Regular / Senior Narrative Designer

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. Our studio is in Nottingham city centre and some of our roles can be offered on a hybrid or fully remote basis – each role is different, so please refer to the advert below for role-specific information. Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment.

Regular / Senior Narrative Designer

Dambuster Studios – creators of the number one BAFTA-nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 – has an exciting opportunity for a Narrative Designer at either Regular (intermediate) or Senior level to join our highly talented Narrative team.

Role overview

We are seeking a talented Narrative Designer to help bring our narrative vision to life through quests, narrative systems and cinematic experiences. You will work closely with the Narrative team and other departments, contributing to projects that shape the player experience.

We are opening applications to those who are at either Regular (Intermediate) or Senior-level – differentiators can be found throughout this advert. As a Regular Narrative Designer, you will contribute to narrative projects, designing compelling story content and writing engaging dialogue, while learning from and collaborating with experienced team members. As a Senior Narrative Designer, you will take ownership of major narrative projects, mentor more junior designers, and help drive the studio’s narrative vision forward.

What we can offer you

• Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly
• Workstyle – fully studio-based, hybrid (you must live within 50 miles of our studio and a reasonably commutable time, and be happy to come in 2-3 days per week), or remote (from anywhere within the UK)
• Domestic relocation support if you wish to relocate to Nottingham
• 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

Both Regular and Senior-level Narrative Designers will:

• Design compelling story content aligned with our narrative pillars and goals.
• Write characterful dialogue and text consistent with our tone.
• Contribute to projects including quests, narrative systems, and cinematic moments, from conception to execution.
• Collaborate closely with Level Design, Game Design, Animation, Art, and Audio teams to ensure alignment.
• Proactively identify potential risks and issues, proposing solutions.
• Create clear, concise narrative design documentation.
• Participate in meetings, reviews, brainstorming sessions, and writers’ rooms, providing constructive input and feedback.

Senior-level responsibilities

• Take full ownership of assigned projects, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality output.
• Mentor more junior narrative designers and support their development.
• Assist the Narrative Lead with managerial tasks and step in when needed.
• Contribute to improving processes, tools, and workflows across the studio.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels to ensure transparency and clarity.
• Keep up to date with industry trends and emerging technologies, applying best practices to maintain a competitive edge.

Requirements

For Regular-level:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in Narrative Design.
• Strong storytelling, writing, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills; confident flagging risks and negotiating compromises.
• Solid understanding of what makes narratives compelling in games and experience creating them.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and adapt work to scope, resource, and time limitations.
• Able to take feedback on board and adapt work accordingly.
• Familiarity with the game development process from planning to launch.
• Desirable: experience in action/horror genres and technical proficiency with a game engine or related tools.

For Senior-level:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Narrative Design.
• Strong storytelling, writing, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills; confident flagging risks and negotiating compromises.
• Solid understanding of what makes narratives compelling in games and significant experience creating them.
• Proven ability to lead multiple projects through limitations on scope, resources and time, mentor others, and deliver consistently high-quality results.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to adapt to evolving business needs.
• Familiarity with narrative processes for shipping games and applying feedback effectively.
• Desirable: experience in action/horror genres and technical proficiency with a game engine or related 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.