Senior Narrative Designer - Storytelling Specialist

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Competitive salary and benefits

Creative team and growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly creative Senior Narrative Designer for a Polokwane-based role with hybrid work options. You will craft compelling stories, world-building, and character arcs that drive gameplay and player choice.

Applicants should have a strong portfolio, at least 5 years in narrative design, and experience with Unreal Engine, Unity, or Twine. Collaboration with designers and artists is essential for seamless narrative integration.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in narrative design or writing for video games.
• Strong portfolio with story concepts, dialogue, and world-building samples.
• Proven ability to write engaging dialogue and prose; experience with scripting tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and write main plots, side quests, backstories, and dialogue.
• Design and implement narrative systems with consistency and impact.
• Collaborate with designers and artists to integrate narrative with gameplay.
• Create story bibles, character profiles, and dialogue scripts.
• Coordinate with voice actors and cinematic teams to align with the vision.
• Contribute to lore and world-building; iterate based on playtesting feedback.
• Mentor junior designers and help establish best practices.

Skills

Narrative design

Dialogue writing

World-building

Narrative scripting tools

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Twine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an award-winning studio known for its deeply immersive and character-driven games, is seeking a highly creative Senior Narrative Designer . This role is based in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA , and offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining collaborative in-office work with remote flexibility. You will be instrumental in crafting compelling storylines, intricate world-building, and engaging character arcs that form the heart of our interactive experiences. Your expertise in narrative structure, dialogue writing, and player-driven storytelling will be crucial in shaping unforgettable game narratives. We are looking for a passionate storyteller with a keen understanding of how to weave narrative seamlessly into gameplay mechanics and player choice. Join a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and write compelling narratives, including main plotlines, side quests, character backstories, and dialogue.
• Design and implement narrative systems, ensuring consistency and impact throughout the player's journey.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, level designers, and artists to integrate narrative elements effectively with gameplay and environment.
• Create narrative documentation, including story bibles, character profiles, and dialogue scripts.
• Work with voice actors and cinematic teams to ensure the delivery of narrative content aligns with the creative vision.
• Contribute to world-building, lore development, and the overall thematic coherence of the game.
• Iterate on narrative content based on playtesting feedback and team input.
• Mentor junior narrative designers and contribute to establishing best practices for narrative development.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in narrative design or writing for video games.
• A strong portfolio showcasing narrative design work, including compelling story concepts, dialogue, and world-building examples.
• Proven ability to write engaging and impactful dialogue and prose.
• Experience with narrative scripting tools and game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity, Twine).
• Excellent understanding of storytelling principles, character development, and dramatic structure.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to articulate creative ideas effectively.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment.
• Experience in creating narrative documentation and style guides.
• A passion for interactive storytelling and a deep understanding of the medium.

Benefits

• This role offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to work on ambitious projects that resonate with players worldwide.
• Enjoy the collaborative energy of an in-office environment combined with the flexibility of remote work.
• You'll be part of a talented, creative team with opportunities for professional growth and the chance to leave your mark on the future of interactive narrative.