Lead Game Writer - Narrative Design

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous vacation time

Professional development

Centurion location

Access to latest gaming tech

Performance bonuses

Team-building events

Job summary

Our client, a critically acclaimed game studio known for storytelling, seeks a Lead Game Writer to spearhead narrative development in Centurion, Gauteng. You will lead a writers team and shape lore, characters, and dialogue that define our projects, collaborating with designers and artists to weave story into gameplay.

Candidates should have 7+ years of professional writing, including 3+ in lead roles in games, a strong portfolio, and a passion for interactive storytelling.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of professional writing experience, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior role within game writing or narrative design.
• Demonstrated ability to craft complex and engaging storylines for interactive media.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Portfolio showcasing narrative design work and game scripts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the narrative design team, defining and driving the overall story vision for game projects.
• Write compelling scripts, character backstories, lore documents, and in-game text.
• Collaborate with designers to integrate narrative elements into gameplay mechanics and world-building.
• Develop and mentor junior writers, providing constructive feedback and ensuring narrative consistency.
• Oversee dialogue writing to ensure believable and engaging characters.
• Work with voice actors and directors to ensure performance and delivery of dialogue.
• Maintain narrative documentation and style guides for consistency.
• Contribute to world-building and ensure coherence of the game's universe.
• Present narrative concepts and progress to stakeholders and development teams.

Skills

Narrative design

Team leadership

Storytelling

Editing

Education

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

Tools

Narrative tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a critically acclaimed game development studio celebrated for its rich storytelling and immersive worlds, is seeking an experienced Lead Game Writer to spearhead narrative development in **Centurion, Gauteng**. This is a unique opportunity to guide the creative vision for compelling game narratives, shaping the lore, characters, and dialogue that define our projects. You will lead a talented team of writers, collaborate closely with designers and artists, and ensure the story is seamlessly integrated into the gameplay experience. The ideal candidate possesses a masterful command of the written word, a deep understanding of interactive storytelling, and a passion for creating emotionally resonant experiences. Join us in **Centurion** to craft unforgettable tales that engage players on a profound level, within a studio that values creativity, collaboration, and narrative excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the narrative design team, defining and driving the overall story vision for game projects.
• Write compelling scripts, character backstories, lore documents, and in-game text.
• Collaborate with game designers and level designers to integrate narrative elements seamlessly into gameplay mechanics and world-building.
• Develop and mentor junior writers, providing constructive feedback and ensuring narrative consistency.
• Oversee dialogue writing, ensuring characters are believable and engaging.
• Work with voice actors and directors to ensure optimal performance and delivery of dialogue.
• Maintain narrative documentation and style guides for consistency across the team.
• Contribute to world-building and ensure the coherence of the game's universe.
• Present narrative concepts and progress to stakeholders and development teams.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of professional writing experience, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior role within the **Arts & Entertainment** industry, specifically in game writing or narrative design.
• Demonstrated ability to craft complex and engaging storylines for interactive media.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Experience with scripting languages or narrative tools used in game development is a plus.
• Strong understanding of narrative structure, character development, and world-building principles.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (art, design, audio, engineering).
• A portfolio showcasing narrative design work, game scripts, or published fiction.
• Bachelor's degree in English, Creative Writing, Game Design, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating creative vision.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary, commensurate with your experience and leadership capabilities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous vacation time and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences and training.
• A creative and supportive work environment in **Centurion, Gauteng**.
• Access to the latest gaming technology and resources.
• Potential for performance bonuses and project-based incentives.
• Regular social events and team-building activities.