UX Motion Designer (Unity / Mobile Games)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Motion Designer (Unity / Mobile Games)

Company: IGG Canada

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time, Contract

Category: Game Design & Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-02

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and implement engaging UI/UX motion effects and animations within Unity for mobile game interfaces.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including UI/UX designers and game developers, to translate interactive concepts into polished visual experiences.

• Optimize animations and visual effects for performance across diverse mobile platforms, ensuring a smooth player experience.

• Develop and maintain reusable motion systems and efficient workflows within the Unity engine to streamline production.

• Contribute to maintaining visual consistency across all game features, in-game events, and live operations content.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the "3D SLG Game Team" and reports to the Lead UX Motion Designer, indicating a focus on strategy simulation games and a structured hierarchical environment for operations and creative development. The emphasis on "hybrid role combining UI motion design and Unity implementation for mobile game UX systems" suggests a need for both creative flair and technical execution within the Unity framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and implement high-quality UI/UX motion effects and animations for mobile game interfaces using Unity.

• Create smooth, responsive, and visually appealing animations that significantly improve game usability and player engagement.

• Collaborate closely with UI/UX designers, game designers, and developers to bring interactive concepts to life, ensuring seamless integration.

• Optimize animations and effects for performance across various mobile platforms, maintaining high frame rates and responsiveness.

• Develop and maintain reusable motion systems and efficient workflows within Unity to enhance team productivity and consistency.

• Support visual consistency across all game features, in-game events, and live operations content, reinforcing brand identity.

• Contribute creative ideas for enhancing user interaction and emotional impact through thoughtful motion design.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the team, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design, technical implementation within Unity, and cross-functional collaboration, typical for operational roles in game development that bridge design vision with production reality. The focus on "live operations content" suggests a need for designers who can adapt to ongoing game updates and player feedback loops.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong portfolio demonstrating proficiency in motion design and Unity implementation is paramount. A background in Game Design, Digital Art, Computer Graphics, or a related field is beneficial.

Experience: 2+ years of professional experience in motion design, UX animation, or related roles, with a focus on mobile games. Contract duration varies based on experience: less than 1 year (3-month contract), 1-3 years (6-month to 1-year contract), 3+ years (permanent position).

Required Skills:

• Strong proficiency in Unity Animator and its animation systems.

• Solid understanding of Unity UX motion workflows, including:

  • Particle System
  • Sprite Sheet Animation
  • Sequence-based animations
  • Timeline / transition logic
  • Interactive UI states and feedback systems

• Experience creating polished motion graphics in Adobe After Effects.

• Strong sense of motion design principles, timing, pacing, and visual storytelling.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-powered creative tools (e.g., Seedance 2.0, Kling, NanoBanana).

• Video editing skills.

• Passion for mobile gaming, especially SLG (Strategy / Simulation / Live Ops-driven games).

• Familiarity with game UX best practices and player behavior patterns.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Requirements" section clearly delineates core skills essential for the role, with a strong emphasis on Unity's animation and UX capabilities. Preferred qualifications highlight a forward-thinking approach, valuing AI tool integration and specialized game genre knowledge (SLG), which are key for optimizing player engagement in live service games.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive showreel or portfolio is mandatory for initial review, showcasing high-quality UI/UX motion effects and animations created for mobile games.

• Demonstrate practical application of Unity's animation systems (Animator, Timeline) and related tools (Particle System, Sprite Sheet Animation).

• Include examples of interactive UI states and feedback systems implemented within a Unity environment.

• Showcase proficiency in using Adobe After Effects for motion graphics creation and Adobe Photoshop for asset preparation.

Process Documentation:

• Provide case studies or project examples that detail the process of designing and implementing motion elements from concept to final execution within Unity.

• Illustrate how animations were optimized for performance on mobile platforms, including any technical challenges overcome.

• Demonstrate experience in developing reusable motion systems or contributing to established workflows within a team environment.

• Show evidence of collaboration with UI/UX designers and developers, detailing the workflow and communication strategies used.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a showreel/portfolio review and an "Art Test" indicates a strong emphasis on practical, demonstrable skills. The portfolio should not only display aesthetic quality but also the technical implementation within Unity and understanding of the UX motion design process specific to mobile games.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $75,000 annually, depending on experience and leveling within the UX Motion framework.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits after 3 months: health, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.

• 18 days of accrued paid vacation + sick days.

• Reimbursement for Active Living Benefits and Training/Development fees after 3 months.

• Dependent/Child Benefits.

