Lead Narrative Designer - Design - Hybrid/Remote (UK)

Firesprite; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known game development studio in Liverpool seeks a Lead Narrative Designer to shape narrative design across games. This role involves collaborating with teams, overseeing game narratives, and leading the Narrative Design team. Candidates should have strong skills in crafting interactive stories, especially horror, and experience with Unreal Engine. Competitive benefits include a discretionary bonus, hybrid working, and private medical insurance.

Benefits

Discretionary bonus opportunity

Hybrid Working (within Flexmodes)

Private Medical Insurance

Dental Scheme

25 days holiday per year

Access to cycle garage and showers

Qualifications

• Outstanding knowledge of branching narrative games.
• Strong understanding of crafting a horror experience.
• Ability to create effective relationships with team and partners.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Narrative Design Director on storytelling.
• Oversee implementation of narrative content to AAA quality.
• Lead the Narrative Design team and support their growth.

Skills

Knowledge of branching narrative games

Crafting interactive and non-linear stories

Strong screenwriting skills

Experience with Unreal Engine

Experience in mentoring team members

Tools

Final Draft

Narrative design tools and software

Job description

Firesprite is a visionary game development studio based in the heart of Liverpool.

Proud to be an integral part of the PlayStation Studios family, we create showcase games that take players on thrilling journeys, with memorable characters, captivating narratives, and shared moments of excitement. Our commitment to the core values of Inclusivity, Bravery, Responsiveness, and Entrepreneurialism is a key driving force behind our work culture.

Role Overview:

We are looking for a Lead Narrative Designer to join our team. You will collaborate with the Director team to help shape the narrative design for all our games, and empower the Narrative Design team to create best-in-class storytelling.

What you'll be doing:

• Working with the Narrative Design Director to understand and shape all aspects of narrative design and storytelling
• Attending regular meetings with our external writing partners, collaborating on the story creation and iteration of existing scripts
• Overseeing the implementation of all gameplay narrative content, ensuring AAA quality standards
• Collaborating with all disciplines to ensure gameplay storytelling beats are clear and consistent across the game
• Proactively seeking issues with any aspect of storytelling, and suggesting improvements and iterations to address them
• Iterating on scripts in Final Draft where necessary
• Attending User Testing to learn first‑hand how the narrative is being comprehended and enjoyed by players
• Supporting the script preparation for mocap shoots and VO sessions
• Leading the Narrative Design team day to day, including the line management of team members
• Play a vital role in all growth, training and strengthening of the Narrative Design team
• Overseeing all tools, systems, and pipelines that allow for rapid iteration and implementation
• Managing and coordinating written and VO localisation

What we're looking for:

• Outstanding knowledge of branching narrative games and a strong background in crafting interactive and non‑linear stories
• Strong understanding of how to craft a horror experience
• Ability to integrate storytelling seamlessly with gameplay, in creating emotional and memorable player experiences
• Strong screenwriting skills
• Experience of having shipped a branching narrative game
• Collaborative mindset to bring narrative visions to life with the team.
• Flexibility to adapt stories based on game development constraints and feedback.
• Ability to create effective working relationships within game teams and external partners
• Experience in mentoring and guiding team members
• Experience with Unreal Engine and with narrative tools and software commonly used in the industry

Benefits:

• Discretionary bonus opportunity
• Hybrid Working (within Flexmodes)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Dental Scheme
• 25 days holiday per year
• Access to cycle garage and showers

Firesprite is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, with a commitment to a culture of inclusion and mutual respect for all employees from every walk of life, reflecting the community we make games for. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable applicants regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.