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Lead Narrative Writer

THE ROLE

We’re looking for a Lead Writer to help shape the narrative heart of Longdue’s debut RPG — a deeply psychological, narrative-driven game in early development.

As Lead Writer, you’ll work closely with the Narrative Director and a small team of writers to develop layered characters, branching dialogue, and a richly thematic world. This is a hands-on role: you’ll be writing, worldbuilding, and collaborating from the ground up as we prototype and explore new narrative systems. You’ll also provide creative leadership to help set the tone and quality bar for all written content.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

  • Write and build: Craft character dialogue, narrative events, and storylines that reflect the game’s psychological and emotional depth.
  • Own the writing process: Help define how we write, structure, and review narrative content across the game.
  • Collaborate closely with the Narrative Director to align on themes, tone, and story architecture.
  • Mentor and support other writers, offering feedback and creative guidance as our writing team grows.
  • Co-create the world: Develop lore, setting, and narrative hooks that enrich the player experience.
  • Bridge narrative and design: Work with the art and tech teams to ensure writing integrates seamlessly into gameplay and worldbuilding.

ABOUT THE GAME

Hopetown is a narrative RPG about returning to the place that made you — and maybe ruined you. You play a washed-up ghost-hunter unraveling disappearances, a decaying town, and your own haunted past. It blends surrealism, dialogue-driven gameplay, and psychological exploration in a world inspired by Disco Elysium, Planescape: Torment, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

ABOUT US

We are an ambitious new video game studio co-founded by industry veterans who played key roles in creating an award-winning title that has sold over a million copies and received multiple prestigious accolades, including BAFTAs. Our team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of narrative-driven gaming, and we are assembling a talented team to create something truly exciting. As a fully remote studio, we embrace flexibility, innovation, and collaboration to create a unique gaming experience.

MUST-HAVE REQUIREMENTS

  • Proven Writing Experience: You’ve written for narrative-driven games (ideally RPGs) and have led or significantly contributed to story development on a shipped or in-development title.
  • Narrative Depth: You can craft complex characters, nuanced dialogue, and emotionally resonant themes that explore the human experience.
  • World-Building Chops: You’ve built rich, interconnected worlds that reflect character psychology and narrative arcs.
  • Collaborative and Hands-On: You’re comfortable switching between writing, reviewing, and brainstorming — and you thrive in a small, collaborative team.
  • Passion for Narrative-Heavy Games: You love story-rich games and understand how gameplay and narrative work together.

NICE TO HAVE

  • Familiarity with TTRPG-inspired systems — from dialogue choices and branching paths to skill checks and dice rolls
  • Experience writing psychological, philosophical, or thematically ambitious stories
  • A background in screenwriting, creative writing, or interactive fiction
  • Comfort with early-stage, exploratory development (prototyping, world-shaping, experimenting)

WHY JOIN US

Creative Freedom: We foster an environment where your unique voice and vision can shape a groundbreaking RPG.

Thought-Provoking Project: Help create a game that challenges conventions, offers a deep philosophical experience, and invites players to explore not only a mysterious world but also the depths of the human psyche.

Flexible Working: We are a remote-first studio, offering you the freedom to work from wherever inspiration strikes.

What You Should Know About Lead Narrative Writer, Longdue Games

Join Longdue as our Lead Narrative Writer, where you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the narrative heart of our debut RPG — a deeply psychological and narrative-driven game that's just beginning its journey. In this hands-on role, you’ll collaborate closely with the Narrative Director and a talented team of writers to deliver complex characters, branching dialogues, and a rich thematic landscape. You will be instrumental in creating layered narratives that fully immerse players in the world of Hopetown, a decaying town filled with mystery and introspection. Your leadership will guide the tone and quality of our narrative content, pushing the boundaries of how stories are told in games. You'll not only write engaging dialogue and build compelling storylines but also help define our writing processes and offer mentorship to other writers as the team grows. The right fit for this position is someone who thrives in collaboration, is passionate about narrative-rich gameplay, and is excited about world-building. If you're an experienced storyteller ready to contribute to a project that promises to be thought-provoking and innovative, Longdue offers the creative freedom and flexibility of a fully remote workplace. Let’s redefine interactive storytelling together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Lead Narrative Writer Role at Longdue Games
What are the responsibilities of a Lead Narrative Writer at Longdue?

