Game Narrative Designer

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health/wellness benefits

Professional development

Team events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Game Narrative Designer in Vereeniging, Gauteng to craft engaging lore and integrate storytelling across the game. You will collaborate with writers, level designers and artists to weave narrative depth into every facet of the project.

The role requires a strong portfolio, a passion for storytelling, and familiarity with interactive media storytelling. This on-site position offers a creative environment and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Strong portfolio demonstrating writing and narrative design for interactive media.
• Shipped title experience is preferred.
• Excellent storytelling principles and narrative structure.

Responsibilities

• Develop and write compelling storylines, backstories, dialogue and in-game text.
• Collaborate with writers and other departments for narrative consistency.
• Design narrative systems and mechanics to boost player engagement.
• Create narrative docs: plots, profiles, lore bibles.
• Work with level designers to align environments with narrative progression.
• Integrate narrative elements into the game engine with the tech team.
• Contribute to world-building: history, rules, atmosphere of the game.
• Participate in playtests to gather feedback on clarity and pacing.

Skills

Portfolio & writing

Narrative design

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in English, Creative Writing, Game Design

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Documentation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an acclaimed studio celebrated for its rich storytelling and compelling character development, is seeking a talented Game Narrative Designer to join their creative team in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This role is central to weaving intricate narratives and crafting engaging lore that captivates players and enriches their gaming experience. You will collaborate closely with writers, level designers, and artists to ensure the story is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of the game. We are looking for an individual with a passion for storytelling, a strong understanding of narrative structures in interactive media, and the ability to translate abstract concepts into compelling in-game content. If you are adept at crafting immersive worlds and memorable characters, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a studio that values creative expression and narrative depth. Help us build worlds that players won't want to leave, right here in Vereeniging .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and write compelling storylines, character backstories, dialogue, and in-game text.
• Collaborate with writers and other departments to ensure narrative consistency and quality across the project.
• Design narrative systems and mechanics that enhance player engagement with the story.
• Create detailed narrative documentation, including plot outlines, character profiles, and lore bibles.
• Work with level designers to ensure environments and level flow support the narrative progression.
• Integrate narrative elements into the game engine, working with technical teams to implement dialogue and storytelling features.
• Contribute to the world-building process, establishing the history, rules, and atmosphere of the game's universe.
• Participate in playtesting sessions to gather feedback on narrative clarity, pacing and impact.
• Adapt storytelling techniques for different game genres and target audiences.
• Champion the narrative vision throughout the development process, ensuring its effective communication to the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in English, Creative Writing, Game Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven experience as a Narrative Designer or Game Writer, with at least one shipped title.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional writing and narrative design skills for interactive media.
• Excellent understanding of storytelling principles, character development, and narrative structure.
• Proficiency in industry-standard writing and documentation tools.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-disciplinary teams.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for video games and a deep appreciation for narrative in games.
• Familiarity with game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity is a plus.
• Experience or interest in the local creative scene in Gauteng is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on narrative-rich, critically acclaimed game titles.
• A creative and collaborative work environment located in Vereeniging .
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Professional development and learning opportunities.
• Chance to contribute to meaningful storytelling in interactive media.
• Regular team social events.