Senior Narrative Systems Designer

1 Month ago • 5 Years + • Game Story Writing/Narrative Design • $112,000 PA - $161,000 PA

Job Summary

Job Description

Sanzaru Games seeks a Senior Narrative Systems Designer to conceptualize and implement narrative content in Unreal Engine 5. Responsibilities include designing game-wide features, working with AI, combat mechanics, boss encounters, and narrative systems. The role involves collaboration with art and engineering teams, level scripting (UE5 Blueprint), and developing global gameplay mechanics. The designer will create and maintain technical documentation, prototype features, and gather balance feedback to optimize player experience. This position requires 5+ years of game design experience, a strong portfolio showcasing narrative design work, and proficiency in tools like Unreal Engine 5, Maya, and Excel. Experience with combat mechanics and VR is preferred.
Must have:
  • 5+ years game design experience
  • Narrative design portfolio
  • Unreal Engine 5 experience
  • Collaboration skills
  • Technical documentation
  • System design problem-solving
Good to have:
  • Combat & character mechanics knowledge
  • C++, Blueprint, or XML scripting
  • VR experience
  • Maya proficiency
Perks:
  • Bonus
  • Equity
  • Benefits

Job Details

Sanzaru Games is seeking an experienced Narrative Systems Designer to join our team. In this role, you'll craft immersive game-wide features, transforming abstract ideas into detailed rules and models that drive the player experience. Your work will span AI, combat mechanics, boss encounters, and narrative systems, all designed to create unforgettable gaming experiences. Narrative Systems Designers play a vital role in our game development process, working hand-in-hand with art and engineering teams to craft immersive experiences that blend engaging narrative moments with polished gameplay mechanics. By balancing vision with technical knowledge, our Narrative Designers ensure that every aspect of the game contributes to a seamless and captivating player journey. Our narrative designers are the technical storytelling core within a Studio that crafts world class Cinematic, Narrative and Questing systems. You will be expected to work on a variety of features throughout production, be it Cinematics, Audio & VO, Questing or any other feature that is story driven.

Senior Narrative Systems Designer - Sanzaru Game Studio Responsibilities

  • Conceptualize and drive designs from paper to final system architecture

  • Under the direction of the Narrative Lead, implement narrative content using Unreal Engine 5

  • Partner and collaborate with Level Designers and other stakeholders to stand up Quests and Objectives

  • Level scripting and setup using script-based languages like UE5 Blueprint

  • Collaborate with Gameplay Engineers on developing global gameplay mechanics

  • Work within the design team to support global and level specific systems needs

  • Create and maintain technical documentation related to narrative tools within the studio and with development partners

  • Employ rapid prototypes, implement and present regular onscreen deliverables of all systems

  • Evaluate features needed to improve and streamline implementation of gameplay systems

  • Gather and act on game balance feedback with the aim of creating the best experience for all players

Minimum Qualifications

  • 5+ years of design experience in games industry

  • Portfolio or work samples showcasing Narrative Design work

  • Experience identifying system design issues and creating solutions

  • Intermediate knowledge of Maya or another major 3D modeling program

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or other demonstrable skill at organizing large datasets

  • Experience communicating with cross-functional team members

  • Gamer and daily gaming enthusiast

  • Experience shifting focus as needed and changing priorities

  • Familiarity working in VR

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with combat and character mechanics and knowledge of game animation and game feel

  • Working knowledge of C++, Blueprint or XML scripting

  • VR enthusiast following gaming trends within the Virtual Reality space

For those who live in or expect to work from California if hired for this position, please click here for additional information.

About Meta

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.

$112,000/year to $161,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here.

Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, fill out the Accommodations request form.

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About The Company

The Oculus team at Facebook lets people experience anything, anywhere, with anyone through world-class VR hardware and software. With global departments dedicated to VR research, computer vision, haptics, social interaction, and more, Oculus is committed to driving the state of the art forward through relentless innovation. 

The Oculus suite of hardware currently includes: Rift, our high-end PC VR headset; Touch controllers, to bring your hands into virtual reality; and Gear VR, to bring the magic with you wherever you are—all powered by the Oculus Platform. Since being founded in 2012—and furthered through our acquisition by Facebook in 2014—Oculus has grown from the idea of a single headset to multiple headsets, a powerful platform, and a thriving ecosystem. 

Our developer community has built nearly a thousand games, apps, and experiences, all available on the Oculus Store. As we continue to grow the possibilities of the technology, we’re partnering with communities and nonprofits from around the world to drive social change and foster a positive impact. VR’s potential to connect the world is immense—and we’re just getting started.

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