Senior Writer II

We are creators of the hit survival-fantasy franchise State of Decay with a fan base of over 10 million players. As an independent member of Xbox Game Studios, we collaborate with a huge network of skilled specialists in all disciplines, providing incredible opportunities for joint development and learning.

Please note: This position is based in Seattle, WA and follows a hybrid work model, with a mix of in-studio and remote days each week.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Writer II to help us bring the apocalypse to life in the next generation of the State of Decay franchise.

At Undead Labs, we work in highly collaborative, cross-disciplined teams because we understand that the best ideas are ones we generate together. We are humble and curious in our work and are always striving to make things better - for our players, for each other, and for our industry. Everyone here is committed to helping the team thrive, enabling us to rise to the moment to build incredible games.

The Senior Writer will work closely with the content team and writing team to craft State of Decay 3’s story in alignment with our franchise creative vision. This will involve building character bios, writing and editing dialogue and in-game text, combat and non-combat banter, scene writing, and using systemic methodologies to support the story mechanics we're building for the game. 

We welcome writers from all backgrounds and identities. If you’re passionate about systemic games and want to help shape a world players can truly inhabit—we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the design teams to support immersive gameplay that fits seamlessly within the State of Decay universe.
• Collaborate with the content team to support systemic missions and events with nonlinear storytelling
• Ensure the tone and themes of the title are reflected in our VO, in-world text, and item descriptions
• Drive the writing process and ensure we meet the deadlines of our recording schedule. 
• Own the creation and tracking of scripts for VO recording sessions. 
• Help define tools, resources, processes, and workflows for the writing team
• Edit the work of internal and contract writers, ensuring quality, consistency, and adherence to writing guidelines.

Basic Qualifications:

• IMPORTANT NOTE: Please submit a 1-page (maximum) writing sample that shows off mission dialogue. We’re looking for examples of brief, but impactful dialogue that gives flavor to the mission, without being overly verbose.
• Deep understanding of open-world, non-linear narrative design and storytelling methods that support player freedom and agency
• Ability to write, edit, and review dialogue and text to ensure a consistent voice and achieve the style and quality as defined by the Creative Director. 
• Have a working knowledge of voice over and script writing software for writing implementation.
• Experience with dialogue implementation in game engines such as Unreal or Unity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading, managing and coordinating the efforts and deliveries of a game writing team 
• Experience with the VO recording process and workflow

Benefits & Perks

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Undead Labs and the state in which you work.

• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance
• Self-managed PTO and studio holiday closure in December
• 401k plan with 50% matching
• Subsidized transportation to and from work
• Professional growth resources
• Discounts on the Microsoft Games store

The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $160,000 - $180,000 per year.

The range above reflects the potential base pay across the U.S. for this role (except as noted below); the applicable base range will depend on various factors, such as complexity and responsibility of the role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Base pay ranges are reviewed and typically updated each year. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.

At Undead Labs, certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases and an annual bonus. These awards are allocated based on individual performance. Benefits/perks listed here may vary depending on the nature of employment with Undead Labs.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Close vision to monitors and screens, consistently working on computer equipment such as keyboards and monitors, long periods of sitting.
• Noise levels are low to moderate in the work environment.

Undead Labs is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.