Position Closed

Position closed on September 18, 2024. Thank you to everyone that applied! We are no longer accepting applications for this role.

Go Back

Narrative Designer

Dreaming of working on a brand new IP at a profitable and established studio? Swordmonkey is seeking an experienced Narrative Designer/Writer to join our Design Team on a Contract basis!

We focus on developing narrative games with excellent gameplay, with our new unannounced project blending exceptional storytelling, humour and quick action-based gameplay. We want to make the world laugh while enjoying an exceptionally fun game. If you want to be part of the adventure, read on for more details and shoot us an email!

The Game

The game is currently in the Pre-Production Phase (you will have a massive influence over how it develops!). It is an unannounced project that is a whimsical and playful take on the action role-playing genre; a mix of "Ni No Kuni", "Secret of Mana" and "Paper Mario: Color Splash" that is heavily inspired by locations throughout the province of Alberta; with a sprinkle of satire about Canadian life. The humour for this game can be best compared to the "Red Green Show"; dry and literal.

You

• A hilarious dialogue writer with a love for high-fantasy
• You are comfortable tackling a broad range of responsibilities and creative endeavors
• You are comfortable writing humorous dialogue that is very literal: A "bald eagle" is literally an eagle with a massive bald spot. "A tree wobbles over a cliff edge. Do you push it?" "You push the tree. You hear a click and a literal bridge appears"
• Want to be elbow-deep in helping create a new IP

Responsibilities

• Work with the Project Director and Executive Producer to brainstorm and create a vibrant high-fantasy world where the Canadian influences bleed through
• Take part of world building to help shape the direction and future of our new IP.
• Write punchy environment, item and character descriptions to help our Art Team visualize the world
• Bring your own unique vision and life experiences, helping craft our creative vision.

Need to Have

• You are a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident or have an open work visa. We are not accepting candidates that do not meet this requirement.
• Mastery of the English language
• A love of and specialization in writing for comedy
• A love of secondary-world high fantasies
• Ability to accept and execute on constructive criticism and feedback
• A collaborative mindset! Descriptors former colleagues should use to describe you: kindness, empathy, ownership

Nice to Have

• A love for TV shows like "The Red Green Show" and "Monty Python
• Previously shipped commercial game titles
• Previously Published a novel or short story
• A love for Japanese-styled role-playing games (JRPGs)
• We have a preference for candidates that live in the Province of Alberta.

Compensation

For this phase of the project, we are seeking a Narrative Designer that can create a Writing Tone Guide and a Plot Outline, and to flesh out environmental and faction descriptions. We can pay per hour, per pre-determined milestone or per project.

Work Location

We are a fully remote studio, and don't intend to change. You are free to work anywhere within Canada. If you prefer to work on-site, we have an office in St. Albert and can arrange collaboration days if that is what you prefer.

Diversity and Inclusion

Be human. Be you.
Our approach to diversity and inclusion is simple: we embrace the human. Every person has something to teach and every person has something to learn. We expect every person working at, or with, Swordmonkey is always comfortable being who they are. We will actively work to ensure everyone has an equitable working environment where they can thrive.

Apply

To apply, send an email to Tyler Deren with the following:

• Your resume
• Writing samples that show a writing style matching what we are looking for

Fun Stuff