Earlier the video game industry did not have to rely on complex themes and stories for creating games. In this new age, the story and plot of a game are considered vital. It is what impresses and catches our imagination as we sort out through multiple stages of our experience while playing a video game. Some are so impressive that we can barely pause to take a much-needed break from playing. This exciting change has made writing one of the most influential elements in games right now. From suspense and horror themes to ones that are full of action or comedy, a tremendous amount of effort is being poured into entertaining gamers through adventures. The complexity of building such a diverse world for gamers to immerse themselves in, with the various possibilities of unexpected endings, is the one big challenge in the industry today.
If you’re choosing to write for video games, you need to think out of the box. With an audience that is frequently becoming older, the need for a great storyline has become challenging for industry leaders. If you have creative ideas and passion for writing, you have the opportunity to shine. For a great video game, write the natural love and familiarity with video games are much-needed ingredients. So don’t opt for this stream if you are simply looking for work. You will only be successful in this job if you enjoy the work you are doing.
If you have a background in other professions such as science fiction and fantasy writing, you can get an added advantage too. It will help you in recognizing the three main elements that are required to write a video game. Find a brief explanation of each element below:
Plot/Setting: Creating a unique plot and setting is necessary for a successful game. You need to identify the theme of the game, characters, and the general plot. Making an outline for this will be the most time-consuming part. You need to give the game developers an idea of what you are trying to create for them. You will also be responsible for directing the timing of the full motion video sequences in the game. This is done to improve the storyline and give a better visual description of the game to the gamer.
Character Development: Character development is essential to any storyline. No one wants to the role of someone who is boring, mundane and does not even emerge into something that can make your jaw drop during the game. It is a writer’s duty to give special traits and abilities to various characters in the game. Make your character as interactive as possible by using dialogues with AI (artificial intelligence).
The Storyboard: Once the character development is done and the storyline is in its place, it is the time to create a set of storyboards. A storyboard is a collection of words, still drawings, and technical instructions that describe every scene of the game. Game writers need to answer the questions like how your characters will move, look and sound in the game. The storyboard serves as your visual assistant for writing the video game.
Therefore take a note of the above-mentioned factors if you are planning to become a writer for the video gaming industry.
Are you planning to write for a game? Let us know your views in the comments section!
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Even Super Mario Bros has a story! Writers are very important regardless of how simple or complex a video game is. I agree, it is what makes us hooked! We look forward to more exciting challenges than the ones we have already conquered and only writers can dream up fantastic storylines!
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I find this very fascinating! I look forward to reading more posts!
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Video games are like movies. It’s not like Pac-Man anymore where we just go around in a box. I think part of the reason why video games are addictive is that we can live in a movie-like world and get to choose how our story would end.
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I agree man this is not toon force or mickey mose anymore. In fact people are drawn more to the lore than the game itself.
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AS I writer myself,, I feel elated to read an article that appreciates the craft. I want to read more.
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I’ve always loved writing science fiction and fantasy stories but never thought of writing a game! It seems like a very competitive industry that just thinking about it makes me feel discouraged already. 😦 One wouldn’t know unless one tries, right?
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True. writers are vital in a video game due to the fact that they gave more thrills, twists and turns in video games. Video games nowadays are quite alluring because of the existence of the writers.
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Writing for video games for me is a very hard task. You have to be very creative in order for the game to achieve its audience. You should also consider the place for the game because it is also one of the special element of a game.
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Nowadays you should be very creative in writing a game. If you will just copy themes or plots from other games, it will not work at all.
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A great storyline is very important in video games because it draws the public’s interest. People won’t buy a game if the plot is boring.
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A writer for the video game industry should be very imaginative. He/she should make the gamer feel like he/she is inside the game.
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I do agree with you. The game need a good story line, for example Starcraft. This game emphasize a good story. From first episode to the last one and every stage of the story line tells the beginning, middle, and end. Everything is well put.
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You’re right! The public wants high-quality video games so writers need to deliver. Mediocre games are a no-no.
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Yep, gamers nowadays are very picky. You must be creative and talented to get hold of them.
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I’ve been itching to design this game on my mind. Maybe writing is the first way to do it. Hope this works.
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Agreed. Think of it like script writing or creative writing. Put pen to paper, write a chapter (let’s say a few pages or something at least) and if you get gripped by what you’re writing, then maybe start drafting a design up for the game as you go along?
Juggle them both simultaneously. Write a few pages more. Design a little more. And so forth! 🙂
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