When applying for a role as a game narrative designer, your resume is the first chance you get to impress potential employers. A resume tailored to this creative yet technical position should highlight both your storytelling abilities and your understanding of game development processes. In this article, we will walk you through how to build a standout resume and provide an example to help guide your own application.
As a game narrative designer, your resume must show that you are both creative and technically skilled. Here are the key sections to include:
Start with your basic contact information at the top of your resume. This includes your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile or online portfolio if applicable. For a narrative designer, linking to an online portfolio or personal website showcasing previous projects can greatly strengthen your application.
Your professional summary is where you give a brief, punchy overview of your experience and expertise. Focus on your storytelling abilities, knowledge of game development, and any relevant projects or games you’ve worked on. Keep it concise but compelling, aiming to grab the employer’s attention right away.
List specific skills that are relevant to game narrative design. These might include:
In this section, you’ll want to detail your past work experience. Be sure to focus on roles where you crafted game narratives or contributed to storylines, even if your title wasn’t explicitly “narrative designer.” Show how you collaborated with other teams to create immersive worlds and compelling stories. For example:
Game Narrative Designer
XYZ Game Studio | March 2022 – Present
– Wrote and developed character arcs, dialogues, and plotlines for a fantasy RPG game.
– Collaborated with world-building artists to integrate narrative into environmental design.
– Conducted playtests and story revisions based on user feedback.
Provide measurable outcomes, such as increasing player engagement or improving storytelling in a game, if possible.
List any degrees, certificates, or relevant coursework that demonstrate your qualifications for the role. While a degree in English, Creative Writing, or Game Design is common, showcasing specialized courses in narrative design or interactive storytelling can also make a significant difference.
If applicable, consider adding sections like:
Here’s an example of what a resume might look like for someone applying for a game narrative designer position:
Jane Doe
1234 Creative St., New York, NY | (555) 123-4567 | janedoe@email.com
[LinkedIn Profile] | [Portfolio Link]
Experienced game narrative designer with over 5 years of experience creating rich, immersive stories for action RPGs and interactive experiences. Proficient in dialogue writing, character development, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the narrative is seamlessly integrated into the gameplay. Passionate about designing engaging narratives that resonate with players and elevate the overall gaming experience.
Senior Narrative Designer
XYZ Game Studio | June 2018 – Present
– Led narrative design for an open-world RPG, creating compelling storylines and developing engaging characters.
– Collaborated with designers and programmers to implement narrative elements into the game engine.
– Conducted multiple revisions of scripts and storylines to improve pacing and player engagement.
Junior Narrative Designer
ABC Games | January 2016 – May 2018
– Contributed to dialogue writing and quest design for an adventure game.
– Assisted in creating character backstories and world lore to support the overall game design.
Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing
University of California | 2015
View my portfolio at [Portfolio Link]
To truly shine in a competitive field like game narrative design, it’s important to not only highlight your storytelling skills but also to showcase your understanding of how narratives function within the context of gameplay. Be sure to demonstrate:
Employers are looking for game narrative designers who can think outside the box while keeping the player’s experience front and center. Don’t be afraid to show off your creativity and technical know-how!
Crafting a game narrative designer resume requires a perfect blend of creativity and technical know-how. By showcasing your ability to write compelling stories, your proficiency with industry-standard tools, and your experience working within teams, you can make your resume stand out. Remember to customize your resume for each job application, and use examples of your work to showcase your skills. With a well-crafted resume, you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream role as a game narrative designer.
Are you a Game Narrative Designer looking to level up your resume and land your dream job? Whether you’re new to the field or have years of experience, a strong resume is a key tool in your job search. In this article, we’ll explore how to create a standout game narrative designer resume, salary guides, interview prep, and professional development tips that can boost your career.