• Paid Holiday Closure between Christmas & New Year's week.

• Paid Statutory holidays.

• RRSP matching after 1 year.

• Monthly Commuter Allowance after 3 months.

• Monthly team lunches.

Working Hours: 10 am to 6 pm with paid lunch time (8-hour workday).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to Vancouver, Canada, and reflects industry standards for a UX Motion Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the gaming sector. The phased benefits eligibility (after 3 months, 1 year) is typical for contract-to-permanent roles, aligning with the tiered employment terms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Digital Entertainment / Mobile Game Development. IGG Canada is a division of IGG, a global company specializing in developing and operating mobile games.

Company Size: The provided description indicates IGG operates studios globally, with IGG Canada being a significant part of this network. The Vancouver studio is described as "spacious, high-tech, and inspiring."

Founded: IGG was established in 2006, with the Canadian division opening in 2013.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Lead UX Motion Designer within the 3D SLG Game Team.

• This suggests a hierarchical structure common in game development, with specialized teams focusing on specific game genres or development areas.

Methodology:

• Focus on creating engaging, polished, and intuitive user experiences for mobile games.

• Emphasis on Unity-based motion design workflows and implementing high-quality UI/UX motion effects.

• Optimization for mobile performance is a key operational consideration.

• Development of reusable motion systems and workflows points to a process-oriented approach to efficiency.

Company Website: https://igg.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of a global, established gaming entity (IGG) with a focused, creative atmosphere within the Vancouver studio, designed to be "inspiring." The emphasis on SLG games and live operations suggests a data-informed, player-centric approach to development and ongoing content delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as "Experienced" with potential for permanent employment after a contract period. It sits within the "3D SLG Game Team" and reports to a Lead, indicating a mid-level individual contributor role with potential for future specialization or team leadership.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Lead UX Motion Designer. Collaboration is expected with UI/UX designers, game designers, and developers.

Operations Impact: The work directly impacts player engagement and retention across millions of SLG players globally. High-quality motion design enhances the perceived polish and intuitiveness of the game, which is critical for player satisfaction and monetization in the competitive mobile gaming market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in Unity's animation systems, advanced motion design techniques, and potentially AI-powered creative tools.

• Specialization: Potential to become a subject matter expert in UX motion for SLG genres, a highly valuable niche in mobile gaming.

• Career Progression: Successful contractors may transition to permanent roles, opening pathways to senior designer positions, lead roles, or specialized design areas within the company.

• Cross-functional Learning: Exposure to game design, UI/UX design, and development processes provides a holistic understanding of game production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tiered contract structure serves as a performance-based growth path, allowing the company to assess candidates and offer permanent roles to those who demonstrate strong technical skills, cultural fit, and impact. This offers a clear growth trajectory from contract to permanent employment with increasing responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, high-tech, and inspiring studio with spectacular views of downtown Vancouver, coastal mountains, and English Bay. The office is located at 988 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC.

Office Location(s): Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (V5Z 1K7).

Workspace Context:

• Casual dress code, on-site table tennis, on-site gym, snacks, and drinks provided, fostering a relaxed yet productive atmosphere.

• Collaborative environment is implied through cross-functional team interactions and monthly team lunches.

• Access to modern tools and technology within the Unity development ecosystem.

Work Schedule: 10 am to 6 pm with a paid lunch break, totaling an 8-hour workday. This schedule offers a consistent rhythm for daily operations and team synchronization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the office and amenities suggests a company culture that values employee well-being and provides a comfortable, stimulating environment conducive to creative and technical work, which is crucial for retaining talent in the competitive game development industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Resume & Showreel/Portfolio Review: Initial screening to assess technical skills, experience, and creative output. Showcase practical Unity implementation and motion design principles.

2. Art Test: A practical assessment designed to evaluate the candidate's ability to apply their skills to a specific game design challenge, likely involving Unity and motion graphics.

3. Interview(s): Discussions to assess cultural fit, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and deeper understanding of game UX and motion design principles. Expect questions about collaboration and previous project experiences.

4. Offer: Formal offer extended to successful candidates.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Unity Implementation: Prioritize examples demonstrating direct implementation within Unity, highlighting your ability to work with its native animation systems.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, describe the intended player experience or the problem your motion design solved (e.g., improved clarity, increased engagement).

• Detail Your Process: Briefly explain your workflow, from concept to asset creation and Unity implementation, especially if you used AI tools.

• Highlight SLG Relevance: If you have experience with SLG games or similar live-ops titles, make this prominent.

