Narrative Design
A 13-week live remote programme for those with backgrounds in Game Design or Writing. Build the professional skills to create narrative deliverables studios actually need - and a portfolio that proves it.
Demystifying Narrative Design
Narrative design is one of the most misunderstood roles in games. This programme cuts through the confusion - showing you exactly what narrative designers actually produce, how they work within a studio pipeline, and what a professional portfolio looks like.
Over 13 weeks you'll build the complete range of narrative deliverables: cutscene scripts, mission dialogue, character barks, collectibles, and more - all structured into a portfolio that speaks directly to studio hiring managers.
Entry Requirements
This course is designed for Junior to Mid level candidates with a background in either:
- Game Design - understanding of systems and player experience
- Creative Writing - familiarity with storytelling structure and character
No formal prior training is required in narrative design specifically. If you're not sure whether you qualify, apply anyway - we'll discuss it on your fit call.
Everything You Need
Industry mentor
Alastair Brown - Narrative Designer with 10+ years across Rebellion, Cloud Imperium Games and more.
Weekly live sessions
Group sessions each week covering theory and practical deliverable creation, with critique and Q&A.
Mock interviews
Industry-style mock interviews and CV review sessions built directly into the course in week 7.
Long-term support
Career support, portfolio crits and 1-2-1 calls continue until you land your first role.
Course Structure
From understanding the role to presenting a complete professional portfolio.
What is Narrative Design?
Introducing the role of a Narrative Designer in game development - distinguishing it from game writing, and establishing responsibilities within collaborative teams.
Narrative Design in the Development Pipeline
How Narrative Designers interact with Design, Art, Audio, Production and Code teams. Understanding workload relationships and cross-discipline communication.
Storytelling for Games vs. Linear Storytelling
How interactive narrative differs from traditional media. Scope management and the importance of knowing when to pull back to avoid overextending the story.
Player Agency & Its Impact on Storytelling
How player choice shapes narrative. Designing for agency through cutscenes, mission dialogue and character barks without losing narrative coherence.
Organisational Practices
File naming conventions and organisational structures for narrative pipelines. How good documentation habits directly impact the departments you work with.
Cutscene Scripts
Creating cutscenes for exposition and character motivation. Writing for animation, art and audio teams - thinking beyond the words on the page.
Mission Dialogue & Mock Interviews
In-level dialogue creation and usage. This week also includes industry-style mock interview sessions and CV/portfolio review.
Character Barks
Short reactive dialogue for player characters and NPCs. Industry best practices for writing barks that serve gameplay without breaking immersion.
Collectibles & Character Bios
World-building through collectible text, lore entries and character biographical content. Making every word of optional content count.
Narrative Cohesion & Iterative Design
Maintaining consistent tone and delivery across all deliverables. Iterating on feedback and developing resilience as a professional.
Portfolio Assembly
Structuring all completed work into a professional narrative design portfolio. What to include, how to present it, and what hiring managers look for.
Portfolio Reviews
Individual feedback sessions on your assembled portfolio with time for revision and refinement before final presentations.
Presentations & Final Submission
Students present completed work to the cohort with structured instructor critique. Leaving with a polished, submission-ready portfolio.
Who You'll Learn From
Alastair Brown
Narrative Designer - 10+ years industry experience
Alastair started in QA before progressing through Level Design into Narrative Design, eventually becoming Principal Narrative Designer at Rebellion Developments. He brings a practical, pipeline-focused perspective to the course - teaching not just how to write for games, but how to work as a narrative designer within the realities of a production environment.
Selected Credits
Common Questions
Apply Now
Fill in the form below and we'll be in touch to book your fit call.
Narrative Design
13 weeks - Live remote
£900total
£150 deposit + £750 remaining tuition fee
£150 deposit locks in your place on the cohort. Non-refundable.
£750 remaining tuition fee payable any time up until your first lesson.