Remote Lead Game Writer & Narrative Designer

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,482,000 - 2,305,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Health insurance

Unlimited vacation

Bonus structure

Job summary

Placements24's client, a groundbreaking independent game studio, seeks a visionary Lead Game Writer & Narrative Designer to spearhead the storytelling for an ambitious open-world RPG. Define the overarching narrative, lore, characters, and dialogue that integrate with gameplay.

This fully remote role invites a collaborative leader to guide a narrative team, establish style guides, mentor writers, and shape a title from its foundation to release, ensuring a strong emotional core and memorable

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in narrative design and game writing, with a portfolio demonstrating success in AAA or critically acclaimed indie titles.
• Proven ability to lead a writing team and manage complex narrative projects.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a keen eye for detail and tone.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the game's overarching narrative, plot, and thematic elements.
• Create detailed character backstories, personalities, and dialogue trees.
• Write compelling scripts for cinematics, in-game events, and player quests.
• Collaborate with game designers, level designers, and artists to ensure narrative coherence and integration with gameplay.
• Establish and enforce the style guide for all in-game text and narrative content.
• Manage and mentor a team of freelance and staff writers, providing constructive feedback and direction.
• Oversee the implementation of narrative elements within the game engine.
• Conduct playtesting and analysis to refine narrative flow and player engagement.
• Champion the narrative vision across all development disciplines.
• Ensure the lore is consistent and deeply rooted in the established world.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a groundbreaking independent game studio seeking a visionary Lead Game Writer & Narrative Designer to spearhead the storytelling efforts for their upcoming ambitious open-world RPG. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute your narrative genius from anywhere in the world, while being an integral part of a collaborative team focused on crafting compelling and unforgettable player experiences. You will be responsible for defining the overarching narrative, developing rich lore, creating memorable characters, and writing engaging dialogue that immerses players in a unique and detailed universe. The goal is to create a narrative that is not only engaging but also deeply integrated with gameplay mechanics. This role is crucial for establishing the emotional core of the game and setting the standard for all written content. We are looking for someone passionate about interactive storytelling and capable of leading a narrative team to excellence. This is a unique opportunity to shape the story of a significant title from its foundational stages.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the game's overarching narrative, plot, and thematic elements.
• Create detailed character backstories, personalities, and dialogue trees.
• Write compelling scripts for cinematics, in-game events, and player quests.
• Collaborate with game designers, level designers, and artists to ensure narrative coherence and integration with gameplay.
• Establish and enforce the style guide for all in-game text and narrative content.
• Manage and mentor a team of freelance and staff writers, providing constructive feedback and direction.
• Oversee the implementation of narrative elements within the game engine.
• Conduct playtesting and analysis to refine narrative flow and player engagement.
• Champion the narrative vision across all development disciplines.
• Ensure the lore is consistent and deeply rooted in the established world.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in narrative design and game writing, with a portfolio demonstrating success in AAA or critically acclaimed indie titles.
• Proven ability to lead a writing team and manage complex narrative projects.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a keen eye for detail and tone.
• Deep understanding of storytelling principles and narrative structures in interactive media.
• Familiarity with game development pipelines and common game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Experience with scripting languages or narrative design tools is a significant plus.
• Ability to craft engaging dialogue that reflects distinct character voices.
• Strong collaborative and communication skills, essential for remote work.
• Passion for video games and a strong understanding of player psychology.
• Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing, English, Game Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• As a fully remote position, this role offers unparalleled flexibility. Our client provides a competitive salary, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous bonus structure tied to project milestones, and an unlimited vacation policy.
• You’ll have the opportunity to work with a talented, diverse, and passionate team from around the globe, utilizing cutting-edge tools and technologies to create something truly special.
• Professional development and continuous learning are strongly encouraged.
• The remote nature allows for a better work-life balance, empowering you to manage your time effectively while delivering exceptional narrative content.