• Technical Proficiency: Clearly indicate the tools used for each piece of work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Unity Animation: Be prepared for practical exercises involving Unity's Animator, Timeline, and potentially Particle Systems.

• Motion Principles: Understand how to apply timing, easing, and visual storytelling to create intuitive and engaging UI animations.

• Performance Optimization: Be ready to discuss strategies for optimizing animations on mobile devices.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Think about how you would work with game designers and developers to integrate your motion elements effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The multi-stage hiring process, including an art test and portfolio review, is standard for creative roles in game development. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just artistic talent but also technical proficiency within the Unity engine and an understanding of mobile game UX.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Unity: Core development engine. Proficiency in Unity Animator, Timeline, and animation systems is critical.

• Adobe After Effects: Essential for creating polished motion graphics and animations.

• Adobe Photoshop: Required for image editing and preparing game assets.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly listed, understanding how motion design impacts player behavior analytics (e.g., engagement, completion rates) is beneficial. The company likely uses internal analytics tools to track game performance.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding the flow of assets and feedback within project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) is important for collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on industry-standard tools for game art and development, with a strong emphasis on Unity's integrated animation capabilities. Familiarity with AI creative tools is a noted advantage, suggesting the company is exploring innovative workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Polish: A commitment to creating high-quality, polished, and engaging user experiences.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within cross-functional teams (UI/UX, game design, development).

• Efficiency: Developing reusable systems and optimizing workflows for productivity.

• Innovation: Staying updated on new tools, workflows, and trends in digital motion design, including AI-powered solutions.

• Player Focus: Designing with the player experience and engagement in mind, particularly for SLG titles.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional integration is key, requiring clear communication and a willingness to adapt designs based on technical constraints and game design goals.

• A culture of feedback exchange is implied through the collaborative design process and the need for visual consistency across diverse game content.

• Knowledge sharing is encouraged, especially regarding new tools and trends in motion design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values suggest a team that balances creative excellence with practical, efficient execution, driven by a passion for mobile gaming and a commitment to player satisfaction. The emphasis on "player engagement and retention" highlights the strategic importance of this role within the company's GTM operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Performance Optimization: Ensuring complex animations and effects run smoothly on a wide range of mobile devices requires careful technical execution and optimization.

• Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: Creating visually appealing motion that also enhances usability and doesn't distract from gameplay.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Rapid advancements in game engines and AI tools require continuous learning and adaptation.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Effectively communicating design intent and integrating motion elements seamlessly within the broader game development pipeline.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Unity Skills: Deepen expertise in Unity's animation and VFX systems.

• AI Tool Integration: Learn to leverage AI tools for accelerated asset creation and motion generation.

• Game UX Specialization: Develop a strong understanding of player psychology and UX best practices specific to SLG mobile games.

• Performance Analysis: Gain insights into how motion design impacts key performance indicators (KPIs) like retention and monetization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for motion designers in the fast-paced mobile gaming industry, emphasizing the need for both creative problem-solving and technical adaptability. The growth opportunities are directly tied to addressing these challenges and advancing within specialized areas of game development operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing and implementing a complex UI animation sequence in Unity. What steps do you take to ensure performance?"

• "How would you collaborate with a game designer to create a motion effect that conveys urgency for an in-game event?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working on SLG mobile games specifically?"

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in motion design and game development?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Showcase Unity First: Begin with examples that clearly demonstrate your Unity implementation skills, highlighting Animator, Timeline, and Particle Systems.

• Tell a Story: For each key piece, briefly explain the problem, your solution, the tools used, and the intended impact on the player experience.

• Highlight Technical Details: Mention specific techniques used for optimization and how you ensured smooth performance on mobile.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your workflow, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them within the Unity environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of Unity's technical capabilities for motion design, a clear process for creating and implementing animations, and an ability to collaborate effectively within a game development team. Practical examples from the portfolio are crucial for substantiating claims.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Motion Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on IGG Canada's careers page.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Unity, motion design, UX animation, and mobile game development. Emphasize achievements related to player engagement and performance optimization.

• Prepare Your Portfolio/Showreel: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best Unity-based motion design work, and is easily accessible. Be ready to present specific projects that align with the job description's requirements, especially those involving UI/UX motion within Unity.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse how you will present your portfolio pieces, focusing on your process, technical implementation in Unity, and the impact of your work.

• Research IGG Canada and SLG Games: Familiarize yourself with IGG's game portfolio and the nuances of Strategy/Simulation/Live Ops games to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of the genre.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.