Principal Narrative Designer

Epic Games; Blank (MD); On-site; USD 186,000 - 301,000; Full time

Job summary

Epic Games seeks a Principal Narrative Designer to execute narrative vision for Fortnite and other IPs. You will write, collaborate, and integrate immersive storytelling into gameplay, shaping the storytelling of our games and worlds.

This is a senior creative position that partners with the Head of Story and leads the writing team. You will craft dialogue, storylines, and in-game text while coordinating with design, art, and production to ensure cohesive storytelling across platforms and

Qualifications

• Extensive narrative design or writing experience in game production, with at least one AAA shipped project as a Story Producer, Narrative Lead, Lead Writer, or Narrative Director.
• Significant experience with fiction writing.
• A highly creative mind with a collaborative, empathetic, and innovative approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong organizational and deadline management.
• Knowledge of industry trends and successful intellectual properties.
• Proficiency in modern video game storytelling techniques and narrative systems.

Responsibilities

• Work with Head of Story and act as liaison between them and writing team to execute narrative vision for Fortnite and other IPs.
• Write scripts and story outlines in partnership with Head of Story's direction.
• Vet and review intake processes for the writing team across projects such as Fortnite Battle Royale.
• Collaborate with Senior Creative Leadership, Senior Art Leadership, Production, and other stakeholders to craft compelling game stories, characters, and worlds.
• Coordinate with game design to ensure narrative complements gameplay and align with Art on world-building.
• Aid in development and writing of engaging storylines, dialogue, and in-game text.
• Maintain effective communication with development team to ensure seamless narrative integration.
• Collaborate with Lead Writers to lead casting and voice recording sessions.

Skills

Narrative design

Storytelling

Communication skills

Collaboration

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?

At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.

Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.

DESIGN

What We Do

Put your design skills to work at a cutting-edge company that challenges the norm. From character and level design to competitive gameplay and system design, help shape the future of interactive entertainment at Epic.

What You'll Do

Epic Games is seeking a Principal Narrative Designer to aid in executing the narrative vision and strategy for our new and existing IP. You will work closely with the Senior Creative Leadership, Head of Story, and other stakeholders to write, collaborate, and integrate immersive and engaging storytelling into all aspects of gameplay to define the storytelling of Fortnite. This is a key creative role, responsible for crafting, structuring, writing, and enhancing our story.

In this role, you will

• Work with our Head of Story and act as a liaison between them and the writing team to execute the narrative vision and development for Fortnite and potential new and existing game IPs
• Write scripts and story outlines in close partnership and in support of the Head of Story's direction
• Vet and review the existing intake processes for the writing team across various projects, such as Fortnite Battle Royale, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the current systems in place
• Collaborate closely with Senior Creative Leadership, Senior Art Leadership, Production, and other key stakeholders to craft and articulate compelling game stories, characters, and worlds that resonate with a global audience
• Work closely with the game design team to ensure the narrative complements and enhances gameplay, coordinating with the Art team on narrative aspects of characters and world-building
• Aid in the development and writing of engaging storylines, dialogue, and in-game text
• Maintain effective communication with the development team and other project stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of narrative elements into the gameplay
• Collaborate with Lead Writers to lead casting and voice recording sessions, ensuring the overall coherence and quality of the narrative experience

What we're looking for

• Extensive narrative design or writing experience in game production, with at least one AAA shipped project as a Story Producer, Narrative Lead, Lead Writer, or Narrative Director
• Significant experience with fiction writing
• A highly creative mind with a collaborative, empathetic, and innovative approach
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work well under deadlines
• Knowledge of industry trends and successful intellectual properties
• Proficiency in modern video game storytelling techniques and narrative systems

This role is open to multiple locations in North America (including CA & WA)

Pay Transparency Information

The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position are detailed below. Each base pay range is relevant only for individuals who are residents of or will be expected to work within the specified locale. Compensation varies based on a variety of factors, which include (but aren’t limited to) things such as skills and competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. In addition to base pay, most employees are eligible to participate in Epic's generous benefit plans and discretionary incentive programs (subject to the terms of those plans or programs).

California Base Pay Range

$205,434 - $301,303 USD

Washington Base Pay Range

$186,758 - $273,912 USD

ABOUT US

Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.

Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!

Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.

Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.