Narrative Designer Intern - Remote

Zoo Media – Narrative Designer & Interactive Storytelling Intern

Write Worlds. Shape Characters. Build Stories That Teach, Inspire, and Empower. 
Location: Remote | Internship Duration: 120–365 Days

Zoo Media is transforming how young people learn, explore, and imagine by blending storytelling, interactive design, and simulation‑based learning. Our digital experiences range from creative challenges and immersive simulations to narrative‑driven educational games that help youth build real‑world skills through play.

We’re seeking a Narrative Designer & Game Writer Intern who loves crafting stories, building worlds, and designing meaningful player experiences. You’ll collaborate with artists, developers, and instructional designers to create narratives that spark curiosity, deepen learning, and empower young creators.

If you’re passionate about writing for games, interactive fiction, or digital storytelling, this is your opportunity to write stories that matter.

Apply here to start your journey: Apply Now

What You’ll Do

Narrative & Worldbuilding

• Develop story arcs, dialogue, quests, and player‑driven scenarios for interactive learning experiences.
• Create world lore, character backstories, and narrative frameworks that evolve with gameplay.
• Write immersive content for both serious simulations and creative, playful digital experiences.

Interactive Story Design

• Design scripts and branching dialogue for decision‑based gameplay.
• Adapt narrative techniques across multiple formats, including:
  • Visual novel style storytelling
  • Mission briefings
  • Branching dialogue trees
  • Interactive cutscenes
• Ensure narratives support learning objectives, emotional engagement, and accessibility.

Collaboration & Creative Development

• Work closely with designers, developers, and artists to align story with gameplay mechanics.
• Co‑develop storyboards with illustrators and animators.
• Participate in creative reviews, pitch sessions, and iterative development cycles.

Research & Real‑World Integration

• Research real‑world themes, occupations, and scenarios to translate them into meaningful missions and interactive challenges.
• Support the creation of narrative frameworks for simulations that teach life skills, creative problem‑solving, and career exploration.

AI‑Assisted Writing

• Use AI writing tools to support idea generation, character voice consistency, and rapid editing.
• Learn how AI can enhance narrative workflows while maintaining creative integrity.

You’ll Learn To

• Combine narrative design with interactive mechanics.
• Balance exposition, pacing, and player agency.
• Write branching dialogue and adaptive story paths.
• Apply narrative techniques to educational and simulation‑based environments.
• Incorporate inclusivity, accessibility, and youth‑centered design into storytelling.
• Pitch story concepts and collaborate in a creative team environment.

Requirements

• Excellent writing and storytelling skills.
• Interest in games, fiction, film, or interactive media.
• Familiarity with story structure, pacing, and dialogue writing.
• Currently studying Creative Writing, English, Game Design, Journalism, Digital Media, or a related field.
• Availability for virtual meetings:
  • Mondays @ 9:00 AM MST
  • Wednesdays @ 10:00 AM MST
  • Fridays @ 8:00 AM MST
  • SkillBridge: Thursdays @ 9:00 AM MST

Bonus Skills (Not Required)

• Experience with Twine, Ink, Unity timelines, or narrative design tools.
• Voiceover scriptwriting.
• Writing for podcasts, YouTube, or game mods.
• Familiarity with educational content or youth‑centered storytelling.

Benefits & Perks

• Your writing becomes playable content in real interactive experiences.
• Mentorship from professionals in game design, education, and digital storytelling.
• Portfolio‑ready writing samples with real‑world application.
• Opportunities to collaborate with designers, illustrators, and developers.
• Work on projects ranging from simulation‑based learning to creative digital storytelling.
• Potential pathway to an apprenticeship or full‑time role based on performance.

Academic Credit: 
Check with your school’s Internship Coordinator before accepting the offer to confirm eligibility.

Onboarding Windows

• January 1–5 – Winter
• April 1–5 – Spring
• June 1–5 – Summer
• August 1–5 – Fall
• October 1–5 – Winter

Apply here to start your journey: Apply Now