playing, I was fascinated by how easy it is to get attached to some characters. However, back then, I only had the opportunity to learn motion graphics. Moving forward, I am now learning how to create my own 2D animations.

I think I was dead set on the idea of learning animation in order to work in the gaming industry. But now, I realize the gaming industry is mostly 3D. However, I want to find a way to create 2D animations for games and have them as memorable as some AAA games. I want to be able to balance my desire to work on games and my 2D skills.

After reflection, I realized I was mostly attracted to the cinematic cut scenes that are apart of AAA games. It’d be interesting if I was able to work on that but for 2D Games.

This post is dedicated to researching the possibility of working as a Cinematic Animator for 2D games.

Firstly, a Cinematic Animator is responsible for creating engaging game cutscenes.

A popular 2D game is Cuphead. It’s known for its old 2D rubber hose style. It has many amazing cutscenes that help progress the story.

Tina Nawrocki, a 2D animator in Cuphead has 16 years of experience in the gaming industry. While researching her beginnings, she started as an Illustrator for children’s books and slowly made her way into the gaming industry by landing a role as an animator and 2D artist in a Canadian video game company. After a few years, she was able to work on a the 2D game Cuphead as an animator creating wonderful animations.