Lead Game Narrative Designer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Medical and dental insurance

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking an experienced Lead Game Narrative Designer to spearhead storytelling for upcoming titles. You will shape the narrative vision, mentor a team of writers, and ensure the story is integrated into gameplay.

The role requires a masterful storyteller with strong knowledge of interactive narrative structures, character development, and world-building, plus experience with Unreal Engine or Unity.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in game narrative design, with 3+ years in lead role.
• Proven track record in published games.
• Exceptional writing with dialogue and world-building.
• Experience with Unreal or Unity and narrative tools.

Responsibilities

• Define core narrative vision and lore for projects.
• Lead and mentor narrative designers and writers.
• Design interactive dialogue trees and quest structures.
• Collaborate with designers and artists for narrative integration.
• Create narrative design docs and story bibles.
• Pitch concepts to stakeholders.
• Maintain narrative consistency across large projects.

Skills

Storytelling

Leadership

Communication

Narrative design

Education

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

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an acclaimed game development studio situated in the heart of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking an experienced and imaginative Lead Game Narrative Designer to spearhead the storytelling initiatives for their upcoming titles. This pivotal role requires a masterful storyteller with a deep understanding of interactive narrative structures, character development, and world-building within the gaming medium. You will be responsible for shaping the overarching narrative vision, guiding a team of writers and designers, and ensuring that the story is seamlessly integrated into the player experience. We are looking for a creative leader who can inspire, mentor, and deliver compelling narratives that resonate with players worldwide. This position is integral to crafting unforgettable gaming experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and own the core narrative vision, including plot, character arcs, world lore, and thematic elements for game projects.
• Lead and mentor a team of narrative designers and writers, providing creative direction and feedback.
• Design and implement interactive narrative systems, dialogue trees, quest structures, and in-game lore.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, level designers, and artists to ensure narrative integration throughout the gameplay experience.
• Write compelling dialogue, character backstories, item descriptions, and other narrative content.
• Create and maintain narrative design documentation, including story bibles, character profiles, and flowcharts.
• Pitch narrative concepts and story ideas to internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Ensure narrative consistency and quality across all aspects of the game.
• Stay informed about industry trends in game narrative and storytelling techniques.
• Champion player agency and impactful storytelling within the game's design.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing, English, Game Design, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in game narrative design, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior role.
• Proven track record of successfully designing and implementing compelling narratives in published games.
• Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to craft engaging dialogue, character arcs, and world-building elements.
• Strong understanding of interactive storytelling principles and various narrative structures.
• Experience with game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and associated scripting or narrative tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple narrative threads and maintain consistency across a large project.
• Passion for video games and storytelling within the entertainment industry.
• Experience with different game genres is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, generous performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental insurance. Employees enjoy opportunities for career advancement, professional development, and the chance to work on ambitious, cutting-edge game projects. The role is based in our modern Stellenbosch studio, offering a creative and collaborative work environment within the picturesque Western Cape. We foster a culture of innovation and teamwork, encouraging work-life balance and professional growth.