Narrative Designer (Contract)

Company Description

Smoking Gun Interactive (SGI), a Keywords Studio, is an industry leading independent game development studio focused on creating revolutionary gaming experiences. It was founded in 2007 by the award-winning industry veterans and creative forces behind Company of Heroes™. Since that time SGI has developed a wide range of games- from original IP, AAA game concepts, to mobile apps, console titles, and even immersive online experiences.

We offer competitive salaries, great benefits, and a creative and driven work environment with our passionate team of talented professionals on high quality projects.

Job Overview:

We are currently seeking a Narrative Designer for a potential upcoming project. As a Narrative Designer with Smoking Gun Interactive (SGI), you’re a talented, passionate individual with at least 3 years of industry experience in narrative design. You have demonstrable hands-on experience writing and implementing interactive narrative content, including dialogue, character interaction, and branching story structures, as well as a strong literacy in game design and the ability to clearly and concisely communicate ideas in both written and verbal forms. You’re a naturally flexible, collaborative individual who is excited to work closely with art and programming teams to achieve excellent results. Additionally, you’re able to examine pipelines and workflows and suggest actionable improvements. This role focuses on writing and implementing interactive content within established narrative direction.

This position is a 3-month temporary full-time contract with the potential to convert to full-time employment.

*Whilst this position is being offered on a remote basis, we are only able to consider applicants who are currently located within the greater Vancouver area

Requirements:
In this role, you will:

• Collaborate with a Lead Designer and Creative Director to deliver on the creative vision for the project;
• Help evangelize and communicate the design vision to the team;
• Write and implement dialogue, character interactions, and narrative content using proprietary tools;
• Structure branching conversations and player choices that support gameplay and player agency;
• Integrate narrative assets including dialogue, VO timing, and supporting content;
• Collaborate with Quest, Cinematic, Audio, and Gameplay teams to ensure narrative content integrates seamlessly;
• Help maintain narrative tone, style, and storytelling consistency across the project;
• Troubleshoot issues related to narrative flow, pacing, logic, and implementation;
• Maintain organization standards for naming, structure, and documentation;
• Work with art and programming disciplines to achieve project goals;
• Maintain high proficiency in workflows and pipelines, collaborating to improve tools and methodologies;
• Ensure a high level of quality in all aspects of your work;
• Take initiative in problem-solving and collaborating as needed to facilitate effective resolutions;
• Help liaison between the design team and QA.

To be successful in this role, you must have:

• 2 to 3 years experience as a Narrative Designer working on AAA game projects;
• Shipped at least 1 title as a Narrative Designer on a PC or Console Game;
• Demonstrate experience writing interactive dialogue and branching narrative;
• Experience implementing narrative content within a game engine or narrative tool;
• Strong understanding of interactive storytelling, pacing, and player agency;
• Experience with Word, Excel, Photoshop;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to communicate ideas clearly;
• Ability to accept and provide direction, work well under pressure, and handle multiple tasks;
• A naturally self-driven demeanor, taking initiative when needed, demonstrated ability to work independently;
• Willingness to push the envelope and innovate within game parameters;
• Passion about gaming and striving to improve the quality of games;
• A positive attitude and a great team-player.

It would also be helpful if you had:

• Experience with freemium game mechanics, retention and monetization strategies;
• Multi-platform development experience (Mobile, PC, Console);
• Basic knowledge of web development (HTML, CSS, Javascript);
• A bachelor’s degree.

Benefits:
*Only eligible if converted to full-time employment*

• 10 days vacation leave
• 5 paid days personal leave
• 7 paid sick days
• Life Insurance & Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Dependent Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Extended Healthcare Benefit
• Dental Care
• RRSP matching
• Hybrid working
• Training & Development

Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000 CAD

Smoking Gun Interactive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.

Keywords Studios is dedicated to following a well-established Equal Opportunities Policy. We endeavor to create a workplace which provides for equal opportunities for all employees and potential employees.

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By providing your information in this application, you understand that we will collect and process your information in accordance with our Applicant Privacy Notice. For more information, please see our Applicant Privacy Notice at https://www.keywordsstudios.com/en/applicant-privacy-notice.

Role Information: EN
Studio: Smoking Gun
Location: Americas, Canada, Vancouver
Area of Work: Game Development
Service: Create
Employment Type: Full Time
Working Pattern: Remote