Lead Game Writer - Narrative Design

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Generous vacation time

Professional development opportunities

Centurion, Gauteng office

Bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion, Gauteng, seeks an experienced Lead Game Writer to guide narrative development across our projects. You will lead a team of writers, shape lore, characters and dialogue, and ensure storytelling integrates seamlessly with gameplay.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of professional writing experience (3+ in lead roles) within Arts & Entertainment, a portfolio of game scripts or narrative design, and strong collaboration and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional writing experience with 3+ years in a lead/senior role in game writing or narrative design.
• Demonstrated ability to craft complex, engaging storylines for interactive media.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Portfolio of narrative design work, game scripts, or published fiction.

Responsibilities

• Lead the narrative design team and define the overall story vision for game projects.
• Write scripts, character backstories, lore documents, and in-game dialogue.

Skills

Storytelling

Leadership

Editing

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (English/Creative Writing/Game Design)

Tools

Narrative scripting 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.