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Associate Game Narrative Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TapBlaze

Game Designer, Casual F2P

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$167K/yr

You understand the psychology of casual, cozy, and narrative-driven game players. * Long-term ... Experience designing for narrative-driven or cozy game genres specifically. * Familiarity with A/B ...

TapBlaze

Game Designer, Casual F2P

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$167K/yr

You understand the psychology of casual, cozy, and narrative-driven game players. * Long-term ... Experience designing for narrative-driven or cozy game genres specifically. * Familiarity with A/B ...

playstudios

Lead Game Designer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site +1

As a Lead Game Designer , you will lead the design process, collaborating with the rest of the team ... Write copy, messaging, and narrative elements of the game * Create and maintain storyboards ...

Fanatics Collectibles

Game Designer - TCG

Seattle, WA

$176K/yr

Collaborate with narrative design, creative, and product teams to ensure mechanics are well ... Deep passion for trading card games as both a designer and a player Location All employees of ...

Naughty Dog

Senior Game Designer (Combat)

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$145K - $181K/yr

... narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II ... Mentor junior designers and contribute to the overall growth of the design team What skills you ...

Embedding VC

Founding Game Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$182K/yr

The world is generated and the narrative is emergent. The content adapts to each child's interests and developmental needs in real time. The game designer's job isn't to build levels, it's to design ...

Playstudios US LLC

Lead Game Designer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

As a Lead Game Designer , you will lead the design process, collaborating with the rest of the team ... Write copy, messaging, and narrative elements of the game * Create and maintain storyboards ...

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Associate Game Narrative Designer information

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$19.5K

$58.6K

$87.5K

How much do associate game narrative designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate game narrative designer in the United States is $58,560.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do game narrative designers make?

Game narrative designers typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Senior designers or those working on AAA titles can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000. Skills in storytelling, scripting, and familiarity with tools like Twine or Ink can influence earning potential.

What is the difference between Associate Game Narrative Designer vs Game Narrative Designer?

AspectAssociate Game Narrative DesignerGame Narrative Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Creative Writing, Game Design, or related field; some experienceSimilar educational background; more experience required
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, collaborative teams in game studiosMid-level, leading narrative projects in game development
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in game studios for supporting rolesUsed for more senior narrative roles in the industry
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by those starting in game narrative rolesOften searched by those with some experience seeking advancement

The main difference between an Associate Game Narrative Designer and a Game Narrative Designer lies in experience and responsibility. The associate role is typically entry-level, focusing on supporting narrative tasks, while the Game Narrative Designer has more experience and leads narrative development. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but the level of responsibility and expertise distinguishes them.

Are narrative designers in demand?

Narrative designers, including associate game narrative designers, are increasingly in demand as storytelling becomes a key aspect of game development. Employers seek candidates with strong writing skills, experience with scripting tools, and the ability to craft engaging storylines for diverse gaming platforms, reflecting the industry's focus on immersive experiences.

What are Associate Game Narrative Designers?

Associate Game Narrative Designers are entry-level professionals who help create and implement the story, dialogue, and narrative elements in video games. They work closely with senior narrative designers, writers, and game developers to craft compelling storylines, character arcs, and in-game text. Their responsibilities often include writing dialogue, developing lore, and ensuring consistency in the game's narrative. This role is a great starting point for those looking to build a career in game writing and storytelling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Game Narrative Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Game Narrative Designer, strong storytelling abilities, a background in creative writing or related fields, and a passion for interactive media are essential. Familiarity with narrative design tools such as Twine, Ink, or proprietary game engines, along with basic scripting knowledge, is typically expected. Excellent communication, collaboration, and adaptability help you work effectively with cross-functional teams and respond to feedback. These skills ensure compelling narrative experiences that engage players and integrate seamlessly with gameplay.

What does an associate game designer do?

