Narrative News April 2024: Opportunities, Jobs, Resources and More!
There's a lot going on this month, so let's start early!
Hi fellow narrative designers!
You all loved the notes from GDC, so I’m pleased to say I will be publishing more content of the same kind in the future when I go to conferences (like the upcoming NarraScope) and when I read interesting craft books. Later this month, expect a distillation of Kaitlin Tremblay’s Collaborative Worldbuilding for Video Games. You asked for it, nerds!
But, for now, we have serious business to attend to. There is a copious amount of content this month, so buckle up and let’s hit the road!
Events
Meetups + Conferences
NarraScope, a wonderful conference dedicated to narrative in games and interactive fiction, is coming up (June 21-23). The even better news is that if you can’t make it to Rochester, NY, its content will be available online and to put a cherry on top: the pricing tiers are extremely affordable. There’s a limited budget option for online-only viewers that’s just $5! That wouldn’t even buy me a croissant here in NYC! Good on you, NarraScope. Check out the schedule of talks here.
Jams + Competitions
Dialogue Jam runs from April 1st to April 30th. “Your Entry must be centered around an exchange between characters. No description allowed!” Sounds like a fun challenge!
Spring Thing submissions are ready to read as of April 1st, voting begins on April 12th, and ends May 11th. Get ready to play some cool IF games!
SunNoFes is an “online game jam focused on visual novels and story-based games.” It starts July 1st and ands August 31st.
Resources
Camile Gromowski has shared a wonderful resume template on LinkedIn. It might not work for everyone, but for landing a job in games this could be very useful—especially if you are more technical. With a couple tweaks this could also work for a more writing-focused applicant.
Veteran game writer John Ryan shares his thoughts on unreliable narration in games here. Well worth a read!
Opportunities
Programs
Attention all early-career narrative designers: applications are open for the IGDA-F’s 2024 Virtual Exchange program! I myself participated in the 2021 Scholars cohort of this program and it massively helped my career. In their words: “The IGDA Foundation's Virtual Exchange is a six-week development program designed for over 60 grantees from underrepresented communities globally.” Apply even if you think you won’t get in, trust me.
Pixelles’ amazing Montreal Game Writing Program is returning in May! You can begin applying April 1st, but keep in mind that you must be based in Montreal, and not a cis-gendered man. This is a program for complete beginners in which participants will learn about character design documents, barks, cinematics, quest / mission design documents, and choice design and Twine.
Google’s Creative Fellowship is open for applications until April 5th. “The program is for emerging creative thinkers (0 - 5 years of creative experience) who have a clear point of view and passion for making things and telling stories.” Sounds like a game/narrative designer to me!
Jobs
Contract Games Writer at GamesWarrior: “FREELANCE GAMING WRITERS WANTED (for writing gaming books)... are you an experienced gaming writer? We are now looking for writers of some of the most popular digital games for our hugely successful GamesWarrior imprint.”
Writer - 6-month Contract at 2K: Remote. “We’re looking for a Writer (TEMP - 6 month contract) to join our team and help us shape the future of storytelling in online multiplayer gaming.”
Narrative Designer at Vesper: Remote. “You'll help our creators design the narrative that connects with their fans and builds great new worlds. You're a chief editor, a game designer, and a community manager in one.”
Narrative Designer at Unnamed Studio: A hiring firm is hiring a narrative designer for a remote European-only position for three to six months of contract work.
Narrative Coordinator - 6-month Contract at 2K: Remote. “You will work with a team of professionals on the management of our VO pipeline from writing through implementation.”
Content Designer at Stellaris: Stockholm-based. “As a Content Designer on Stellaris, it is your mission to conceive and implement captivating narratives, allowing players to explore their fantasies on a galactic scale.”
Mission Dialogue Writer at DigixArt: The creators of Road 96 are looking for a native English writer for their upcoming project.
Narrative Designer at Artificial Core: The Corepunk publisher is headquartered in Amsterdam though it’s not clear if the job is remote-optional. They seek a senior narrative designer for their MMO.
Narrative Game Designer - 6-month Contract at POPREACH: BC-based (hybrid). “We are seeking a skilled Narrative Designer to join our team and work on our exciting new IP-based cozy game.”
Narrative Writer at Liquid Swords: Stockholm-based. “More than merely dialogue – it is about creating a universe that transcends mechanics to excite and inspire.”
Senior Writer at Epic Games: North Carolina-based. “Epic Games is looking for a Sr. Writer to join our team working on LEGO Fortnite.”
Senior Writer at CD PROJEKT RED: Boston-based. “In this role, you will be responsible for crafting captivating narratives, compelling dialogues and innovative quests in Project Orion - the follow-up to Cyberpunk 2077.”
Lecturer in Writing for Video Games at University of British Columbia: Seemingly open to remote. “The teaching load is 12 credits (4 3-credit equivalent courses) per year, taught on campus, online, and/or hybrid.”
Senior Technical Narrative Designer at Ghost Story Games: Remote (based in Greater Boston Area). The makers of BioShock and BioShock Infinite are looking for a narrative designer for their next project.
Senior Narrative Designer at Space Ape Games: Hybrid, London, UK. “As a Senior Narrative Designer at Space Ape, you’ll own the narrative design of one of our games.”
Senior Narrative Designer at PlayStation Global: LA-based. “Santa Monica Studio is seeking a Sr Narrative Designer for the development of a new unannounced title!”
Lead Narrative Designer at Ubisoft: Shanghai-based. “Manage a team of writers and narrative designers, ensuring the quality of the script and final edits of scenes and cinematics.”
Narrative Director at Ubisoft: Shanghai-based. “As Narrative Director, you will be key in defining and executing the game’s narrative strategy.”
Narrative Director at The Believer Company: “You’ll lead a writer’s room (starting with you!) focused on creating the narrative of a sprawling, live service, multiplayer open-world game.”
Thanks for reading! Pass on the good vibes and share this newsletter with other narrative designers.
About the Writer:
Rose Behar is a narrative designer at Scopely working on a new IP. Her previous work is featured in Longleaf Valley and Ashe Cove by Double Loop Games, among other projects. She puts out the free Narrative News roundup every month.