Narrative Writer Job at Uncommon Games in San Francisco

Direct message the job poster from Uncommon Games

We are looking for a Narrative Writer to collaborate with our small but growing team. Your high‑level responsibility will be to assist with narrative design and write content including, but not limited to character dialog, interactions and lore writing. You will be working directly with our Creative Director to write drafts, edits and final copy based on overall direction and gameplay features.

This role is remote, contract position.

What We’re Building

Animalkind takes place on a quaint, cozy island that has friendly vibes combined with quirky and humorous animal characters. It’s an open‑world town‑building game where you play as an intelligent, aww‑dorable animal who discovers an ancient mech built out of a mysterious, ancient technology. After befriending NPC companions, you use the mech to establish a town together. You'll explore wilderness areas, discover secrets and recruit new villagers. Through the power of the mech’s technology, you’ll collect resources, craft, cook, and indulge in mini games such as fishing. Animalkind can be played cooperatively with up to 3 friends.

The game is aiming for a cozy, friendly and humorous vibe with a hint of mystery and intrigue that is explored through the ancient mech technology and the various environmental destinations in the game.

About Uncommon Games

Uncommon Games is a venture‑backed studio founded by passionate industry veterans. We have extensive experience developing games that have been played by millions of players around the world.

We strive to cultivate an inspiring and supportive work environment.

Responsibilities

The main responsibility for this role is to write narrative content for the characters and story elements of the game.

Other important responsibilities include:

• Develop high‑level outlines based on gameplay and creative requirements.
• Incorporate creative direction from designers/directors and iterate based on feedback.
• Align your work with existing content, brand guidelines, and other content goals.
• Brainstorm ideas with other creatives to develop and refine concepts.

Requirements / Qualifications

The main qualification for this role is extensive experience writing narrative content, particularly projects similar to ours.

Other important qualifications include:

• Professional writing experience in similar projects.
• Strong copywriting skills and a deep reserve of creative energy.
• Experience with joke writing and humorous content.
• Experience working with other creatives to brainstorm, develop and refine ideas.
• Experience with narrative writing tools for game engines (we used Yarn Spinner).
• Experience with writing for branching narrative.

Additional Consideration

You’ll be an exceptional fit for this role if you are excited about the role, meet the above qualifications, and also really enjoy games.

Other factors that are valued for this role but are not required include:

• Basic familiarity with game engines (i.e. Unity).
• Experience with narrative design.
• Experience in various stages of the game development lifecycle including prototyping, to pre‑production, to production, to live operations.
• Experience developing games with creative, sandbox, open world, or cross platform aspects.
• Enjoy playing cooperative, multiplayer games.

Application Process

Please email hiring-creative+linkedin@uncommon.gg with the subject line “Narrative Writer” with your resume / LinkedIn profile and a link to any writing samples you may have.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industries

• Computer Games