Narrative Designer

About the Role

Rebellion is seeking an experienced Narrative Designer to join a busy, evolving game development environment working on several new titles in production. This opportunity sits within a studio that also spans film, board games, publishing, and comics, and it offers the chance to contribute to the team behind the BAFTA-winning Atomfall.

The position centers on quest and objective design, with hands-on implementation of narrative systems inside the company’s proprietary engine. The narrative group works across a wide range of settings and genres, from historical World War II themes to far-future worlds, so the work is varied and fast-paced.

This role can be based at the Oxford or Warwick studio. Relocation support is available and may include help with moving, temporary accommodation, and broader transition support. The company prefers in-studio collaboration but is open to discussing hybrid working arrangements depending on individual circumstances.

Responsibilities

• Own narrative-led systems and ensure they are set up and implemented according to the project scope and design goals.
• Work with other design disciplines to define all narrative content in the game.
• Use established production methods, pipelines, and workflows with minimal direction.
• Build and integrate narrative and dialogue content using suitable tools, including internal tools, with moderate supervision.
• Create detailed narrative design documents both independently and in collaboration with other teams, guided by the project’s creative vision.
• Partner with level design to structure and place quests within levels.
• Work with systems design to support gameplay mechanics, objectives, and quests that fit the game structure.
• Coordinate with UI to ensure quest information is clearly communicated to players.
• Enter dialogue into the dialogue system, including handling localized text.
• Work with audio teams to prepare casting documents, format recording scripts, and support recording sessions with narrative context when needed.
• Help with scheduling, task tracking, and gathering estimates from downstream departments for narrative work.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on dialogue tools and gameplay mechanics, including iteration and refinement.
• Playtest regularly, review your own work against the intended tone and direction, and raise issues with the relevant stakeholders.
• Support the Lead Narrative Designer with ad hoc tasks as needed.

Requirements

• Strong expertise in writing narrative design documents and technical specifications.
• Ability and willingness to produce high-quality work using the tools and processes required.
• Deep understanding of the video game development process.
• Strong knowledge of production pipelines and workflows.

Benefits

• 22 days of annual leave plus the Christmas shutdown period, usually around 4 days, and bank holidays; leave increases with service after 5 years, rising by one day per year until it reaches 31 days.
• Private medical cover, a healthcare cash plan, and dental and vision support.
• Life assurance, income protection, and critical illness cover.
• Enhanced family leave.
• Interest-free, tax-free loans.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Employee assistance support, including mental health and wellbeing resources.
• Additional perks such as discounts, freebies, and social events.

Eligibility and Work Authorization

This position is limited to candidates who already hold permanent permission to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future, so applicants must be able to prove ongoing right to work without employer sponsorship.

Work Environment

The Oxford headquarters is located by the river, a short walk from the city center. The area offers strong transport connections, including a nearby train station with regular service to London and direct links to Birmingham, Manchester, and Reading. Free parking is also available.

The office is open plan and designed to encourage collaboration, with frequent interaction across teams and leadership. Onsite amenities include free hot drinks, an in-office tuck shop, and nearby pubs, cafes, and restaurants.

About the Company Culture

Rebellion describes itself as a large independent studio with creative freedom across multiple platforms. The company emphasizes a friendly, inventive, and relaxed atmosphere, along with a healthy work-life balance, inclusive hiring, and support for physical and mental wellbeing. It values diversity across culture, gender, ethnicity, neurodiversity, and beyond, and welcomes speculative interest for other roles as well.