When considering a job as a Game Narrative Designer, knowing the salary range and how to negotiate is essential. Here’s a salary guide for top countries hiring for this role:
Country | Average Salary (USD) | Negotiation Tips |
---|---|---|
United States | $70,000 – $120,000 | Highlight your experience with storytelling tools and multi-platform content. Be ready to show a portfolio with varied narrative styles. |
Canada | $60,000 – $110,000 | Emphasize any experience working with Canadian studios or franchises. Consider remote opportunities to widen your options. |
United Kingdom | $50,000 – $100,000 | Research industry standards in the UK. Negotiating for additional vacation or flexible working hours can be advantageous in UK companies. |
Germany | $55,000 – $95,000 | Show expertise in interactive storytelling and German gaming trends. Demonstrating fluency in both English and German is a plus. |
Australia | $65,000 – $110,000 | Australia values collaboration skills and multicultural storytelling. Highlight your versatility in adapting narratives to diverse audiences. |
France | $50,000 – $90,000 | In France, showcasing an understanding of local culture and audience preferences will help your case during negotiations. |
Japan | $40,000 – $85,000 | Understanding Japanese gaming culture is essential. Be prepared to discuss previous projects that reflect the cultural nuances of Japanese games. |
South Korea | $45,000 – $80,000 | South Korea places a high value on innovation. Show how your narrative design can blend creative storytelling with cutting-edge technology. |
Mexico | $35,000 – $70,000 | Stress your adaptability to both local and international gaming projects. Fluent English is often a key factor in higher salaries. |
Brazil | $30,000 – $60,000 | Brazilian companies often prioritize creativity. Make sure your resume highlights unique or innovative narrative work that sets you apart. |
When preparing for an interview as a Game Narrative Designer, you’ll need to demonstrate both your creativity and technical skills. Below are some common questions and expert answers to help you shine during your interview:
Sample Answer: “I’m inspired by the way The Last of Us intertwines character development with environmental storytelling. The characters’ emotional arcs reflect the world they inhabit, creating an immersive narrative experience. I love working on stories that allow players to emotionally connect with the world and the characters.”
Sample Answer: “My process starts with understanding the core mechanics of the game and how they will impact the player’s narrative experience. From there, I brainstorm and write character backstories, focusing on motivation and how each decision impacts the plot. I also collaborate with the design and art teams to ensure the narrative fits within the game’s visual and interactive context.”
Sample Answer: “I approach revisions with an open mind, understanding that player feedback is essential for improving the experience. I analyze feedback objectively, prioritizing the impact on the emotional tone of the narrative. For example, if players feel disconnected from a character, I may deepen their backstory or alter dialogue to strengthen the emotional connection.”
Sample Answer: “Collaboration is key. I work closely with designers to make sure the gameplay mechanics align with the narrative. I also communicate with the development team to ensure the technology supports the story. Regular meetings and clear documentation help keep everyone on the same page.”
Sample Answer: “In one project, we struggled with creating a meaningful narrative in an open-world game. I worked with the team to implement smaller, personal stories within the larger world, giving players more emotional investment while preserving the freedom of exploration.”
As a Game Narrative Designer, continual learning is essential. Here are some tips and resources to help develop your skills and stay ahead in the industry:
Resource | Type | Skill Focus |
---|---|---|
Gamasutra | Website | Industry news, narrative design trends, and case studies |
Storytelling for Interactive Media (Udemy) | Online Course | Character development, plot structure, and dialogue writing |
Game Narrative Design (Coursera) | Online Course | Interactive storytelling, branching narratives, and narrative-driven game mechanics |
Writing for Video Games (Workshop) | Workshop | Dialogue writing, emotional storytelling, and narrative pacing |
Interactive Fiction Writing (Skillshare) | Online Course | Writing engaging interactive stories |
Game Narrative Designers play a vital role in shaping a game’s world, characters, and emotional impact. Let’s break down the features and benefits of this career:
We tested these features in our own experience, and the satisfaction of seeing your narrative unfold in a player’s journey is unmatched. On top of that, your technical skills—such as working with various game engines or writing dynamic dialogue—make you an integral part of the game’s development process.
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