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Trainee Game Narrative Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TapBlaze

Narrative Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Our games run on warmth and restraint. Small daily emotional beats, not melodrama. We believe ... Collaborate with game designers so narrative and gameplay reinforce one another. * Create moments ...

TapBlaze

Narrative Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Our games run on warmth and restraint. Small daily emotional beats, not melodrama. We believe ... Collaborate with game designers so narrative and gameplay reinforce one another. * Create moments ...

Jam City

Narrative Designer

San Francisco, CA

$55K - $78K/yr

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the ... We are looking for an experienced Narrative Designer to bring their expert writing and game design ...

Jam City

Narrative Designer

San Francisco, CA

$55K - $78K/yr

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the ... We are looking for an experienced Narrative Designer to bring their expert writing and game design ...

Jam City

Narrative Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$55K - $78K/yr

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the ... We are looking for an experienced Narrative Designer to bring their expert writing and game design ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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How much do trainee game narrative designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee game narrative designer in the United States is $36.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.57 and $38.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee game narrative designer?

A Trainee Game Narrative Designer is an entry-level professional who works on creating the story, dialogue, and narrative structure for video games under the supervision of experienced designers. They help shape the game's world, characters, and plot, ensuring that the storytelling aligns with gameplay and engages players. This role often involves writing scripts, collaborating with other developers, and learning industry tools and conventions. It's a starting point for those passionate about storytelling and games, offering hands-on experience in narrative design.

What types of projects and collaboration can a trainee game narrative designer expect during their first year on the job?

As a Trainee Game Narrative Designer, you will typically work on smaller narrative tasks, such as writing dialogue, creating character backstories, and assisting with quest or mission design. You can expect to collaborate closely with senior narrative designers, game writers, and other departments like art and game design to ensure consistency and coherence in the story elements. Early on, you may also contribute to brainstorming sessions and playtesting, receiving feedback to refine your work. This collaborative environment helps you build essential skills and prepares you for more complex narrative responsibilities as you advance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee game narrative designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Game Narrative Designer, you need strong storytelling abilities, a grasp of narrative structure, and often a degree in creative writing, game design, or a related field. Familiarity with interactive storytelling tools like Twine, Ink, or game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine is typically required. Collaboration, open-mindedness, and clear communication help you work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and incorporate feedback. These skills ensure compelling, cohesive narratives that enhance player engagement and contribute to a game's overall success.

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

AspectTrainee Game Narrative DesignerJunior Game Writer
Required CredentialsBasic understanding of storytelling, some related education or courseworkSimilar; often a degree in creative writing, game design, or related field
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, learning-focused, collaborative with design and development teamsEntry to mid-level, producing narrative content under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in game studios for training roles, internships, or apprenticeshipsCommonly employed in game companies for narrative content creation

The main difference is that a Trainee Game Narrative Designer is an entry-level position focused on learning and developing skills, often within a training or internship program. A Junior Game Writer is a more experienced role responsible for creating and editing narrative content, with some independence. Both roles require storytelling skills and familiarity with game development, but the Trainee position emphasizes learning and growth.

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Trainee Game Narrative Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Game Narrative Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,084 per year, or $36.1 per hour.

