Technical Narrative Designer

About Dambuster Studios

Originally founded in 1999 as Free Radical Design our ambition and passion comes through as strongly now as when we first began. We are always seeking individuals who can emulate our values - passion, quality, and teamwork - which are embodied in our diverse and inclusive culture.

Even if you’re not sure that you meet all the criteria for a role, don’t be put off from applying - we want to hear from you. Our only requirement is that you work from the UK, and if you’re not here right now we can discuss relocation and sponsorship for some of our positions (if the role is eligible, it’s outlined in the advert below). Our studio is in Nottingham city centre and many of our roles can be offered on a hybrid or fully remote working basis – each role is different, so please refer to the advert below for further information. Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment.

Technical Narrative Designer

Dambuster Studios - creators of the TimeSplitters series alongside Second Sight, Haze, Homefront: The Revolution, and the number one BAFTA nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 - has an exciting opportunity for a Technical Narrative Designer to join our highly talented Technical Design team.

The Technical Narrative Designer is Tech Design’s narrative expert, working closing with Narrative Designers, Level Designers and Coders to implement key story-telling beats, create re-usable narrative setups in blueprint and shape the technical architecture of the game’s narrative delivery systems.

What we can offer you

• Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly

• Work style – fully studio based or hybrid

• Holiday allowance that increases with service (to a maximum of 30 days plus statutory public holidays)

• Annual pay reviews

• Company pension contribution that increases with service

• Company enhanced full pay for maternity leave for the first 26 weeks (to qualifying expectant mothers)

• Clear career progression within Dambuster Studios

• Studio funded learning and development opportunities

• Modern game development environment with the latest technologies

• Vibrant, modern city centre location with good transport links

• Fully subsidised gym membership with Virgin gym (Nottingham)

• Annual Christmas party and Summer Family BBQ

• Quarterly company funded cross-team events

• Free financial advice

• Employee referral bonus scheme

• Cycle to work scheme

• Weekly office treats, including breakfast on Monday and pastries on Friday

Responsibilities

• Delivering high-quality blueprint implementations and level scripting setups in Unreal Engine that allow the Narrative Design team to deliver a great storytelling experience.

• Collaborating with other creative departments to understand their narrative goals and translating those into robust technical solutions.

• Adding and scripting NPCs in hub scenarios and managing the changing state of the hub as the game progresses.

• Debugging narrative setups in levels and blueprint.

• Establishing structures and hierarchies for narrative content and data within proprietary tools.

• Creating and maintaining documentation for owned features

• Building test maps to demonstrate feature usage whilst providing test-beds for features.

• Ensuring all narrative implementations allow the creative vision for the game to be realised, whilst also adhering to the studio technical guidelines.

• Reacting to technical problems and workflow inefficiencies to keep the team moving.

• Contributing to and maintaining the Narrative Design and Technical Design team’s best practices

Requirements

(Ideal)

• Knowledge of at least one scripting language, preferably visual (e.g. Blueprint).

• Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong problem-solving skills.

• Ability to adapt communication styles for both technical and non-technical team members.

• Experience or demonstrable-interest in game narrative, world-building and story-telling.

• Good technical understanding of how underlying systems and mechanics fit together to make a game.

• An eye for detail to drive the quality of game features to the highest standard.

(Desirable)

• Game development experience a Technical Design role (e.g. Technical Narrative Design, Technical Level Design).

• At least 1+ shipped AAA title.

• Experience with Unreal Engine (or similar game engine).

• Experience setting up and scripting NPCs in hub scenarios.

• Some knowledge of C++ and it’s principles.

• Experience buddy-checking other people’s work and providing constructive feedback

Equal Opportunities Statement

Dambuster Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone considering their next step in their career journey with Dambuster will receive consideration without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity or paternity, or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to apply.

We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for those who require reasonable adjustments. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or onboarding process, or if you are successful in securing a position with us, please let us know what we can do to ensure your success.