Lead Game Narrative Designer for Open-World RPGs

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and retirement plans

Generous paid time off

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Game Narrative Designer for a top-tier open-world RPG. Based in Tembisa, Gauteng, you will lead a team of narrative designers and writers, shaping lore, plot lines, and character backstories, while ensuring narrative integrates with gameplay.

This hybrid role requires strong collaboration in-studio with occasional remote work on writing and documentation. A passion for storytelling and a proven track record in narrative design for released titles is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field.
• 7+ years in game narrative design with a portfolio of released titles.
• Experience leading creative teams and managing narrative pipelines.
• Excellent writing, storytelling, and world-building abilities.
• Strong understanding of how narrative interacts with gameplay.
• Office in Tembisa, Gauteng, with hybrid/remote work options.

Responsibilities

• Lead the game's overarching narrative, plot, characters, lore and world-building.
• Mentor a team of narrative designers and writers, providing direction.
• Collaborate with designers to integrate narrative with gameplay mechanics.
• Write key narrative content: quests, backstories, item text, dialogue.
• Develop and maintain narrative documentation (bibles, profiles, outlines).
• Oversee implementation of narrative elements with scripters and designers.
• Ensure consistent tone and themes across the game.
• Champion innovative narrative techniques and player-driven storytelling.
• Conduct narrative reviews and keep up with industry trends.

Skills

Storytelling

Leadership

Narrative design

World-building

Writing

Education

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

Tools

Game engines

Scripting languages

Job description

About the Role

Our client is an award-winning game studio celebrated for its immersive open-world role-playing games (RPGs). They are seeking an exceptional Lead Game Narrative Designer to craft compelling stories and worlds for their next ambitious title in Tembisa, Gauteng . This role is pivotal in shaping the player's journey, developing rich lore, intricate characters, and engaging plotlines that define the player experience. You will lead a team of narrative designers, writers, and scripters, ensuring a cohesive and impactful storytelling experience throughout the game. This hybrid position requires a strong presence in the studio for creative collaboration and team leadership, with flexibility for remote work on writing and documentation. If you have a passion for storytelling, a deep understanding of game design, and a proven ability to build expansive narrative universes, this is your opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the game's overarching narrative, including plot, characters, world-building, and lore.
• Manage and mentor a team of narrative designers and writers, providing creative direction and feedback.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, level designers, and systems designers to integrate narrative seamlessly with gameplay mechanics.
• Write key narrative content, including quest dialogues, character backstories, item descriptions, and in-game texts.
• Develop and maintain narrative documentation, including bibles, character profiles, and plot outlines.
• Oversee the implementation of narrative elements within the game engine, working with scripters and level designers.
• Ensure consistency in tone, voice, and thematic elements across the entire game.
• Champion innovative narrative techniques and player-driven storytelling approaches.
• Conduct narrative reviews and provide constructive feedback to the team.
• Stay current with trends in game narrative and interactive storytelling.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing, English, Game Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in game narrative design and writing, with a significant portfolio of released titles, preferably open-world RPGs.
• Demonstrated experience leading creative teams and managing narrative development pipelines.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and world-building skills.
• Strong understanding of game design principles and how narrative interacts with gameplay.
• Proficiency in game development tools and scripting languages is a plus.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively under deadlines.
• A deep passion for video games and interactive storytelling.
• Ability to work effectively in both an office environment in Tembisa, Gauteng , and remotely.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including health and retirement plans, and generous paid time off. You will have the opportunity to work on a high-profile AAA title with a talented and passionate team. The hybrid work model provides flexibility and work-life balance. Join us in crafting unforgettable interactive stories in the dynamic game development scene of Tembisa, Gauteng .