Lead Narrative Designer

Lead Narrative Designer

About Snail Games USA

Snail Games USA is a global developer and publisher of digital entertainment, specializing in online games and interactive experiences. Founded in 2009, Snail Games has released a wide range of titles across PC and console platforms and continues to expand its portfolio through original IP development and strategic partnerships.

About the Role

We are seeking a Lead Narrative Designer to own narrative execution for a large, in-development game. This role is responsible for organizing narrative work, defining and implementing narrative systems, and ensuring story content is fully integrated into the game.

The Lead Narrative Designer will be accountable for turning high-level story direction into structured, shippable narrative content. This includes managing writing resources across the US and China, coordinating with cinematic production, and ensuring narrative work aligns with gameplay, systems, and production schedules.

This is a hands-on leadership role with a strong emphasis on planning, coordination, and delivery.

Job Type

Full-Time

Location

Remote / Hybrid (Los Angeles area preferred, may be meetings in the LA area 1-2 times a month).

Responsibilities

• Own narrative execution from planning through implementation

• Define and document narrative structure, story arcs, and key story beats

• Design and maintain narrative systems that support gameplay and progression

• Ensure narrative content is implemented in-game and playable, not just written

• Write and review dialog, story content, and narrative assets as needed

• Manage and coordinate narrative designers and writers in the US and China

• Work closely with design, engineering, and art to integrate narrative systems and content

• Coordinate narrative requirements for cinematics, including scope, structure, and content needs

• Review narrative progress against milestones and adjust plans to maintain delivery

• Ensure narrative scope remains aligned with production realities and schedules

Minimum Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in narrative design or game writing

• Prior experience leading or owning narrative delivery on a shipped game

• Strong understanding of narrative systems and how story integrates with gameplay

• Experience managing or coordinating the work of other writers or narrative designers

• Ability to organize complex narrative work into clear plans and deliverables

• Experience working cross-functionally with design, engineering, and art teams

Nice to Have

• Experience working on single-player, narrative-driven games

• Experience coordinating cinematic or cutscene production

• Familiarity with distributed or international development teams

• Mandarin language proficiency

Salary Range

$110,000 – $145,000 Annually

Why Join the Snail Games USA Team?

• Focus on delivering meaningful, complete game experiences

• Collaborative environment with experienced cross-disciplinary teams

• Paid company holidays, vacation, and separate sick leave

• Medical, dental, vision, and Life/LTD

• 401k with company match