Showing posts with label Game Writer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Game Writer. Show all posts

Friday, November 22, 2013

An interrupted introduction

I've been reading this book on writing and designing for games. This book offers practical discussions, methods,  and solutions of how to integrate game design and story so that they work together. This is something that I find particularly challenging, so I'll be going over some exercises to help me focus and narrow down ideas for prepro.

Action Item (Alpha) - Play a game
"Within the next day, make time to sit down and play a game, preferably a console title. Give yourself at least a half hour. When you are done, write a brief summary of the experience."

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Game Production Roles - Research


Game Writer 
Duties 
Writers work closely with the game design staff, usually under the senior game writer, lead game designer, and creative director. A Story Writer is primarily responsible for pitching creative and engaging stories, writing out game dialogue, and working with visual artists to fine-tune the realization of characters, environment, and props.
  • Geek Meter: Technical < - - - - - | - - > Art
  • Main Skills: Mastery of language, Research, Narrative Practice, Strong Characterization
  • Secondary Skills: Story analysis, Character analysis, Knowledgeable in various subjects
  • Software: Word Processing and Presentation Programs
  • Passions: Reading, Writing, Research, Story-telling, Character Development
Responsibilities
  • Cooperating with other game design staff in order to create an effective mix of narrative, design and mechanics
  • Consulting with said team to pitch scene ideas and adjustments
  • Creating outlines, story treatment goals, character descriptions, game dialogue, casting documents, and other support material
  • Researching different cultures, traditions, mentalities, etc. in order to create truly believable characters, realistic interactions, and meaningful narrative experiences
  • Writing interactive scripts to supplement character, story, and theme development while accounting for gameplay interactions and instructions.
  • Constant editing and revising of work
  • Often times required to assist with marketing or packaging drafts of the game
Qualifications 
  • Usually a Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Professional Experience (preferably in Creative Writing / Screenwriting / Script Writing)
  • Courses focusing on fiction, literature, storytelling, and narrative voices preferred 
  • Usually at least two years of professional writing experience are required
  • Being able to analyze games and their story components
  • Being able to communicate ideas in a clear and concise manner
  • Being able to use different tones and voices in writing
  • Understanding of game design and mechanics and how they affect the narrative as a whole
Portfolio 
  • Writing Samples (at least 2) demonstrating mastery of:
    • Various Narrative Structures (i.e. serious, comedic)
    • Character Development and Interactions
    • Dialogue (different tones)
Information Sources