How to Become a Narrative Designer: Step-by-Step Guide

What Does a Narrative Designer Do?

A narrative designer builds the story world you experience in video games , through missions, character choices, dialogue, and gameplay. Unlike a game writer who mainly writes scripts, a narrative designer plans how each story moment connects to game mechanics. You’ll feel their work in how a quest is structured, how a character changes, and how the game world reacts to your actions.

Narrative Designers develop plots and subplots, write dialogue, build lore, and collaborate closely with game designers, artists, programmers, and sound teams.

Skills You’ll Need as a Narrative designer

Core Skills

• Strong writing and storytelling
• Knowledge of video game mechanics and design
• Understanding of production pipelines and workflows
• Fluency in English (many tools and teams use it as a standard language)

Personal Traits

• Creative thinking
• Detail-focused and organized
• Self-motivated but collaborative
• Curious about art, books, and culture

How to Become a Narrative Designer

1. Choose the Right High School Subjects

A strong foundation during your high school years can be beneficial:

• Foreign Languages, Literature, and Cultures (LLCER): Enhances linguistic skills and cultural awareness.

• Humanities, Literature, and Philosophy (HLP): Develops critical thinking and storytelling abilities.

• Digital and Computer Science (NSI): Provides technical skills relevant to game development.

2. Pursue Specialized Training

While a specific degree isn’t mandatory, specialized education can provide a competitive edge:

• Video Game Schools: Institutions like ESMA offer programs tailored to the gaming industry.

• Bachelor’s Degree Programs: Focus on game design, creative writing, or related fields to acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge.

• BTS in Graphic Design or Visual Communication: Develops artistic and technical proficiencies.

These programs often provide hands-on experience, industry connections, and portfolio development opportunities.

3. Build a Compelling Portfolio

Demonstrating your skills through a well crafted portfolio is essential:

• Interactive Storytelling: Use tools like Twine or Ink to create branching narratives.

• Game Jams: Participate in events to collaborate on game projects.

• Reimagined Scenes: Rewrite existing game scenes to exhibit your unique storytelling approach.

4. Gain Practical Experience

• Collaborate on Indie Projects: Work with small teams to understand the dynamics of game development.

• Internships: Find opportunities in game studios to learn from professionals and understand industry workflows.

• Freelance Writing:  Join gaming blogs or websites to hone your writing skills and gain exposure.

Engaging in real world projects enhances your resume and provides insights into the industry’s expectations.

5. Network Within the Industry

Building connections can open doors:

• Online Communities: Join forums, Discord servers, and social media groups dedicated to game development.

• Conferences and Workshops: Attend events like the Game Developers Conference (GDC) to learn and network.

• Mentorship: ask for guidance from experienced narrative designers to gain insights and advice.

6. Familiarize Yourself with Essential Tools

• Writing and Narrative Design:

  • Articy Draft: For structuring complex narratives.

  • Twine: Ideal for creating interactive, non-linear stories.

  • Ink: A scripting language for writing interactive fiction.

• Visual and Design Tools:

  • Figma and Adobe Suite: For visual creation and design.

  • Blender and Maya: For 3D modeling and animation.

• Project Management and Collaboration:

  • Notion, Trello, and Miro: For organizing tasks and brainstorming.

Some studios also utilize proprietary tools, such as Ubisoft’s Oasis, for scenario and dialogue design.

What is the salary of a narrative designer?

Narrative designer salaries vary depending on experience, location, and studio size. Here’s a breakdown by region:

United States

• Entry-Level: Approximately $65,000 to $75,000 annually.

• Mid-Level: Around $80,000 to $92,000 per year.

• Senior-Level: Up to $120,000 annually.

• Hourly Rate: Approximately $39.98 per hour. 

Canada

• Average Salary: Approximately $67,133 per year.

• Lead Narrative Designer: Around $95,988 annually. 

Europe

• Germany: Approximately €2,667 per month.

• United Kingdom: Salaries vary, but positions often offer competitive rates.

• Other Countries: Salaries differ across Europe; it’s advisable to research specific countries for accurate figures.

Career opportunities

There are many opportunities for career advancement.

They can become:

• Specialized screenwriter: In specific fields such as sound, image, video, or particular universes.
• Screenwriter-producer: Combining creativity and project management.
• Video producer or project manager: Supervising the production of games or video content.
• Careers in film or television production: Using their narrative skills in other media.

Sectors and companies that recruit

Narrative designers can work in a variety of sectors and companies, including:

• Video game companies: World-renowned studios.
• Independent studios: For more creative and innovative projects.
• Freelance: Offering their services to different clients.

Their skills are also sought after in the fields of 3D creation and animation, digital art, animated films, and game design in general.

Which school should you choose to become a narrative designer?

Several schools now offer training in video game design, including ESMA, which offers a practice-based learning program. Students work alongside industry professionals in an environment that emphasizes real-world projects and connections with the video game industry.

Among the key roles, the Narrative Designer occupies a unique position offering numerous opportunities in the video game industry and, of course, beyond. At the crossroads of technology and creativity, they design the stories, dialogues, and narrative mechanics that bring a universe to life.