About Dambuster Studios
Originally founded in 1999 as Free Radical Design our ambition and passion comes through as strongly now as when we first began. We are always seeking individuals who can emulate our values - passion, quality, and teamwork - which are embodied in our diverse and inclusive culture.
Even if you’re not sure that you meet all the criteria for a role, don’t be put off from applying - we want to hear from you. Our only requirement is that you work from the UK, and if you’re not here right now we can discuss relocation if the role requires you on-site frequently (if the role requires this, it’s outlined in the advert below). Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment in our city centre studio.
Senior Narrative Designer
Dambuster Studios - creators of the number one BAFTA-nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 - has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Narrative Designer to join our highly talented Narrative team on a Fixed Term Contract until the end of March 2028. This role can be on site or hybrid from our Nottingham studio, or fully remote within the UK.
Role overview
As a Senior Narrative Designer, you will play a key role in bringing our narrative vision to life through gameplay and narrative systems, alongside the rest of the Narrative team.
You are an experienced storyteller, capable writer and proactive game dev – with a grounded understanding of how powerful narratives work in games and the practical know-how to realise these narratives through close collaboration with many other departments.
You will take ownership of important narrative projects and drive them forward, ensuring a high-quality result within the restraints of resource and time. You’ll also be a mentor and role model for the team, supporting the Narrative Lead when necessary.
What we can offer you
- Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly
- Relocation support to Nottingham, UK (if required)
- Holiday allowance that increases with service (to a maximum of 30 days plus statutory public holidays)
- Annual pay reviews
- Company pension contribution that increases with service
- Company enhanced full pay for maternity leave for the first 26 weeks (to qualifying expectant mothers)
- Clear career progression within Dambuster Studios
- Studio funded learning and development opportunities
- Modern game development environment with the latest technologies
- Vibrant, modern city centre location with good transport links
- Fully subsidised gym membership with Virgin gym (Nottingham)
- Annual Christmas party and Summer Family BBQ
- Quarterly company funded cross-team events
- Free financial advice
- Employee referral bonus scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Weekly office treats, including breakfast on Monday and pastries on Friday
Responsibilities
- Align with the Narrative Lead and Narrative Director on pillars and goals for narrative content, and work both independently and with teammates to make these a reality
- Take ownership of assigned projects – which may include quests, narrative systems, and cinematic moments – developing them from conception to execution, while ensuring quality, efficiency, and timely delivery
- Design compelling story content within a wider narrative context
- Write punchy, characterful dialogue and text that fits our tone
- Collaborate with many different departments, including Level Design, Game Design, Animation, Art and Audio to ensure alignment towards our goals
- Proactively identify potential risks and issues before they impact the project
- Create narrative design documentation to clearly, concisely communicate ideas and our narrative vision across the studio
- Participate in meetings, reviews, brainstorming sessions and writers’ rooms, contributing constructively and giving feedback where appropriate
- Mentor more junior narrative designers, openly sharing your knowledge and experience
- Support the Narrative Lead with managerial tasks and fill in for them when needed
- Contribute to the development and refinement of processes, tools, and workflows to enhance productivity and quality
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, ensuring transparency and clarity in expectations and deliverables
- Keep up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, applying them where relevant to maintain a competitive edge
- Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date documentation of work processes, methodologies, and solutions
Requirements
- At least 5 years’ experience in Narrative Design
- A flexible, creative, proactive and solution-oriented mindset, with strong problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills; comfortable speaking early and often with other departments, flagging risk and finding compromise
- Solid understanding of what makes narratives interesting, compelling and memorable, and experience creating such narratives through gameplay and quest design
- Skilled in writing dialogue, expressing character and adapting your writing to meet the desired tone
- Proven ability to pitch in with a wide range of narrative work and manage multiple projects to a high standard, balancing priorities and delegating to others to meet deadlines
- Track record of delivering high-quality work with attention to detail and commitment to excellence
- Familiar with the process of making and shipping a game, and what is required from narrative at each stage – from planning to launch
- Able to hone your work to realistically meet restrictions on scope, resource and time, as well as adapting to feedback
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to adapt to evolving business needs
- Experience in supporting and mentoring other narrative designers
- Passion for continuous learning and professional development
- Desirable: Familiarity with action/horror genres
- Desirable: Technical proficiency with a game engine or associated tools
Equal Opportunities Statement
Dambuster Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone considering their next step in their career journey with Dambuster will receive consideration without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity or paternity, or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to apply.
We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for those who require reasonable adjustments. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or onboarding process, or if you are successful in securing a position with us, please let us know what we can do to ensure your success.
