Senior Narrative Designer & Writer

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Randburg studio environment

Team events

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Narrative Designer & Writer to join our Randburg studio, shaping compelling storylines, lore, and character arcs across immersive games. You will craft the narrative framework, write dialogue, and script quests, collaborating with designers, artists, and programmers to weave narrative into gameplay.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in narrative design, a portfolio of shipped titles, and exceptional writing skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in narrative design or writing for video games.
• Proven track record with shipped titles and narrative contributions.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overarching narrative vision for game projects.
• Write dialogue, backstories, and in-game text.
• Design and script quests and narrative-driven events.
• Collaborate with designers to integrate narrative with gameplay.
• Create narrative documentation: plots, profiles, lore.
• Coordinate with voice actors and audio teams to match intent.
• Mentor junior writers and contribute to narrative pipelines.

Skills

Creative writing

Narrative design

Storytelling

Collaboration

Communication

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Scripting languages

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an acclaimed game studio, is seeking a Senior Narrative Designer & Writer to join their creative team in Randburg. This pivotal role involves crafting compelling storylines, deep lore, and engaging character arcs that form the backbone of our immersive gaming experiences. You will be responsible for developing the narrative framework, writing dialogue, crafting quests, and ensuring a cohesive and impactful story is woven throughout the gameplay. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional writing skills, a deep understanding of narrative structure in interactive media, and a passion for storytelling. You will collaborate closely with designers, artists, and programmers to integrate narrative elements seamlessly into the game world. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the emotional core of our projects and captivate players with unforgettable tales. The Randburg studio fosters a collaborative environment where creativity and innovation flourish. We are looking for a storyteller who can build rich worlds, memorable characters, and engaging plots that resonate with players, ensuring every narrative beat serves the overall player experience and enhances immersion. Your contribution will be vital in bringing our virtual worlds to life with compelling depth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overarching narrative vision for game projects.
• Write compelling storylines, character backstories, dialogue, and in-game text.
• Design and script quests and narrative-driven gameplay events.
• Collaborate with game designers to ensure narrative integrates seamlessly with mechanics and level design.
• Create detailed narrative documentation, including plot outlines, character profiles, and lore bibles.
• Work with voice actors and audio teams to ensure dialogue delivery matches intent.
• Maintain consistency in tone, voice, and lore across all narrative elements.
• Participate in world-building and ensure consistency of the game's universe.
• Provide feedback and contribute to the narrative aspects of other game systems.
• Mentor junior writers and contribute to the development of narrative pipelines.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in narrative design and/or writing for video games.
• Proven track record of contributing significantly to the narrative of shipped titles.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong understanding of interactive narrative techniques and non-linear storytelling.
• Experience with scripting languages or game engines for narrative implementation is a plus.
• Ability to develop complex characters and engaging plot structures.
• Excellent collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• A portfolio showcasing narrative design work and/or creative writing samples.
• A passion for games and a deep appreciation for the power of story.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry events.
• Access to cutting-edge game development tools and resources.
• A collaborative and creative work environment in Randburg.
• Be part of a studio focused on creating rich narrative experiences.
• Team-building activities and social events.
• Work on projects that have a significant impact on player engagement.