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Contract Narrative Game Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Exploding Kittens

Contract Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$167K/yr

This is a contract position for the role of Game Designer, anticipated to run for approximately ... Write instructions & "How to Play" video scripts with accessibility and clarity in mind * Partner ...

Core Government Services Corporation

Experience in scripting or narrative design for simulations, games, or military training events ... Job Type: Part-Time On-Call, Exempt Contract Length: More than 1 year CGS provides reasonable ...

playstudios

Lead Game Designer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site +1

Write copy, messaging, and narrative elements of the game * Create and maintain storyboards, wireframes, and design documents to communicate new features * Work with software engineers to test and ...

New

Critical Innovations

Proposal & Report Writer

Lawndale, CA · On-site +1

$50K - $75K/yr

This includes preparing and submitting contract reports, monitoring deadlines for contract ... Develop narrative reports and invoices, for submission after review by the Principal Investigator ...

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 ... You can write a clear design doc, argue for a mechanic, and explain your reasoning to engineers and ...

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Contract Narrative Game Writer information

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How much do contract narrative game writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract narrative game writer in the United States is $38.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $47.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by contract narrative game writers when working with remote development teams?

Contract narrative game writers often collaborate with remote development teams, which can lead to challenges such as time zone differences, asynchronous communication, and aligning creative vision. It is important to be proactive in scheduling meetings, maintaining clear documentation, and using collaborative tools to ensure everyone stays on the same page. Building strong relationships with designers, artists, and other writers helps facilitate smooth workflows and ensures narrative elements are effectively integrated into the game.

What is a Contract Narrative Game Writer?

A Contract Narrative Game Writer is a professional hired on a temporary or project basis to create storylines, dialogue, and characters for video games. They work closely with game designers, artists, and developers to ensure the narrative integrates seamlessly with gameplay. Their responsibilities may include writing scripts, developing branching story paths, and building immersive worlds that engage players. Contract writers typically work remotely or on-site for the duration of a specific project, rather than as full-time staff.

What is the difference between Contract Narrative Game Writer vs Contract Script Writer?

AspectContract Narrative Game WriterContract Script Writer
Primary FocusDeveloping storylines, character arcs, and world-building for gamesWriting dialogue, scenes, and scripts for various media including games
Skills & CredentialsCreative writing, storytelling, game design knowledgeScreenwriting, dialogue writing, storytelling skills
Work EnvironmentGame development studios, freelance projectsMedia production, gaming, advertising agencies
Industry UsageCommonly used in game development for narrative designUsed across media including film, TV, and games

While both roles involve storytelling and writing skills, a Contract Narrative Game Writer specializes in crafting immersive stories and characters specifically for video games, focusing on world-building and narrative flow. In contrast, a Contract Script Writer typically writes dialogue and scripts for various media, including films, TV, and games. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and writers target the right skills for each role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Narrative Game Writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Narrative Game Writer, you need excellent storytelling abilities, a strong grasp of narrative structure, and experience in creative writing, often supported by a portfolio of game or interactive fiction work. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Twine, Ink, or game engines like Unity, as well as understanding branching dialogue systems, is typically required. Strong collaboration, adaptability, and effective communication skills help writers integrate storylines with gameplay and work well with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the creation of engaging, immersive narratives that enhance player experience and align with the game's vision.
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Contract Narrative Game Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Narrative Game Writer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 33% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 38% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,001 per year, or $38.9 per hour.
Contract Game Designer

Contract Game Designer

Exploding Kittens

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$167K/yr

Contractor

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

This is a contract position for the role of Game Designer, anticipated to run for approximately three months with the possibility of extension based on business needs. The Game Designer plays a key role in the game and product development process from start to finish. In this role you'll be responsible for pitching original concepts, developing pitches from team members and external inventors, and researching ongoing industry trends.

The ideal candidate will have a deep love for mass market party games, both as a designer and a player. We want team members with strong perspectives, collaborative mindsets, and clear communication skills. You'll be expected to support multiple projects simultaneously, with opportunities to learn from experienced designers and support up-and-coming talent.

If you're someone who thinks about games constantly (in a good way), obsesses over what makes people laugh, connect, and come back for more, and loves turning great ideas into unforgettable experiences, you'll fit right in.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Design and develop several projects, responding to feedback from key stakeholders to craft gameplay that is fun, marketable, and innovative

  • Pitch original game ideas, researching and developing concepts on your own and with other designers

  • Provide feedback for and develop pitches from external inventors

  • Facilitate or participate in in-person and remote playtesting sessions

  • Write instructions & "How to Play" video scripts with accessibility and clarity in mind

  • Partner with internal stakeholders to support development/publication, collaborating cross-functionally with Creative Operations, Production & Sourcing

WHAT WE NEED

  • 3+ years of tabletop game design/development experience

  • A love for, and strong knowledge of, successful mass market retail party games

  • An understanding of fundamental game design principles and player motivations

  • Experience writing and editing game rules and "how to play" video scripts

  • A basic understanding of graphic design, UX principles, and tools including Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop

  • A basic understanding of organization/presentation tools, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides

This salary represents a range for the position and will ultimately depend on the individual's qualifications and years of experience, location, and is subject to change.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer we are committed to complying with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunity to applicants and employees regardless of sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), race (including protected hairstyles such as dreadlocks, braids and twists), religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, gender (including gender identity and gender expression and/or the fact that an individual is transgender, transitioning or transitioned), color, ancestry, national origin, possession of a driver’s license, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information/trait/condition, marital or familial status, family care or medical leave status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, membership in military reserves, political affiliation, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation  We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local, state and federal “ban the box” and “fair chance” laws. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.