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Narrative Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shown Media

Graphic Designer (Remote)

New York, NY · Remote

$2.0K - $4.0K/mo

  • Vision

  • PTO

See our work: Role Overview We're looking for a Graphic Designer (Storyboard / Motion) with an exceptional eye for layout, pacing, and narrative flow. In this role, you'll create the visual ...

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

From early concept exploration to final design execution, you will craft compelling, expressive designs that resonate with both the narrative and audience. Working closely with directors, art leads ...

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

From early concept exploration to final design execution, you will craft compelling, expressive designs that resonate with both the narrative and audience. Working closely with directors, art leads ...

YourStudio

Senior Graphic Designer

Los Angeles, CA

$110K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • PTO

This is a role for a designer with strong editorial instincts and exceptional attention to detail ... Distil large volumes of information into clear, well-organised decks with a strong narrative arc ...

Naughty Dog

Senior Technical Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$145K - $181K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prototyping, implementing, and owning gameplay scenarios, narrative sequences, interactive objects ... Working with minimal supervision while keeping lead designers and directors well-informed. What ...

PTR Global

Keynote Designer IV

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position: Keynote.Designer IV Location: Cupertino, California (Hybrid) Duration: 06+ months ... Responsibilities: * Assist with layout, design, and narrative support in Keynote presentations.

Squanch Games

Design Manager

$140K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Every day, you'll keep a multidisciplinary design team; systems, level, content and narrative designers alike - aligned, unblocked, and shipping great work, while balancing production realities with ...

Absurd Ventures

UX Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

New

Absurd Ventures

UX Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

New

Absurd Ventures

Lead Open World Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site +1

$150K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Lead Open World Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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Narrative Designer information

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$35.5K

$83.1K

$110K

How much do narrative designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for narrative designer in the United States is $83,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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Narrative Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Narrative Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,148 per year, or $40 per hour.

Senior Technical Designer

PlayStation Global

Santa Monica, CA

$114K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

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 Parts I and II are now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we're busy at the kennel working onIntergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us. 

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.
  • Fostering team cohesion, advising design leadership regarding communication breakdowns and personality conflicts.
  • Working with minimal supervision while keeping lead designers and directors well-informed.

What skills you will use:  

  • 5+ years of industry experience in Technical Design for games
  • 2+ shipped games
  • Significant programming ability (Computer Science undergraduate degree preferred)
  • Deep understanding of narrative principles and how to convey emotion through gameplay
  • Expertise in 3D math
  • Fluent in C++, C#, Lua, or other text-based scripting language
  • Ability to identify and act on opportunities for improvements to tools and workflows that can help the team be more efficient
  • Self-starter with excellent communication and teamwork skills

Bonus Skills:

  • Experience developing third-person action games
  • Experience with the following areas of design
    • Behavior Trees
    • Narrative Gameplay Sequences
    • Encounter Design

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