Narrative Writer

About Deadhaus Sonata

Deadhaus Sonata is a narrative-driven action role-playing game set within the grimdark universe of Malorum. Players embody powerful undead beings, such as Vampires, Liches, and Revenants, navigating a world shaped by ancient cosmic forces, political intrigues, and an eternal war between the living and the dead. The game, directed by Denis Dyack—creator of Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen and Eternal Darkness—focuses on atmospheric storytelling, moral complexity, and immersive worlds featuring over 20 hours of professionally voiced narrative content.

Role Overview

We are seeking a skilled Narrative Writer to join our expanding team to develop characters, lore, and compelling stories that enrich the world of Malorum. The role involves close collaboration with the narrative team, game designers, and creative leadership to ensure all written content complements the game's atmosphere, gameplay, and overarching themes.

Key Responsibilities

• Create engaging and high-quality dialogue, combat lines, quest texts, codex entries, item descriptions, and environmental storytelling elements.
• Expand and maintain consistency within the established Deadhaus Sonata lore.
• Design memorable characters, factions, conflicts, and narrative arcs grounded in Malorum's dark mythology.
• Work alongside design and systems teams to seamlessly integrate narrative elements into gameplay mechanics.
• Revise and refine written content in response to team feedback, preserving the game's gothic and dark atmosphere.
• Support narrative branching, player-driven choices, and meaningful consequences within the story.
• Contribute creative ideas that expand the history, mythology, and future storylines of the Deadhaus universe.

Required Qualifications

• A lifelong dedication and passion for video games, with an appreciation for both classic and modern titles.
• An in-depth understanding of grimdark fantasy, including franchises like Warhammer, Berserk, Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Legacy of Kain.
• Strong knowledge of action RPG storytelling techniques, narrative structure, pacing, and player expectations.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities with professional proficiency in English.
• The ability to craft compelling dialogue, immersive worldbuilding, distinct characters, and narrative content that enhances gameplay experience.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate within a remote team environment.
• Receptiveness to feedback and capacity to iterate on narrative elements in a collaborative creative setting.

Preferred Attributes

• Previous published work in novels, short fiction, comics, games, or a related professional field.
• Experience contributing narrative content for released video games.
• Background in writing undead, horror, gothic or dark fantasy themes.
• Familiarity with mythology, occult traditions, tarot symbolism, or cosmic horror themes.
• Prior experience writing for narrative-driven action RPGs or soulslike games.
• Expertise in crafting branching dialogue and non-linear storytelling with player agency.
• Experience in voice-over scriptwriting and dialogue designed for performance.

Benefits and Offerings

• Opportunity to shape a unique, expanding dark fantasy universe.
• Chance to leave a lasting creative impact on an original intellectual property.
• Collaborate with a team led by industry veterans passionate about storytelling and worldbuilding.
• Competitive pay aligned with experience.
• Flexible and remote-friendly work arrangements.
• Play a central role in defining characters, factions, lore, and narratives within Malorum.

Application Process

Interested candidates should email their resume, cover letter outlining interest in Deadhaus Sonata and grimdark fantasy, writing samples (preferably game-related or dark fantasy fiction), and links to published works or contributed shipped titles. Selected applicants will progress through interviews and a written narrative assessment.

Eligibility

The position is open to candidates with relevant writing expertise and a passion for creating immersive dark fantasy storytelling experiences.