Welcome to Narrative News, a source for all things narrative design in games. Every month, we publish a monthly roundup of narrative design resources, opportunities, jobs, and events. We also publish a monthly article or interview on the craft. This month’s was an interview with Inkle’s John Ingold. Thanks for reading!
Hello all!
The job market in games, particularly for narrative designers, continues to be awful, with layoffs of many extremely talented and experienced writers (including some very talented former colleagues from Pixelberry, where I started my games journey). Even Brenda and John Romero say they’ve never seen it be quite this bad, and they were around for the 80s crash. But, on that cheerful note… at least there are quite a few new job and internship listings this month. Here’s hoping that one of the jobs or opportunities below is a good fit for you!
(No) Dialogue Jam accepts submissions until May 1st. This year, you can make an interactive fiction game that features only dialogue, or NO dialogue at all. Intriguing.
Make sure to read and vote for your favorite Spring Thing entries!
Narrascope, the one and only North American narrative-focused games conference, will run June 12th to 14th in Albany, New York. Shameless plug: I will be speaking! On making a career in narrative design, what else?
If you’re in New York, check out this IGDA talk: Marissa Koors on game editing, April 21st.
Note: Ludonarracon will not be a spring event this year! We’ll have to wait until October.
Kelsey Beachum talks about writing Outer Wilds (the best game ever?) on The Examined Game podcast with Steven Lake.
Check out Danny Homan’s views on entering the industry in these wild, AI-crazed times.
In case you weren’t aware, Amir Satvat has created this amazing game jobs resource that updates every few days. A new version just came out and it. is. helpful.
Black Tabby, the geniuses behind Slay the Princess, are starting a publishing arm! And from the sound of it, they’ve got a great ethos about publishing.
Narrative Design Intern at TapBlaze LA-based. “This is a 10 week internship where you’ll work directly with the game and design teams to ideate, write, and refine in-game dialogue, event arcs, and character moments.”
Game Writing Intern at Gamexcite Germany-based. “We are looking for a motivated intern to actively support us in the area of game writing for at least 3 months, if possible even longer as a permanent member of the team!”
Quest Designer Intern at Guerrilla Games Netherlands-based. “The discipline at Guerrilla has four pillars: narrative design (not writing), level design, visual scripting, and encounter design.”
Writer at Digimancy Remote but EU hours. “It's a paid, fully remote position on a B2B contract for at least the duration of the project (2+ years).”
Game Script Writer at Jalan Journey Singapore-based. “Inspired by JudgeSim, ‘In Confidence’ is a narrative-driven simulation game where players step into the role of a youth counsellor at a fictional early intervention centre.”
Game Writer at GSC Game World Remote EU or UA possible (with business trips) “We are looking for a talented Game Writer to join our narrative team and help craft compelling stories within the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe.”
Voice Over (VO) Writer at Hazelight Remote possible within CET +2 “We’re looking for a freelance Voice Over (VO) Writer to collaborate with us on an ongoing, flexible basis.”
Quest Designer at Blackbird Interactive (12 mo. contract) Remote within Canada. “Blackbird Interactive is looking for an experienced Quest Designer to help build and deliver high-quality narrative content for an established science fiction universe.”
Narrative Designer & Writer (Contract) at Icefall Interactive Nelson, Canada-based. “Work with multidisciplinary team members to help define and deliver on the creative vision.”
Narrative Designer at ARVORE (VR startup) Remote within Sao Paolo. “ARVORE seeks a creative NARRATIVE DESIGNER to design the narrative elements of our experiences and to champion story within the development process.”
Narrative Designer at Tentworks Interactive Bengaluru, India-based. “This role will be responsible for creating the narrative structure, writing screenplay, dialogues and assisting with implementation of cutscenes / quests inside the game engine (Unity).”
Narrative Designer at Mad Head Games Remote possible. “As Game Writer, you will be responsible for content development of significant scope and complexity.”
Narrative Designer - New Project at Magic Tavern Remote. “As a Narrative Designer at Magic Tavern, you will be the primary architect of our game’s universe during the crucial Scripting Phase.”
Scriptwriter (Assassian’s Creed) at Ubisoft Quebec City, Canada-based. “As a Scriptwriter on the Assassin’s Creed Franchise at Ubisoft Quebec City, you will help shape the narrative heart of the game.”
Senior Creative Writer (World of Tanks: HEAT) at Wargaming Warsaw, Poland-based. “Wargaming is looking for a Senior Creative Writer with outstanding English skills to join our team.”
Lead Writer at Guerrilla Games Amsterdam-based. “Our writers are driven to push the boundaries of storytelling in games.”
Lead Writer - Project Vanguard at Torpor Games Berlin-based. “The Lead Writer is the primary creative authority for writing on Suzerain: Project Vanguard.”
Senior Narrative Designer at Duolingo Seattle-based. “We’re looking for a Narrative Designer to add delight and depth to our characters.”
Narrative Lead at Turtle Rock Remote within North America. “This role is ideal for someone who is extremely creative, well organized, and hands-on in all narrative related aspects.”
Lead Narrative Designer at Virtuos Shanghai-based. “Lead and mentor a pod of narrative designers across projects.”
Thanks for reading! Pass on the good vibes and share this newsletter with other narrative designers.
About the Writer:
Rose Behar is a narrative designer at Scopely working on an upcoming AAA project. Her previous work is featured in Longleaf Valley and Ashe Cove, among other projects. She puts out the free Narrative News roundup twice every month.
About the Illustrations:
The beautiful illustrations dotted throughout the newsletter were created by Callum Isaac.
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