Game Writer

What is a game writer?

A game writer is someone who creates the stories, characters, and dialogue for video games. They use their creativity and writing skills to craft immersive narratives that engage players throughout the game.

What does a game writer do?

Usually, a game writer does the following:

• Collaborates with the game development team to create the game's story, characters, and dialogue
• Writes scripts and narrative documents that guide the game's development
• Develops compelling plots and storylines that enhance the overall gaming experience
• Considers player choices and creates branching narratives to ensure player engagement
• Collaborates with game designers and artists to ensure the story aligns with the gameplay and visual elements

What does the day-to-day life of a game writer look like?

A game writer usually works between 9am and 5pm, though this may vary depending on the company or project. Some tasks they might do include:

• Brainstorming and collaborating with the game development team
• Writing dialogues, character descriptions, and story outlines
• Reviewing and revising scripts based on feedback from the team
• Participating in meetings and discussions to align the narrative with gameplay mechanics
• Researching and staying updated on gaming trends and storytelling techniques

Where does a game writer work?

Game writers can work for gaming studios, either in-house or as freelancers. They can also work as part of larger game development teams alongside designers, artists, and programmers. Additionally, some game writers work on independent projects or start their own game development studios.

What tools/software/hardware does a game writer use?

A game writer uses a variety of tools including:

• Word processing software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs to write scripts and narrative documents
• Collaboration tools to communicate and share files with the game development team
• Game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine to understand how the narrative integrates with gameplay elements

What do I need to become a game writer?

There are a number of ways you can become a game writer, including:

• Bachelor's degree: Some game writers have degrees in creative writing, screenwriting, or other relevant fields.
• Writing experience: Developing strong writing skills through practice and creating a portfolio of written work.
• Understanding of game design: Familiarity with game mechanics, player experience, and interactive storytelling can be beneficial.

What career paths are available?

There are a number of career paths available to you as a game writer, including:

• Lead Game Writer: Taking on a leadership role and overseeing the narrative development for a game.
• Game Designer: Expanding your skills and becoming involved in the overall design and mechanics of the game.
• Screenwriter: Transitioning to writing for other mediums such as television, film, or interactive media.

What jobs are similar to a game writer?

• Narrative Designer: Focusing specifically on the creation and implementation of game narratives.
• Content Writer: Writing engaging and informative content for various platforms.
• Interactive Fiction Writer: Creating narrative experiences for interactive stories and text-based games.

What made you want to become a game writer?

How did you get your first game writer job?

What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being a game writer?

Are you a game writer? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to game writing. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.