APPLICATION:

You usually need to have a strong foundation in storytelling, which you can demonstrate through a portfolio of various written works, such as dialogue examples, character and game world descriptions, etc. You should have knowledge of game design principles, understand how narratives are integrated into game mechanics and be familiar with relevant tools and software.

Effective communication and collaboration skills are key, as a Narrative Designer works closely with diverse positions to bring narrative visions to life. A passion for gaming and knowledge of the video game industry, following trends and understanding different genres and players’ preferences are also advantages. Showing a genuine enthusiasm for the medium and a willingness to contribute innovative ideas can set you apart from other candidates.

INTERVIEW:

During the interview for a Narrative Designer position, you can expect a combination of technical and creative questions aimed at assessing your skills, experience and suitability for the position. In addition to the Recruiter, the interview is usually attended by the Lead Narrative Designer, Game Designer, Creative Director, or Programmers. The interview may include a discussion of your background in narrative design, your understanding of the game development process and your ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team. You may also be asked to provide examples from your portfolio, as well as to explain your choices and the impact of your work on the overall player experience. Some of the common Narrative Designer interview questions are:

1. Can you walk us through your narrative development process from the initial concept to the final implementation?
2. How do you approach balancing narrative elements with game mechanics and can you give us an example of a project where you successfully achieved this balance?
3. What strategies do you use to emotionally engage players and create compelling characters within the narrative?
4. How do you react to feedback and adjust your work? Can you describe a situation where you had to revise the narrative design based on feedback?
5. What do you think are the current trends and challenges in video game storytelling and how do you adapt to them in your work?

TECHNICAL TASK:

A technical task usually involves an assessment of your practical skills and ability to apply the principles of narrative design in a specific context. For example, you may be given a specific scenario, such as a level or quest, and asked to develop a narrative design proposal for it, or you may only be given a game genre or a specific narrative theme based on which you might be asked to write a piece of dialogue in the game, a character’s background, or a short narrative scene.

The purpose of this assignment is to assess your critical thinking, storytelling ability, creativity and understanding of the narrative design principles in a practical environment. It allows an assessment of your capacity to create engaging narratives that enhance the player experience and seamlessly integrate into game mechanics.