Job Description

Ready to make millions smile? We need an Animator!

Love bringing characters, symbols, and worlds to life with fluid, bone-based 2D animation and excited by how Generative AI can supercharge that process? Then you'll feel right at home at t

ombola

.


We're the UK's biggest online bingo site, and we build all our games

in-house

. That gives us freedom to experiment, iterate, and evolve, including how we use

Generative AI

to create richer visuals, smarter pipelines, and more delightful player moments.


We're looking for an

Animator

to join our talented Media team in

Sunderland (hybrid)

. This role isn't just about animating assets, it's about

blending strong animation fundamentals with modern AI-assisted workflows

to help our games shine.

What you'll be doing

You'll be embedded in the full game development cycle, collaborating closely with R&D, Design, and Engineering to bring ideas to life efficiently and creatively.


Your day-to-day will include:

Creating visually rich

2D animations

for real-time, mobile-first games. Using

Generative AI tools

to support ideation, concept exploration, asset generation, and iteration. Exploring

automation opportunities

to streamline animation workflows (e.g. asset prep, variations, polish passes). Optimising animations and assets for performance, memory, and smooth playback in-game. Helping shape animation scope and feasibility during early project planning. Refining animations through feedback while maintaining our fun, friendly Tombola brand. Occasionally contributing motion graphics to internal videos and communications.

Your animation (and AI) superpowers

We're looking for someone who combines

strong animation fundamentals

with curiosity and confidence in emerging tools.

Core skills:

Solid understanding of

2D animation principles

and bone-based animation systems. Post production/compositing skills in software like

Adobe After

Effects. Experience with digital animation tools for 2D (or 3D where relevant). An iterative mindset with a strong eye for detail and polish. Ability to create

optimised animations

for real-time game engines and mobile platforms. Clear communicator who enjoys collaborating with developers and project managers.

Generative AI & automation mindset:

Hands-on experience using

Generative AI

in creative workflows (image generation, animation support, ideation, iteration, or tooling). Interest in

AI-assisted automation

-- reducing repetitive work to focus more on creative impact. Comfortable experimenting with new tools, workflows, and techniques, and sharing learnings with the team.

Bonus points if you have

Experience with

Spine 2D

, Toon Boom, or similar tools. Understanding of how animations are implemented technically in games. Exposure to

3D animation

or hybrid 2D/3D pipelines. Experience adapting AI-generated outputs for production-ready animation. A genuine enthusiasm for staying ahead of creative technology trends.

Why Tombola?

You'll help shape the visual experience enjoyed by

millions of players

, creating moments that feel playful, polished, and alive.


This role offers:

A chance to work with

modern animation and AI-driven workflows

in a real production environment. Long-term growth into roles such as

Senior Animator

,

Lead Animator

. A collaborative, supportive culture that values experimentation, learning, and work-life balance. The freedom to influence not just what we make -- but howwe make it.
If you're passionate about animation, excited by Generative AI, and ready to help define the future of game visuals, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now -- and let's get animated.