Narrative Designer in Oxford

We want you to JOINTHEREBELLION! For 30 years we’ve been independently developing and publishing incredible video games at our multiple studios founded by Jason & Chris Kingsley. Rebellion is more than just games; we have our own film studio, create board games, publish books, and through 2000AD, we publish comics and graphic novels such as the amazing Judge Dredd.

We’re looking for an experienced, dynamic Narrative Designer to work on a varied slate of exciting new projects in development right now! This is a great opportunity to join the team behind the BAFTA winning Atomfall. In this role, you will be responsible for quest and objective design, with a focus on the practical implementation of narrative systems using our in-house engine. The Narrative team collaborates across a broad variety of projects, covering everything from World War II to the far‑future! It’s a fast‑moving, varied environment where every day brings something new.

This exciting opportunity can be based out of any of our studios in Oxford or Warwick, offering flexibility, collaboration, and the chance to work with a world‑class team! We can provide a relocation package, including moving assistance, temporary accommodation, and full support to ensure a smooth transition to your new environment. We believe in the power of face‑to‑face collaboration and encourage working from our studios. However, we understand that flexibility matters, so we’re open to discussing hybrid options based on individual needs.

• Take ownership of systems that have primary narrative focus ensuring setup and implementation in line with the project scope and design direction.
• Collaborate with other design specialisms to define all narrative content within the game.
• Apply best practices, production pipelines, and workflows with limited guidance.
• With moderate oversight, use appropriate tools, including in‑house tools, to implement Narrative and Dialogue.
• With moderate oversight, develop detailed Narrative Design Documents both independently and through close collaboration with other disciplines, based on the creative vision of the project.
• Interface with Level Design to design and implement quest structure into levels.
• Interface with Systems Design to support creation and implementation of gameplay mechanics, quests and objectives that tie into game structure.
• Collaborate with UI to design suitable communication of quest structure to the player.
• Implement lines in the dialogue system (incl. managing localised text).
• Collaborate with Audio to manage creation of casting documents for main characters, create and format recording scripts and where appropriate support with recording sessions by providing context and narrative direction.
• Assist in scheduling and task tracking of narrative work, get time estimates from downstream departments.
• Communicate and collaborate with code on creation and iteration of dialogue tools and mechanics.
• Regularly play the game and evaluate your own work ensuring it is in line with the project direction & intended feel, raising any identified issues with appropriate stakeholders.
• Support the Lead Narrative Designer in any ad hoc tasks and duties.

• Advanced knowledge of creating narrative design documents and specifications.
• Willingness and ability to deliver high quality results using tools and processes required to get the job done.
• Advanced knowledge of the video game development process.
• Advanced knowledge of production pipelines.

• 22 days holidays + Christmas closure (typically 4 days) & Bank holidays (increasing with service at 5 years – one day each year until you reach 31 days).
• Private Medical Insurance, healthcare cash plan, including dental and Vision.
• Life Assurance, Income Protection & Critical Illness Cover.
• Enhanced Family Leave.
• Interest Free, Tax‑Free loans.
• Enhanced Pension Scheme.
• EAP a range of Mental Health and Wellbeing Support.
• Plus loads more… including a wide range of discounts, freebies, and social events!

This role is only open to applicants who have the permanent right to work in the UK. We are unable to provide or take over visa sponsorship, either now or in the future. Applicants must therefore be able to demonstrate their ongoing eligibility to work in the UK without the need for employer sponsorship.

Our riverside headquarters in Oxford places you a short walk away from the city centre. Renowned for its rich historical backdrop and esteemed educational institutions, Oxford offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, with its beautiful architecture and green spaces. Oxford also boasts excellent transport links, making it easy to navigate both the city and the wider country. The city’s train station, just a short walk from our studio, offers frequent services to London, as well as direct routes to major cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and Reading and we also offer free parking at the studio.

Our open‑plan office promotes teamwork and innovation, with regular interaction with senior management and other departments, alongside access to free hot drinks, a handy tuck shop onsite and a range of local pubs, cafes and dining options nearby helping make every workday enjoyable!