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Entry Level Game Narrative Designer Jobs in California

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 ...

TEKsystems

Graphic Designer

Westlake Village, CA

$40 - $45/hr

This is a high-visibility position where you will help shape the visual narrative of our most ... LA28 Games. You will partner with internal and external stakeholders to develop, reimagine, and ...

TEKsystems

Graphic Designer

Westlake Village, CA

$40 - $45/hr

This is a high-visibility position where you will help shape the visual narrative of our most ... LA28 Games. You will partner with internal and external stakeholders to develop, reimagine, and ...

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Entry Level Game Narrative Designer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level game narrative designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Game Narrative Designer, you need strong storytelling abilities, a solid grasp of narrative structure, and typically a degree in creative writing, English, or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, interactive scriptwriting tools, and basic knowledge of branching dialogue systems are often required. Collaboration, creativity, and clear communication are crucial soft skills to effectively work with designers, artists, and developers. These abilities ensure engaging player experiences and seamless integration of story elements into gameplay.

What does an entry level game narrative designer do?

An Entry Level Game Narrative Designer helps create the story, dialogue, and character development for video games. They work closely with other designers, writers, and artists to ensure the game's narrative fits seamlessly with gameplay and visual elements. Responsibilities may include writing scripts, developing backstories, and assisting with world-building. At the entry level, they often support senior narrative designers and gain hands-on experience in interactive storytelling.

What is the difference between Entry Level Game Narrative Designer vs Junior Game Writer?

AspectEntry Level Game Narrative DesignerJunior Game Writer
Required CredentialsRelevant degree in game design, creative writing, or related field; portfolio of writing samplesSimilar educational background; writing samples or portfolio often required
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with designers, developers, and artists within game development teamsWorks closely with narrative teams, often under supervision, in game studios or remote settings
Industry UsageCommonly used in game development companies for narrative planning and scriptingUsed interchangeably with narrative roles, focusing on story content creation

Both roles typically require a background in creative writing or game design and involve collaboration within game development teams. The main difference lies in the job title emphasis: 'Game Narrative Designer' often implies involvement in designing story structure and gameplay integration, while 'Game Writer' focuses more on scripting and storytelling. Entry Level positions in both roles serve as foundational roles for aspiring professionals in game storytelling careers.

How does an entry level game narrative designer typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

As an entry level game narrative designer, you'll frequently work with various departments such as art, design, and programming to ensure that story elements are seamlessly integrated into gameplay. You'll participate in team meetings, share narrative ideas, and adapt scripts based on feedback from other disciplines. Clear communication and flexibility are key, as you'll need to align your storytelling vision with gameplay mechanics, visual assets, and technical constraints. This collaborative environment provides valuable learning opportunities and helps build strong cross-functional skills early in your career.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Narrative Designer jobs in California? The most popular types of Game Narrative Designer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Game Narrative Designer jobs in California? For Entry Level Game Narrative Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Entry Level Game Narrative Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Game Narrative Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, 12% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Game Designer, Technical (Contingent)

Naughty Dog

Santa Monica, CA

$174K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions.  Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this position.

This is a hybrid / onsite position.  

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5 . We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Part I is now available for the first time on PC.

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together.

 What you will do:

  • Prototyping, implementing, and owning gameplay scenarios, narrative sequences, interactive objects, AI behaviors, and other mechanics and systems.
  • Communicating with animation, programming, and art departments to effectively produce the assets and code support required for the areas you're owning.
  • Collaborating closely with lead designers and directors to effectively act on feedback and quickly iterate.

 What skills will you use:

  • 2+ years of industry experience in Technical Design for games
  • Strong programming ability (Computer Science undergraduate degree
  • preferred)
  • Understanding of narrative principles and how to convey emotion through gameplay
  • Proficiency in 3D math
  • Fluent in C++, C#, Lua, or other text-based scripting language
  • Self-starter with excellent communication and teamwork skills

Bonus Skills

  • Experience developing third-person action games
  • Experience making improvements to tools and workflows
  • Experience with the following areas of design
    • Behavior Trees
    • Melee
    • Combat Systems
    • Enemy & boss design

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression, and gender reassignment), race (including color, nationality, ethnic, national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

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