Lead Game Narrative Designer

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,523,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Generous paid time off

Work from home flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Lead Game Narrative Designer to spearhead storytelling across upcoming projects. The role is fully remote, with leadership responsibility over a team of narrative designers and writers to deliver cohesive lore and engaging player experiences.

You will craft core narrative elements, collaborate with designers, and establish narrative systems that blend story with gameplay.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in game narrative design, including leadership.
• Proven track record shipping multiple titles with strong writing samples.
• Strong storytelling, structure, and character development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the narrative design team and set storytelling direction.
• Develop core narrative elements: plot, characters, dialogue, lore.
• Collaborate with designers and artists to integrate story with gameplay.
• Design narrative systems: quests, branching dialogue, lore delivery.
• Create and maintain narrative documentation (bibles, outlines).
• Mentor writers and designers; foster growth and collaboration.
• Maintain narrative consistency and align with project vision.
• Stay informed on trends in game storytelling and interactive media.
• Contribute to creative vision and strategic direction.

Skills

Senior leadership

Excellent writing

Remote collaboration

Narrative development

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelors degree in relevant field

Tools

Wikis

Narrative tools

Documentation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an acclaimed independent game studio, is seeking a visionary Lead Game Narrative Designer to shape the storytelling experiences of their upcoming projects. This is a fully remote, Yes position. You will be instrumental in crafting compelling narratives, developing rich lore, and integrating story elements seamlessly into gameplay mechanics. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional writing skills, a deep understanding of interactive storytelling, and proven leadership experience in game development. You will guide a team of narrative designers and writers, ensuring a cohesive and engaging player experience across all titles. Join a passionate and creative team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment. This role offers the unique opportunity to define the narrative voice of innovative games from anywhere, contributing to a studio known for its player-centric approach and critically acclaimed titles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the narrative design team, setting the overall direction for storytelling in games.
• Develop and write core narrative elements, including plot, character backstories, dialogue, and world-building lore.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, level designers, and artists to ensure story integration with gameplay.
• Design and implement narrative systems, including quest structures, branching dialogues, and lore delivery mechanisms.
• Create and maintain narrative design documentation (e.g., bibles, outlines, dialogue scripts).
• Mentor and guide narrative designers and writers, fostering their professional growth.
• Champion player-focused storytelling and ensure narrative consistency across the project.
• Provide feedback on narrative elements and ensure they align with the game's overall vision.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in game narrative and interactive storytelling.
• Contribute to the overall creative vision and strategic direction of the studio's games.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in game narrative design, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior role.
• Demonstrated experience shipping multiple titles, with a portfolio showcasing strong narrative design and writing samples.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a deep understanding of narrative structure and character development.
• Proficiency in creating and managing narrative documentation and tools (e.g., wikis, specialized software).
• Experience designing for different game genres and platforms.
• Strong understanding of how narrative interacts with gameplay mechanics.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks effectively in a remote setting.
• Passion for video games and creating memorable player experiences.
• A Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing, Game Design, English, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote position offering a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and generous paid time off.
• You will have the opportunity to work on exciting, innovative game projects with a talented and passionate team, from the comfort of your home office.
• We provide excellent professional development opportunities and a culture that values creativity, collaboration, and work-life balance.
• Join us and help craft the next generation of unforgettable gaming narratives.