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Narrative Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Absurd Ventures

Lead Open World Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site +1

$150K - $175K/yr

Work closely with the narrative team to develop ideas for new content. * Develop and execute the ... Rally designers, engineers, animators, artists, and external co-dev partners to deliver playable ...

Absurd Ventures

Mission Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Summary We are seeking a Mission Designer to create highly memorable missions that combine best-in ... Strong understanding of storytelling and narrative design. Plus If... * Experience building game ...

Absurd Ventures

Mission Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site +1

$100K - $115K/yr

Summary We are seeking a Mission Designer to create highly memorable missions that combine best-in ... Strong understanding of storytelling and narrative design. Plus If... * Experience building game ...

ThirdLove

Sr. Visual Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

The Senior Visual Designer is responsible for creating cohesive, high-quality creative through ... Brand Narrative Development & Creative Alignment • Responsible for developing the foundational ...

ThirdLove

Sr. Visual Designer

Los Angeles, CA

The Senior Visual Designer is responsible for creating cohesive, high-quality creative through ... Brand Narrative Development & Creative Alignment * Responsible for developing the foundational ...

ThirdLove

Sr. Visual Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Senior Visual Designer is responsible for creating cohesive, high-quality creative through ... Brand Narrative Development & Creative Alignment Responsible for developing the foundational "Brand ...

Formal

Founding Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... brand narrative. * Craft Visuals: Create engaging visuals and dynamic content for marketing ... Standout portfolio showcasing UI/UX designs, marketing assets, and brand design * Ability to fully ...

Prosum Inc.

Visual Designer

Glendale, CA · On-site

$63.75/hr

Senior Visual Designer Pay Range : $63.75/hour Location & Onsite Requirements: Glendale, 3 days ... bring our narrative and value proposition to life through visual presentations, artifacts, and ...

Prosum

Visual Designer

Glendale, CA · On-site

$63.75/hr

Senior Visual Designer Pay Range : $63.75/hour Location & Onsite Requirements: Glendale, 3 days ... bring our narrative and value proposition to life through visual presentations, artifacts, and ...

2K

Senior Level Designer

Novato, CA · On-site

$100K - $148K/yr

Senior Level Designer Novato, California, United States As a Senior Level Designer at Cloud Chamber ... stunning narrative experience and systems-driven world of BioShock. At your core you are ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsNarrative Designer JobsNarrative Designer Jobs in California

Narrative Designer information

See California salary details

$35K

$82.1K

$108.6K

How much do narrative designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for narrative designer in California is $82,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a narrative designer?

To thrive as a Narrative Designer, you need a strong background in creative writing, storytelling, and an understanding of narrative techniques, often supported by a degree in writing, game design, or a related field. Familiarity with interactive scripting tools, branching dialogue systems, and game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine is typically required. Collaboration, adaptability, and excellent communication skills are vital for working with multidisciplinary teams and incorporating feedback. These skills ensure the creation of compelling, player-centric narratives and smooth integration of story elements within interactive media.

What is a narrative designer?

A Narrative Designer is responsible for shaping the story, dialogue, and overall storytelling experience in a game. They collaborate with writers, game designers, and other developers to ensure that narrative elements integrate seamlessly with gameplay. Unlike traditional writers, they focus on how story interacts with mechanics, level design, and player choices. Their work involves character development, world-building, and ensuring consistency in the game's narrative structure.

What are common collaborative responsibilities for a narrative designer within a game development team?

Narrative Designers regularly work alongside game designers, artists, and programmers to ensure that story elements align with gameplay mechanics and visual storytelling. They often participate in brainstorming sessions, review narrative implementation in-game, and revise scripts based on team feedback. Effective cross-department collaboration is key, as the narrative must support and enhance the overall player experience while fitting technical and design limitations. This collaborative environment requires strong communication and a willingness to iterate on ideas based on input from various team members.

How to get into narrative designer?

To become a narrative designer, develop strong storytelling skills, a background in creative writing or game design, and proficiency with tools like Twine or Ink. Gaining experience through internships, creating a portfolio of writing samples, and understanding game development processes can improve your chances of entering the field.

How much are narrative designers paid?

Narrative designers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the company. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those working on AAA titles can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.

What does a narrative designer do?

A narrative designer creates and develops storylines, dialogue, and world-building elements for video games or interactive media. They collaborate with writers, designers, and developers to ensure the story aligns with gameplay and engages players, often using tools like scripting languages or narrative design software.

Do you need a degree to be a narrative designer?

A degree is not strictly required to become a narrative designer, but many employers prefer candidates with a background in creative writing, game design, or related fields. Strong storytelling skills, a portfolio of writing samples, and experience with tools like Twine or dialogue systems are often more important than formal education.
What are the most commonly searched types of Narrative Designer jobs in California? The most popular types of Narrative Designer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Narrative Designer jobs in California? For Narrative Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Narrative Designer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Narrative Designer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Narrative Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Narrative Designer job openings:
Narrative Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Narrative Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,059 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Lead Open World Designer

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site, Remote

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

 Summary  

As the Lead Open World Designer, you will be the primary vision holder for the open world, its systems, and content. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team to deliver a best-in-class open-world experience rich with characters, encounters, side missions, puzzles, secrets, discoverables, collectables, and more.  

Core Responsibilities  

  • Drive the design and implementation of engaging, immersive, interactive open-world content that encourages exploration and emphasizes a mix of fun, varied gameplay, worldbuilding and storytelling.  
  • Work closely with the narrative team to develop ideas for new content.  
  • Develop and execute the design vision and strategy, ensuring that open-world content aligns with the game's overall narrative, thematic, and player experience goals.   
  • Leverage the game's core systems and mechanics to create dynamic and unpredictable open-world experiences that adapt to player choices and actions.   
  • Continuously seek opportunities to innovate, challenge conventions, and push the boundaries of open-world design.   
  • Rally designers, engineers, animators, artists, and external co-dev partners to deliver playable progress at regular intervals as part of a rapid iterative process.  
  • Incorporate feedback from peers, playtests, and senior leadership to refine and pivot as the game demands.  
  • Go beyond documentation and management to lead from the trenches, with hands-on contributions to the playable experience.  
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and iteration.  

Core Qualifications  

  • 5 or more years of experience in open-world design.  
  • Prior experience as a Lead Designer.  
  • Knack and passion for blurring the lines between AI, systems, mechanics and scripted content to create deep, layered worlds in which stories can unfold organically through exploration and gameplay.  
  • Strong understanding of population and encounter design and open-world content balancing.   
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.   
  • Innovative thinker with creative problem-solving skills who thrives in a collaborative team environment. 

Plus If... 

  • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams  
  • Experience in UE4 or UE5 
  • Experience working with co-development partners 

Description   

  • Full time job with benefits   
  •  Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA 
  • Office is located near downtown Santa Monica - near metro and freeways.  
     

The base pay range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) matching to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity. 

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