Senior Game Narrative Designer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Relocation assistance

Creative workspace

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Game Narrative Designer to join its creative team in George, Western Cape. You will craft overarching narrative frameworks, character backstories, dialogue, and lore, shaping immersive worlds that integrate with gameplay and drive emotional engagement across award-winning titles.

You will collaborate with designers, artists, and programmers to ensure narratives support player immersion, while mentoring junior designers and contributing to the artistic vision.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in game narrative design or related fields.
• Proven track record of shipping narrative-driven games with a portfolio.
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine or Unity and narrative scripting tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own the narrative design of projects from concept through final release, including plot, character arcs, dialogue, and world lore.
• Collaborate with game designers to integrate narrative with gameplay mechanics and progression.
• Write dialogue, in-game text, and lore entries consistent with character voice and world tone.
• Create narrative design documentation, including story bibles, character profiles, and outlines.
• Work with level designers and artists to ensure environmental storytelling and visual narrative cues.
• Provide creative feedback on narrative elements throughout development.
• Champion the narrative vision and ensure consistency across all touchpoints.
• Conduct research to build authentic game worlds and characters.

Skills

Narrative design

Storytelling

Dialogue writing

Game engine familiarity

Cross-functional collaboration

Project storytelling management

Tools

Narrative scripting tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a critically acclaimed studio known for its compelling storytelling and engaging gameplay, is looking for a Senior Game Narrative Designer to join their creative team in George, Western Cape. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for crafting the overarching narrative framework, intricate plotlines, character backstories, and world-building elements that define our projects. You will work hand-in-hand with designers, writers, artists, and programmers to ensure the narrative is seamlessly integrated into the player experience, enhancing immersion and emotional impact. This position is ideal for a seasoned storyteller with a deep understanding of interactive media and a passion for creating memorable, impactful narratives. You will contribute significantly to the artistic vision of our games, shaping them into experiences that resonate with players long after they’ve put down the controller. Your expertise will be crucial in bringing our fictional worlds to life and ensuring the player's journey is both engaging and meaningful, driving the emotional core of our award-winning titles.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and own the narrative design of projects from concept through to final release, including plot, character arcs, dialogue, and world lore.
• Collaborate with game designers to integrate narrative elements seamlessly with gameplay mechanics and player progression.
• Write compelling and effective dialogue, in-game text, and lore entries that are consistent with character voice and world tone.
• Create narrative design documentation, including story bibles, character profiles, plot outlines, and scene breakdowns.
• Work with level designers and artists to ensure environmental storytelling and visual narrative cues are effectively implemented.
• Provide creative feedback and guidance on narrative elements throughout the development process.
• Champion the narrative vision of the game, ensuring consistency and quality across all narrative touchpoints.
• Conduct research to build authentic and believable game worlds and characters.
• Potentially supervise junior narrative designers and contribute to their professional growth.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in game narrative design or related fields (e.g., creative writing, screenwriting) with a strong focus on interactive storytelling.
• Proven track record of successfully shipping narrative-driven games, with a portfolio showcasing exceptional narrative design and writing samples.
• Deep understanding of narrative structures, character development, and dialogue writing for interactive media.
• Familiarity with game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and narrative scripting tools.
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with experience working effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple narrative threads and ensure consistency across a large project.
• Experience in George, Western Cape or a strong desire to relocate to this beautiful region.
• A passion for storytelling and a critical understanding of the medium.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary reflecting senior expertise.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous vacation and personal leave allowance.
• Opportunities for advancement and professional development.
• Access to cutting-edge game development tools and technologies.
• A stimulating and creative work environment with passionate professionals.
• Contribution to projects that have gained critical acclaim.
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to George, Western Cape.