Lead Narrative Designer

Company Description

To create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs which go straight to the hearts of gamers — this is our mission. Want to dive deeper into our company’s culture? Explore our social media and check out our YouTube channel and Beyond the Game Blog where we share behind-the-scenes insights and stories direct from our team members!

Job Description

CD PROJEKT RED is seeking a highly skilled and visionary Lead Narrative Designer to join our team in Boston, working on Project Sirius, a multiplayer game set within the world of The Witcher. In this role, you will be responsible for designing narrative systems to deliver a player-driven story experience for a brand new adventure set in The Witcher universe. As a lead, you’ll balance creative design work with team management and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate will have extensive narrative design experience and a proven ability to guide teams toward exceptional results.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Game Director, Narrative Director and Mission Director and Lead Writer.
• Design and develop narrative systems that support player expression and emergent storytelling in a multiplayer environment.
• Prototype narrative mechanics and work closely with engineers to bring systems to life.
• Build and maintain comprehensive design documentation.
• Lead, guide and support a team of dedicated and experienced narrative designers.
• Collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure seamless integration between narrative systems, mission content and core game mechanics.
• Iterate on narrative systems and mechanics by running playtests, evaluating feedback and reviewing relevant data.
• Maintain the vision and tone of The Witcher IP.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience as a Lead Narrative Designer or similar role on a AAA project.
• Experience working with branching narrative systems and player choice mechanics.
• Knowledge of game design principles and an understanding of how narrative elements integrate with gameplay mechanics.
• Ability to lead and manage a team, providing guidance, feedback, and support.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Nice to Have

(Please note these skills are not required to apply for the position)

• Professional experience with Unreal Engine.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, English, Creative Writing, or a related field.
• Experience with narrative design on a multiplayer title.

Please provide any examples of narrative design features or systems that you have contributed to - whether as a brief description or a link to shipped work. Feel free to include any writing samples reflective of larger narrative features, such as branching dialogue, barks, etc.

Please include your samples as an extension of your resume or ensure a link to your work is listed on your application.

Additional Information

Working mode

• Office-First: working primarily from the Warsaw office. Our team works primarily from our Warsaw office, so we give priority to candidates who are open to relocating to Poland.
• For selected roles, remote work from within Europe may be considered.

Relocation Support

• Relocation package – flight ticket, company apartment for your first month, relocating your pet, shipping your belongings — it’s all covered.
• Relocation assistance — processing your legalization operations for you, assistance with finding residence, tax settlements — all you need to feel right at home is taken care of.
• Polish lessons for foreign employees — and for your spouse or partner, too.

Health & Well-Being

• Life insurance — comprehensive pension and insurance plans to protect you and your loved ones.
• Annual budget for medical expenses (for those working outside Poland).
• Psychological and psychiatrist care — free mental health support and various well-being webinars.
• Paid Leave — from 20 to 26 days of holiday for every team member per year, and paid sick leave.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement.
• Menstrual Leave — employees who menstruate can take one extra day off each month when experiencing period pain.
• RED Parents Network — support for working parents, including childcare benefits, and family-friendly events.

Perks & Professional Growth

• Flexible working hours — start your workday anytime between 8 and 10 AM (CET).
• REDs have access to the cafeteria platform through which they can receive vouchers and codes to shops, cinemas, and public transport reimbursement.
• Training, lectures and courses — internal workshops, external training for each employee, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes are all available. There’s always something to learn!
• Gifts for newborn rebels and regular chances to nab some cool swag!

Social Activities & Life in the Office

• Dog-friendly office — bring your pooch with you and look after them while working! There’s always a furry friend or two to meet at the studio.
• Social events — we host regular gatherings at the studio where we can all unwind, play games, and just have some fun together.
• Healthy selections — ​​our canteens offer a range of healthy meals.
• Truly international working environment — a chance to meet and work with a diverse selection of people from all around the world.
• Sustainability is an ongoing commitment for us, and our campus has electric car charging points, green zones, and much more. Read all about it on our Beyond the Game Blog.
• A designated space for your bicycle, as well as bicycle repair equipment and showers available whenever you need them.
• An onsite, well-equipped gym with a climbing wall, daily Gym Assistant support, and yoga and boxing classes.
• No dress-code — we like to keep it casual.