Narrative Designer

TapBlaze

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 hours ago

Job description

Help Shape the Future of the Good, Great Universe
Great games are remembered because of the worlds they create and the characters players never forget. At TapBlaze, we're looking for a Narrative Designer to help shape the future of Good Pizza, Great Pizza, Good Coffee, Great Coffee, and future titles in the Good, Great universe.
This role is about more than writing dialogue. You'll help imagine what comes next: creating new Chapters, memorable characters, compelling gameplay driven stories, and the lore that brings our worlds to life. Working closely with designers, artists, engineers, QA, and production, you'll transform ideas into experiences millions of players will enjoy around the world.
Our games run on warmth and restraint. Small daily emotional beats, not melodrama. We believe beauty is in the details, and we're looking for someone who believes the same. If you're constantly asking "What if?", finding stories in everyday life, and love building worlds players want to revisit, we'd love to meet you.
This is a full time, fully onsite position based in Los Angeles, California. We work together in person, five days a week. Remote and hybrid work are not available for this role.
About TapBlaze
TapBlaze is an independent game studio dedicated to creating games players will remember for decades. Since 2012, our games have been downloaded more than 300 million times worldwide. Every day, millions of players step into the worlds we've created. We don't chase trends. We build timeless experiences grounded in warmth, charm, memorable characters, and gameplay first storytelling.
As an independent studio, everyone has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Great ideas can come from anyone.
Our values guide every decision we make: Ambitious, Disciplined, Ownership-minded, Results oriented. Extra-ordinary.
What You'll Create
Expand the Good, Great Universe
  • Shape the future of the Good, Great universe through new Chapters, recurring characters, locations, organizations, traditions, and lore.
  • Create memorable characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and relationships.
  • Expand our universe while preserving the charm and consistency players love.

Design Gameplay Driven Stories
  • Pitch original Chapter concepts, seasonal events, and long term story arcs.
  • Design stories that players experience through gameplay, not passive exposition.
  • Collaborate with game designers so narrative and gameplay reinforce one another.
  • Create moments that connect emotionally through the small and the everyday: a regular who finally opens up, a two line exchange that lands.

Write In Game Narrative
  • Write dialogue for customers, recurring characters, and major story moments, keeping each character's voice unmistakable within tight line and character limits.
  • Create tutorials, UI copy, achievements, item descriptions, flavor text, and seasonal event content.
  • Write concise, memorable dialogue tailored for mobile gameplay.
  • Produce narrative documentation that supports localization across multiple languages.

Collaborate Across the Studio
  • Partner with designers, artists, engineers, QA, production, and community support.
  • Contribute creative ideas through brainstorming, playtesting, and iteration.
  • Maintain character bibles, worldbuilding documentation, timelines, and narrative style guides.

You're a Great Fit If...
You're more than a writer. You think like a designer. You naturally ask questions like:
  • What should happen in the next Chapter?
  • How can gameplay tell a better story?
  • What makes a character unforgettable?
  • How can we make this world feel more alive?

You enjoy collaboration, embrace feedback, and care deeply about creating experiences players will remember long after they finish playing.
What You'll Bring
Required
  • Based in the Los Angeles area, or relocating before your start date. This role is onsite five days per week and that is not flexible.
  • 3+ years of professional experience as a Narrative Designer, Narrative Writer, Game Writer, or similar narrative focused role in the video game industry, with at least one shipped title.
  • Proven experience creating engaging dialogue, memorable characters, worldbuilding, and gameplay driven storytelling.
  • Strong instincts for warmth and restraint. You know how to make a short exchange carry emotional weight without melodrama.
  • Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary game development teams.
  • Strong portfolio showcasing narrative design, dialogue writing, worldbuilding, character creation, and interactive storytelling.

Preferred
  • Experience developing narrative for live service games or seasonal events.
  • Experience writing for mobile free to play games.
  • Familiarity with Yarn Spinner or similar narrative tools.
  • Experience writing for localization and multilingual audiences.
  • Familiarity with Good Pizza, Great Pizza and Good Coffee, Great Coffee.

Physical Requirements
  • Los Angeles, CA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work;
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and computer.

Compensation
The range for this role is $70,000 to $100,000 depending on experience.
Commitment to Diversity
As an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the needs of a multigenerational and multicultural workforce, TAPBLAZE recognizes that a diverse staff, reflective of our community, is integral to a successful and ethical business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability, and actively foster inclusion in all forms, both within our company and across interactions with vendors and partners.
Should you have any questions or encounter any fraudulent requests/emails/websites, please immediately contact careers@tapblaze.com. Our job applicant privacy policies are available here: California Privacy Notice

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