Narrative Designer

Company Overview

Rebellion is an independent developer and publisher founded by Jason & Chris Kingsley, operating for 30 years. The company encompasses a film studio, board game division, book publishing, and 2000AD, which publishes comics and graphic novels such as Judge Dredd. The studio fosters an open, friendly, and creative atmosphere with an emphasis on inclusive culture, growth, and work-life balance.

Role Description

The Narrative Designer will work on a varied slate of new projects, including responsibilities for quest and objective design with a focus on practical implementation of narrative systems using an in-house engine. This is a fast-moving environment where the narrative team collaborates across diverse projects ranging from World War II to the far-future.

Responsibilities

• 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 (including 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 and intended feel, raising any identified issues with appropriate stakeholders.
• Support the Lead Narrative Designer in any ad hoc tasks and duties.

Requirements

• 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.
• Eligibility: This role is only open to applicants who have the permanent right to work in the UK. No visa sponsorship provided.

Benefits

• 22 days holidays + Christmas closure (typically 4 days) & Bank holidays (increases with service at 5 years, one day each year until reaching 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 (Employee Assistance Programme) for Mental Health and Wellbeing Support.
• Wide range of discounts, freebies, and social events.

Location and Working Conditions

• Locations: Oxford or Warwick studios.
• Relocation: Package available, including moving assistance, temporary accommodation, and transition support.
• Office Culture: Open-plan office promoting teamwork and innovation.
• Amenities: Free hot drinks, onsite tuck shop, local pubs, cafes, and dining options.
• Facilities: Free parking at the studio.
• Transportation: Proximity to city centres and train stations with direct routes to London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Reading.