Technical Narrative Specialist

This role involves taking technical ownership of systems and pipelines for integrating, iterating, and delivering all narrative and cinematic experiences in the game. Responsibilities include implementing complex quest structures, branching dialogues, VO triggers, and interactive narrative elements using scripting systems. The specialist will build and maintain robust narrative and quest systems that interact seamlessly with gameplay mechanics, animation, audio, VFX, and AI, collaborating with other departments to ensure technical implementation supports the narrative vision.

Must Have

• Take ownership of narrative-driven systems and features implementation, iteration, debugging, and final delivery.
• Implement complex quest structures, branching dialogues, VO triggers, and interactive narrative elements using scripting systems.
• Build and maintain robust narrative and quest systems that interact seamlessly with gameplay mechanics, animation, audio, VFX, and AI.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure the technical implementation supports the narrative vision.
• Work closely with engineering teams to determine what should be data-driven versus code-implemented.
• Own the technical integration of VO, cinematics, and other storytelling assets into the game.
• Conduct playtests and reviews to evaluate narrative features and provide actionable feedback for improvement.
• Proactively identify and resolve workflow and implementation issues across departments.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for tools, systems, and processes.
• Deep technical expertise especially scripting and animation systems.
• Proven experience in implementing complex narrative systems within a game engine.
• Solid understanding of branching narrative structures, pacing, dialogue systems, and player choice consequences.
• Experience working with VO, cinematics, and narrative pipelines.
• Strong knowledge of game design and storytelling fundamentals.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across disciplines (e.g., narrative, gameplay, animation, audio, code).
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills; able to triage technical issues and implement efficient solutions.
• Highly organized and self-motivated; able to work independently and manage large-scale features or systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Passion for storytelling in interactive mediums.

Good to Have

• Knowledge of C++, C#, LUA or Python is a plus.
• Experience with cinematic tools and timeline editors (e.g., Sequencer, Maya etc).

Perks & Benefits

• Benefit package 100% paid by PCF. Insurance company reimburses 100% of claims (Up to $1000 per service a year, as well as individual family coverage).
• Full Dental coverage, including major dental and orthodontics.
• 4% RRSP matching before tax deductions, 100% vested on day 1.
• Paid week off during Winter Holidays.
• 20 paid vacation days and 5 paid sick days.
• Free virtual health and mental wellbeing sessions included in the plan for members and their dependents.
• Personal development opportunities and ability to work in a global environment.
• Work in a creative team with people full of passion for what they do.

Company Description

People Can Fly is one of the leading independent AAA game development studios. Our international team consists of hundreds of talented individuals working from offices in Poland, the UK, Ireland, the US, and Canada, as well as remotely across the globe.

Founded in 2002, we made our mark on the shooter genre with titles such as Painkiller, Bulletstorm, Gears of War: Judgment, and Outriders. As one of the most experienced Unreal Engine studios in the industry, we continue to expand our expertise and push the boundaries of what’s possible in game development.

Our creative teams are currently working on several exciting titles developed in collaboration with leading publishers, as well as original projects under our self-publishing model. We are also exploring new platforms and experiences, including VR and other unannounced projects.

With over 20 years of experience, People Can Fly continues to explore new horizons. We aim to combine our expertise with the creativity of the best and most forward-thinking talent in the industry, building the next generation of action games for players worldwide.

Job Description

Main Goal of the Role To take technical ownership of the systems and pipelines required to successfully integrate, iterate on, and deliver all narrative and cinematic experiences within the game.

Duties

• Take ownership of narrative-driven systems and features implementation, iteration, debugging, and final delivery.
• Implement complex quest structures, branching dialogues, VO triggers, and interactive narrative elements using scripting systems.
• Build and maintain robust narrative and quest systems that interact seamlessly with gameplay mechanics, animation, audio, VFX, and AI.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure the technical implementation supports the narrative vision.
• Work closely with engineering teams to determine what should be data-driven versus code-implemented.
• Own the technical integration of VO, cinematics, and other storytelling assets into the game.
• Conduct playtests and reviews to evaluate narrative features and provide actionable feedback for improvement.
• Proactively identify and resolve workflow and implementation issues across departments.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for tools, systems, and processes.
• Participate in recruitment activities and skill assessments when needed.

Collaboration within the studio: Production, Art, Environment Art, Meshers, Programmers, Design (Game/Combat/Tech), QA, HR

Qualifications

Experience

• 6+ years of professional experience in game design, quest design, or technical/narrative design.
• At least one shipped AAA title.

Must-have Qualifications

• Deep technical expertise especially scripting and animation systems.
• Proven experience in implementing complex narrative systems within a game engine.
• Solid understanding of branching narrative structures, pacing, dialogue systems, and player choice consequences.
• Experience working with VO, cinematics, and narrative pipelines.
• Strong knowledge of game design and storytelling fundamentals.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across disciplines (e.g., narrative, gameplay, animation, audio, code).
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills; able to triage technical issues and implement efficient solutions.
• Highly organized and self-motivated; able to work independently and manage large-scale features or systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Passion for storytelling in interactive mediums.

Nice-to-have Qualifications

• Knowledge of C++, C#, LUA or Python is a plus.
• Experience with cinematic tools and timeline editors (e.g., Sequencer, Maya etc)

Additional Information

• Benefit package 100% paid by PCF. Insurance company reimburses 100% of claims (Up to $1000 per service a year, as well as individual family coverage).
• Full Dental coverage, including major dental and orthodontics.
• 4% RRSP matching before tax deductions, 100% vested on day 1.
• Paid week off during Winter Holidays.
• 20 paid vacation days and 5 paid sick days.
• Free virtual health and mental wellbeing sessions included in the plan for members and their dependents.
• Personal development opportunities and ability to work in a global environment.
• Work in a creative team with people full of passion for what they do.