As the Lead Narrative Writer at Longdue, your core responsibilities include crafting character dialogue, storylines, and narrative events that explore psychological and emotional depth. You’ll collaborate closely with the Narrative Director to align on themes, mentor fellow writers, and integrate narrative elements with gameplay. Engaging in world-building and providing creative direction across narrative content will also be crucial.

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What qualifications are needed for the Lead Narrative Writer position at Longdue?

To qualify for the Lead Narrative Writer role at Longdue, candidates should have proven writing experience in narrative-driven games, preferably RPGs, with leadership in story development on shipped or in-progress titles. A knack for crafting complex characters, knowledge of world-building, and a collaborative approach to writing are essential, as is a deep passion for narrative-rich games.

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How does collaborative writing work for the Lead Narrative Writer at Longdue?

Collaboration is key for the Lead Narrative Writer at Longdue. You will work alongside the Narrative Director and a small team of writers, fostering an environment of feedback and creative brainstorming. The role emphasizes the importance of integrating narrative with design, ensuring story elements align seamlessly with gameplay, thus enhancing the overall player experience.

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What is the game Hopetown about and how does the Lead Narrative Writer contribute?

Hopetown is a narrative RPG focused on themes of nostalgia, loss, and psychological exploration. As the Lead Narrative Writer, you will contribute by crafting immersive storylines, developing intricate character arcs, and creating lore that enriches this surreal world. Your work will immerse players in the haunting narratives that drive the game forward.

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What are the advantages of working remotely as a Lead Narrative Writer at Longdue?

Working remotely as a Lead Narrative Writer at Longdue allows for flexibility and a conducive creative environment. You can work from wherever inspiration strikes, breaking traditional office barriers. This flexibility promotes innovation and collaboration among a diverse team of talented writers and game developers, allowing for a unique gaming experience.

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Common Interview Questions for Lead Narrative Writer
How do you approach character development in narrative-driven games?

To answer this question effectively, discuss your process of understanding a character's motivations, backstory, and growth. Highlight how you create layered, relatable characters that resonate with players, showcasing how their journeys enhance the game's narrative.

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Can you describe your experience with world-building for an RPG?

In your response, provide examples of previous RPGs you’ve worked on, focusing on how you interconnected lore, settings, and character stories. Emphasize your understanding of how the environment augments the player's emotional experience within the game.

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What narrative techniques do you find most effective in branching dialogue?

To tackle this question, explain techniques like player choice impact, emotional stakes, and character arcs. Discuss how you use these elements to craft dialogues that not only drive the narrative but also empower player agency, ensuring meaningful choices.

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How do you plan to ensure narrative alignment across various departments?

Discuss your collaborative strategies with art and design teams to seamlessly intertwine narrative and gameplay elements. Highlight your experience working in cross-functional teams, emphasizing communication and creating workshops to align everyone on narrative goals.

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What role does player feedback play in your narrative writing process?

Explain how you value player feedback in shaping narrative direction. Share experiences where you adapted storylines based on player responses, showcasing your ability to engage with the community to enhance the overall gaming experience.

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Can you share an example of a complex story you’ve developed?

Offer a detailed account of a previous project, focusing on the thematic depth, character complexity, and emotional resonance you aimed to achieve. Discuss the challenges faced and how you overcame them to deliver a compelling narrative.

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How do you balance creativity with the practical aspects of game development?

Talk about your approach to maintaining a creative vision while adhering to development timelines and gameplay mechanics. Highlight techniques you employ to ensure that creativity remains at the forefront without compromising the project's practical needs.

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How would you mentor a junior writer in developing their storytelling skills?

Share your mentoring philosophy, emphasizing encouragement, constructive feedback, and providing resources for junior writers. Discuss how you would set up collaborative writing sessions to help them grow and learn from practical experience.

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What inspired you to pursue narrative writing for games?

Provide a personal insight into what drew you to narrative writing in games, highlighting specific experiences or titles that shaped your passion. Discuss how this inspiration fuels your creative process and drives your engagement with interactive storytelling.

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How do you keep up with trends in narrative design for games?

Discuss your methods for staying informed about evolving trends, such as reading industry publications, attending conferences, and engaging with other narrative designers. Emphasize how you implement innovative techniques and ideas into your writing to remain relevant in the industry.

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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, remote
DATE POSTED
April 6, 2025

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