Remote Senior Game Writer & Narrative Designer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Health insurance

Professional development

Flexible hours

Paid time off

Equipment provided

Job summary

Placements24 invites a remote Senior Game Writer & Narrative Designer to craft stories, lore, and dialogue across immersive worlds. You will shape narrative frameworks, branching storylines, and character backstories while collaborating with designers, artists, and writers to blend narrative with gameplay.

This fully remote position requires a strong portfolio, at least five years in game writing, and a passion for interactive storytelling.

Qualifications

• Portfolio with published titles or major narrative contributions.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in game writing and narrative design.
• Ability to craft engaging plots, characters, and dialogue.
• Strong understanding of interactive narrative structures and storytelling techniques.
• Familiarity with Jira/Confluence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and write core narrative arcs, plot points, and character backstories.
• Create engaging dialogue, in-game text, and environmental storytelling elements.
• Design and document narrative systems, including branching storylines and player choice mechanics.
• Collaborate with game design and level design teams to integrate narrative into gameplay.
• Write compelling marketing and promotional copy to support game launches.
• Maintain narrative consistency and quality across the entire game project.
• Develop and manage a style guide for in-game text and narrative tone.
• Research historical, cultural, and scientific topics to enrich world-building.
• Present narrative concepts and designs to internal teams and stakeholders.
• Provide feedback and direction to other writers and narrative contributors.

Skills

Game writing

Narrative design

Storytelling

Remote work

Collaboration

Jira/Confluence

Education

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

Equivalent professional experience

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Twine

Ink

Job description

About the Role Our client, a pioneering force in the Arts & Entertainment sector, is seeking an exceptional Remote Senior Game Writer & Narrative Designer to craft compelling stories and immersive worlds. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere. You will be at the forefront of developing narrative frameworks, engaging dialogue, and rich lore that define our gaming experiences. We are looking for a visionary storyteller with a deep understanding of game mechanics and player engagement, capable of weaving intricate plots and memorable characters. Your role will involve collaborating with game designers, artists, and other writers to ensure a cohesive and impactful narrative across all aspects of the game. This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the next generation of interactive storytelling from the comfort of your own home. Join a passionate and innovative team dedicated to creating unforgettable gaming adventures, contributing your expertise from wherever you are.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and write core narrative arcs, plot points, and character backstories.
• Create engaging dialogue, in-game text, and environmental storytelling elements.
• Design and document narrative systems, including branching storylines and player choice mechanics.
• Collaborate with game design and level design teams to integrate narrative seamlessly into gameplay.
• Write compelling marketing and promotional copy to support game launches.
• Maintain narrative consistency and quality across the entire game project.
• Develop and manage a style guide for in-game text and narrative tone.
• Research historical, cultural, and scientific topics to enrich world-building.
• Present narrative concepts and designs to internal teams and stakeholders.
• Provide feedback and direction to other writers and narrative contributors.

Requirements

• A robust portfolio showcasing professional game writing and narrative design experience, with published titles or significant contributions.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in game writing and narrative design.
• Proven ability to craft engaging plots, compelling characters, and dynamic dialogue.
• Deep understanding of narrative structures and storytelling techniques in interactive media.
• Familiarity with game development pipelines and collaboration tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Strong creative vision and a passion for video games and interactive storytelling.
• Experience with branching narrative tools or engines (e.g., Twine, Ink) is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing, English, Game Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• A keen interest in diverse genres and the ability to adapt writing style accordingly.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary of up to R per annum, recognizing your senior expertise.
• Enjoy the ultimate flexibility with a fully remote work arrangement.
• We provide a comprehensive health insurance package, including medical and dental coverage.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development are available through online courses and virtual conferences.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working hours contribute to an excellent work-life balance.
• Be part of a globally distributed, passionate team shaping the future of gaming in the Arts & Entertainment industry.
• Access to company-provided software licenses and equipment.
• Contribute to innovative and award-winning game titles from KwaZulu-Natal (or wherever you may be located).