Writer

This is a 12-month contract role.

Undead Labs is seeking a creative and talented Writer to join our narrative team to help develop rich, systems-driven, character-anchored stories for State of Decay 3. As a member of our narrative team, you’ll have the ability to seamlessly weave compelling narratives that involve a diverse range of characters, immersing our players in an expansive open-world experience.

At Undead Labs we work in highly collaborative, cross-discipline teams because we understand that the best ideas are ones we generate together. We’re humble and curious in our work while 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 and build amazing games.

This is a hybrid position with an expectation of working on-site in our Seattle office at least 3 days per week.

Candidates must provide 2 writing samples along with their resume and cover letter.

What you’ll do

• Write high volumes of character dialogue in a variety of contexts, capturing distinct voices and bringing depth and authenticity to our roster of characters.
• Collaborate closely with the narrative team, project leads, and content designers to craft story content in tight alignment with the game's creative vision.
• Conduct in-depth research to mold the story and the characters accordingly.
• Write accompanying game production content, such as world descriptions and tips, character outlines, casting documents, etc.

Core Traits & Experience

• Proven and recurring success writing for video games.
• Excellent organizational skills. Able to produce quality writing on schedule with minimal supervision. 
• Strong understanding of open-world narrative design, non-linear content structures, and player-responsive dialogue systems.
• Excellent command of vocal characterization, with proven capacities to strike, develop, and maintain a wide variety of diverse character voices, patterns of speech, and personalities.
• Effective collaborating with a team, brainstorming creative solutions, and generating constructive feedback on narrative and design content.
• If unfamiliar, a willingness to learn voice over and script writing software for writing implementation.

Bonus Traits & Experience

• Experience working with Unreal Engine.
• Experience sitting in on VO recording sessions and providing supporting context to voice actors and VO directors as needed.

The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $50-$65 an hour.

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.

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.

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
• Discretionary Time Off DTO 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