How To Become A Video Game Writer

Your fondness for video games might push you toward the idea of becoming a video game writer. This process takes dedication, passion, and continuous learning. However, there is nothing you can’t do if you set a specific goal for yourself. Here are some tips that will help you achieve this goal and enjoy every step of the way.

Sharpen your writing skills

• Practice consistently. Write every day, even if it’s just short prompts or exercises. Experiment with different genres and styles to find your voice. You might want to use a reliable essay writing service by AdvancedWriters to hire an assistant and get valuable tips from them. Collaborating with an experienced writer will help you polish your writing style and discover new techniques. 
• Read voraciously. Immerse yourself in books, comics, and especially excellent video game narratives. Analyze what makes them work and how they connect with the reader/player. Make notes as you read and point out crucial aspects of turning an average story into an engaging literary piece. 
• Master dialogue. Learn to write natural-sounding conversations that reveal character personalities and drive the story forward. You can rely on your experience, borrow some ideas from books and video game narratives, and listen to dialogues between people in public places. Just take your notebook with you and collect great ideas from every possible source.

Understand the medium

• Play a variety of games. Get familiar with different genres, mechanics, and storytelling styles. Analyze how writing is integrated into the gameplay. How does it influence the player’s experience? You need specific examples to rely on when working on your project. Here is a list of the most anticipated video games of 2024 for you to consider.
• Learn about game development. Understanding the design and production process will help you write effectively within the constraints of game development. Consider online courses or resources on game design basics. Even though your passion for the job plays a crucial role, you still need some theoretical basis to build on your professional skills. While not essential, game design or writing degrees can provide valuable knowledge and industry connections.
• Know the industry. Research game studios, writer roles, and industry trends. Connect with other game writers and developers to explore career opportunities and job market trends. Again, attending relevant courses will help you get acquainted with people who can give a lot of important and useful information about the video game industry.

Build a portfolio

• Create your own game. Craft short, interactive stories or narrative prototypes using game engines or tools like Twine or Ren’Py. Doing so showcases your understanding of interactive storytelling. In this case, it is better to show than tell when it comes to job interviews.
• Write game fanfiction. This approach allows you to practice writing within existing game universes and demonstrate your ability to capture their tone and characters.
• Participate in game jams and contests. These offer deadlines and prompts to push your creativity and build a diverse portfolio. Just choose the events you find interesting and demonstrate your creative skills. Network with other professionals, learn from industry experts, and discover new opportunities.
• Build your online presence. Maintain a professional website or social media profile showcasing your work and expertise. Doing so is a strong way to demonstrate your professional skills while applying for jobs.

Develop essential skills

• Collaboration. Game writing is a team effort. Be open to feedback, adapt your ideas, and work constructively with designers, programmers, and other writers. An effective approach here would be to separate your personality and the work you do. Your teammates criticize the work you’ve done because they believe it can be improved. They do not criticize you as a person. 
• Problem-solving. Games demand flexibility. Be prepared to rewrite, adapt storylines to gameplay mechanics, and find creative solutions to narrative challenges. Again, it is not about you making mistakes; it is about you being able to adapt your writing to different circumstances.
• Technical writing. Learn the basics of script formatting and documentation, as you’ll likely need to write clear instructions for voice actors, artists, and programmers.

Mistakes to avoid

• Overdoing exposition. Players experience the world through gameplay, so avoid lengthy text dumps. Use dialogue, environment details, and subtle cues to convey information. No player is keen on reading long passages, no matter how interesting they might be.
• Underestimating pacing. Game narratives need to be concise and engaging to fit within gameplay loops. Learn to tell impactful stories within time constraints. Write as if every word costs you $20, and you will see how easy it is to write short, informative lines.
• Clichés and tropes. While familiar narrative elements can work, relying too heavily on clichés can make your writing predictable and uninspired. Aim for fresh takes and innovative twists.

Enjoy the process, embrace challenges, and never stop honing your craft. You can turn your dream of writing compelling game narratives into reality with hard work and a strong portfolio.