Lead Game Narrative Designer (Remote)

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Access to industry tools

Creative collaboration culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Game Narrative Designer to shape the overarching narrative strategy for upcoming titles. You will guide a team of writers and narrative designers, ensuring cohesive storytelling across dialogue, lore, and quests.

You will collaborate with designers, artists, and engineers to weave narrative into gameplay, while maintaining style guides and high-quality content for immersive worlds. This remote role emphasizes leadership and creative excellence.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in game narrative design/writing, 2+ in leadership.
• Portfolio demonstrating narrative work in video games.
• Proven ability to craft engaging stories, characters and worlds.
• Strong grasp of narrative structures, pacing and player engagement.
• Excellent writing and editing, plus clear communication.
• Experience leading and mentoring creative teams.
• Familiarity with Unity/Unreal and narrative tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own the narrative vision and strategy for game projects.
• Create compelling storylines, character arcs, dialogue, and lore.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of narrative designers and writers.
• Collaborate with designers, artists, and programmers to integrate narrative into gameplay.
• Write scripts, quest text, item descriptions, and environmental storytelling.
• Oversee narrative implementation in the game engine for consistency.
• Establish narrative style guides and team documentation.
• Provide feedback and stay updated on trends in game narrative design.

Skills

Leadership

Narrative design

Storytelling

Writing

Editing

Communication

Team mentorship

Remote collaboration

Game narrative theory

Education

Creative writing degree

English degree

Game design degree

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

Job description

About the Role Our client, an award-winning independent game development studio, is seeking a talented Lead Game Narrative Designer to join their passionate team. This role is fully remote, allowing you to contribute your storytelling expertise from anywhere. You will be responsible for shaping the overarching narrative strategy for our upcoming titles, crafting compelling characters, intricate plots, and immersive worlds that resonate with players. As a Lead, you will guide a team of writers and narrative designers, ensuring a cohesive and engaging player experience from beginning to end. This is an exceptional opportunity to leave your mark on the gaming industry, working on ambitious projects with a studio connected to the vibrant cultural heritage of Bloemfontein .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and own the narrative vision and strategy for game projects, ensuring it aligns with gameplay and art direction.
• Create compelling storylines, character arcs, dialogue, and lore that engage players.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of narrative designers and writers, fostering a collaborative and creative environment.
• Work closely with game designers, level designers, artists, and programmers to integrate narrative seamlessly into gameplay mechanics and world-building.
• Write high-quality narrative content, including scripts, quest text, item descriptions, and environmental storytelling elements.
• Oversee the implementation of narrative elements within the game engine, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Establish and maintain narrative style guides and documentation for the team.
• Conduct narrative reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Stay updated on trends in game narrative design and interactive storytelling.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in game narrative design or writing, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrable portfolio showcasing exceptional narrative design work for video games.
• Proven ability to craft engaging stories, memorable characters, and immersive worlds.
• Strong understanding of narrative structures, pacing, and player engagement in interactive media.
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Experience leading and mentoring creative teams.
• Familiarity with game development engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) and narrative tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• A degree in Creative Writing, English, Game Design, or a related field is preferred.

Benefits

• Fully remote position offering significant work-life balance.
• Highly competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to work on innovative and critically acclaimed game titles.
• Collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Access to industry-leading development tools and resources.
• Contribute to the global gaming community with roots in the unique spirit of Bloemfontein .