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

Lead Narrative Designer

Similar positions

Senior Narrative Designer

Lead Video Editor & Motion Designer

Publicist/Narrative Architect for Founder-Led Film Studio