An associate game designer supports the development of game narratives, mechanics, and level design by collaborating with senior designers and writers. They often assist with brainstorming, creating story assets, and implementing design elements using tools like game engines, while developing skills in storytelling and game development processes.

What does a game narrative designer do?

A game narrative designer creates and develops the story, characters, dialogue, and world-building elements for video games. They collaborate with designers, artists, and programmers to ensure the narrative aligns with gameplay and enhances player engagement, often using tools like storyboards and scripting software.

How does an Associate Game Narrative Designer typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

As an Associate Game Narrative Designer, you will work closely with various teams such as design, art, audio, and programming to ensure that the game's story is seamlessly integrated into gameplay and visuals. Collaboration often includes attending cross-disciplinary meetings, providing narrative feedback on level or mission designs, and adapting scripts based on technical or artistic constraints. Effective communication and flexibility are key, as you may need to revise dialogue or narrative elements to fit changes in the game's mechanics or pacing. This collaborative environment not only enriches the game's storytelling but also provides valuable opportunities to learn from experienced professionals in other fields.
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Associate Game Narrative Designer jobs near you
CONTRACT - Associate Game Designer (NST)

CONTRACT - Associate Game Designer (NST)

Nintendo

Redmond, WA • On-site

$34 - $51/hr

Contractor

Medical

Re-posted 5 days ago

Nintendo rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

Nintendo Software Technology Corporation
Nintendo Software Technology Corporation, based in Redmond, Washington , is a wholly owned subsidiary of the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of video games, Nintendo Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. Nintendo Software Technology's mission is to design, develop and deliver the very best video games. We conduct research, use state-of-the-art equipment and review methods of operation so that we may continually improve the quality of the games that we produce. Each person employed at Nintendo Software Technology Corporation is a valued team member and is encouraged to participate in our efforts to create the highest quality games.
Nintendo is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy and respect for each other.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Nintendo Software Technology is a tight-knit game development studio located in Redmond, WA. As part of the Nintendo family, we're passionate about creating games designed to surprise and delight our customers.
As a Designer, you will have a desire to contribute and implement, play-test, and refine game design features, with consideration to gameplay. Proven experience with level design for gameplay is needed. If this sounds like you, we would love to see your resume
  • Implements design specifications into playable prototypes using various software tools.
  • Able to quickly revise implementation based on changes required to continue iterating on design concepts.
  • Assists in designing prototypes to iterate concepts into a more complete idea.
  • Assists and maintains game play mechanics within a game.
  • Creates areas of a user-interface design and maintains assigned product localization with the direction of senior designers and above.
  • Communicates ideas with various product development personnel to solicit feedback and ensure support during product development.
  • Within a team, provides input into defining creative vision and technical specifications for assigned project.
  • Writes and maintains assigned design documentation
  • Works closely with senior designers and above to attain constructive feedback and direction.
  • Applies professional expertise to review, analyze and test products under development as a contributing member of a production team to ensure delivery of Nintendo's high standard of quality and timeliness.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS
  • 0-2 years of level design for video games or relevant experience.
  • Understanding of interactive software methodologies, production pipelines and Nintendo quality standards.
  • Proven proficiency with commercial 2D/3D game editor. (E.g. Unity, Unreal, etc.)
  • Basic PC skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Undergraduate degree in Game Design, Computer Science or equivalent
  • Studies in music, art, films, television / broadcasting, and multimedia a plus.

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be considered. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
This position is hybrid in Redmond, WA. Hybrid positions require regular onsite work following the schedule and guidelines for their division. This position is not open to fully remote status at this time.
This contract position includes the base pay range listed below and is eligible for benefits through the employing agency. Agency benefits include eligibility for medical insurance, employee assistance program, and paid sick leave. All benefits are subject to elections, eligibility requirements, plan and program terms. Benefits offerings will be confirmed at the time of offer by the employing agency, and may differ depending on the employing agency partner.
Pay range:
$34-$51 USD

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