Senior Technical Narrative Designer

OUR STUDIO

At Housemarque, we believe gameplay always comes first. With technical excellence and compelling narrative, spiced with our trademark neon flair and top-notch audiovisual feedback, we want our players to always feel actively engaged with the worlds we have created for them.

Our latest Award-Winning game Returnal, released on PS5 in 2021, embraces all these qualities. THIS is our DNA!

We value Nordic work-life balance by growing sustainably and ensuring our employees have the time and means to develop personally and professionally during work time.

We were established in 1995 with strong roots in the Finnish demoscene. In June 2021 we joined the PlayStation Studios, after years of partnership.

If you wish to join us for our next journey, apply today!"

We are looking for a Senior Technical Narrative Designer for our next big game!

THE JOB

As the Senior Technical Narrative Designer in the talented Narrative team behind RETURNAL, you will take ownership of narrative systems and features, working closely with Designers, Programmers, Artists, and external partners. Your role is to shape and implement key narrative elements, while ensuring they seamlessly integrate with the game’s broader design and technical aspects.

You will collaborate across departments (Art, VFX, Audio, etc.) to maintain cohesive narrative experiences and manage technical workflows with co-development teams. Additionally, you will support the team in troubleshooting and refining development pipelines, ensuring smooth and efficient processes throughout the project.

What will your day-to-day look like?

• Design, implement, and own narrative systems and features to create interesting narrative moments.

• Technically script cinematics, dialogue, and unique narrative features across the project.

• Develop narrative moments to a high level of quality with the Narrative team.

• Collaborate with other teams (Art, Design, VFX, Audio, etc) to combine all design elements for narrative experiences.

• Coordinate with co-dev and external partners in technical workflows.

• Support the team by assisting with technical setup and other issues when required.

• Maintain good work methods and development pipelines, from documentation to implementation and testing to iteration.

What will help you to be successful in this role?

• At least five years experience as a Technical Narrative Designer, Narrative Designer, or Level Designer with shipped games.

• Expertise in technical scripting for Unreal Engine or other game engines.

• Professional knowledge of workflows for the creation of in-game narrative moments.

• Experience in technical game development with co-dev and external partners.

• Interest and ideas for gameplay-first narrative features and systems. 

• Excellent communication and time management skills.

• Fluent spoken and written English.

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Helsinki, Finland. We will start interviewing promising candidates immediately so please apply as soon as possible.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Housemarque is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to a culture of inclusion and mutual respect for all employees from every walk of life, reflecting the community we make games for. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race and ethnicity, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity.