Narrative Designer (Senior+)

Velan Studios; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Velan Studios in Toronto, ON (hybrid/onsite) is seeking a Senior Narrative Designer to own and shape the game's story within a premier fantasy IP. You will collaborate with the Game Director, Systems Designers, and artists to expand the narrative systems and voice across a co-op ARPG.

The role requires deep RPG storytelling experience, shipped title credits, and strong written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in narrative design and writing.
• At least one shipped title as a narrative designer.
• Strong script-writing skills.
• Ability to communicate design concepts across disciplines.
• Passion for storytelling in gameplay-first environments.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the overall story for the game in collaboration with creatives.
• Craft and present story proposals and integrate feedback from IP-holder.
• Prepare narrative briefs for characters and locations to guide artists.
• Prepare scripts and dialogue and direct voice recording sessions.
• Collaborate with Marketing to align narrative in consumer-facing promotions.

Skills

Narrative design

Story scripting

Worldbuilding

Communication skills

Leadership/mentoring

Job description

Senior Narrative Designer

From dodgeball in the streets to racetracks in your living room, we've always been more interested in asking "what if?" than following a roadmap. Whether we're dreaming up a chaotic game of hide & seek in the dark or putting a legendary space fox back in the pilot's seat, that inventor's mindset runs through everything we do. We make games for people who appreciate craft and a little bit of magic. If you're curious, you'll be in good company.

Are you a Senior Narrative Designer with a passion for RPGs and classic fantasy worlds? We are looking for a candidate with a depth of skill and experience in narrative world-building, story creation, and script writing. The Narrative Designer will collaborate closely with the Game Director, Systems Designers and other team members to drive, define and expand the story as well as the narrative systems of our co-op ARPG based on a premier fantasy IP. The ideal candidate will be able to work within a well-established IP while helping define our game’s own voice and tone.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the overall story for the game in collaboration with other creatives
• Craft and present story proposals and integrate feedback from IP-holder
• Prepare narrative briefs for characters and locations to help guide artists and content creators
• Prepare scripts and dialogue, as well as help direct regular voice recording sessions
• Collaborate with Marketing Team to ensure that game narrative is properly represented in consumer-facing promotional materials

• 5+ years of experience in narrative design and writing, preferably in RPGs or adjacent genres
• At least one shipped title as a narrative designer
• Strong script-writing skills
• Exceptional ability to communicate design concepts, verbally and in written or visual forms, to other disciplines
• A passion for storytelling and worldbuilding in gameplay-first environments

Big plusses

• Professional experience in other areas of game design (e.g. quest design, level design)
• Narrative experience in multiplayer games
• Leadership and mentoring experience

This is ahybridoronsiteposition. Hybrid is 3 days a week instudio.Our studiosarelocated inTroy,NY & Toronto, ON.

The salary for this position is typically within the range specified below per year. Please note that the actual base pay may vary based on factors such as your qualifications, skills, experience, and other relevant considerations.
Canada Salary Range:
Senior $80,000. - $110,000. CAD

Velan Studios is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about arole,but your experiencedoesn’talign perfectly, we encourage you tosubmita General Application. Velan Studios is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion, diversity, and providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Weseekto create a work culture that matches the diversity of our players.