Senior Narrative Designer

About Dambuster Studios

Originally founded in 1999 as Free Radical Design our ambition and passion comes through as strongly now as when we first began. We are always seeking individuals who can emulate our values - passion, quality, and teamwork - which are embodied in our diverse and inclusive culture.

Even if you’re not sure that you meet all the criteria for a role, don’t be put off from applying - we want to hear from you. Our only requirement is that you work from the UK, and if you’re not here right now we can discuss relocation if the role requires you on-site frequently (if the role requires this, it’s outlined in the advert below).

Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment in our city centre studio.

Dambuster Studios - creators of the number one BAFTA-nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 - has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Narrative Designer to join our highly talented Narrative team. This role can be on site or hybrid from our Nottingham studio, or fully remote within the UK.

As a Senior Narrative Designer, you will play a key role in bringing our narrative vision to life through gameplay and narrative systems, alongside the rest of the Narrative team.

You are an experienced storyteller, capable writer and proactive game dev – with a grounded understanding of how powerful narratives work in games and the practical know-how to realise these narratives through close collaboration with many other departments.

You will take ownership of important narrative projects and drive them forward, ensuring a high-quality result within the restraints of resource and time. You’ll also be a mentor and role model for the team, supporting the Narrative Lead when necessary.

• Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly
• Relocation support to Nottingham, UK (if required)
• Holiday allowance that increases with service (to a maximum of 30 days plus statutory public holidays)
• Annual pay reviews
• Company pension contribution that increases with service
• Company enhanced full pay for maternity leave for the first 26 weeks (to qualifying expectant mothers)
• Clear career progression within Dambuster Studios
• Studio funded learning and development opportunities
• Modern game development environment with the latest technologies
• Vibrant, modern city centre location with good transport links
• Fully subsidised gym membership with Virgin gym (Nottingham)
• Annual Christmas party and Summer Family BBQ
• Quarterly company funded cross-team events
• Free financial advice
• Employee referral bonus scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Weekly office treats, including breakfast on Monday and pastries on Friday

• Align with the Narrative Lead and Narrative Director on pillars and goals for narrative content, and work both independently and with teammates to make these a reality
• Take ownership of assigned projects – which may include quests, narrative systems, and cinematic moments – developing them from conception to execution, while ensuring quality, efficiency, and timely delivery
• Design compelling story content within a wider narrative context
• Write punchy, characterful dialogue and text that fits our tone
• Collaborate with many different departments, including Level Design, Game Design, Animation, Art and Audio to ensure alignment towards our goals
• Proactively identify potential risks and issues before they impact the project
• Create narrative design documentation to clearly, concisely communicate ideas and our narrative vision across the studio
• Participate in meetings, reviews, brainstorming sessions and writers’ rooms, contributing constructively and giving feedback where appropriate
• Mentor more junior narrative designers, openly sharing your knowledge and experience
• Support the Narrative Lead with managerial tasks and fill in for them when needed
• Contribute to the development and refinement of processes, tools, and workflows to enhance productivity and quality
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, ensuring transparency and clarity in expectations and deliverables
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