Familiarity of traditional narrative structures and techniques provides a strong framework for writing in games. This is further bolstered by knowledge of how to present narratives to the viewer through theatrical methods, be they on stage or silver screen. Characterization, too, plays an important role, as the non-player personalities in games should be as realized and detailed as the player’s persona. The fictional world these characters live in must also be created with an eye towards detail, even if such details aren’t immediately obvious to the casual viewer. A firm understanding of the world you present, as well as the people that populate it, is crucial to player immersion and emotional investment. One must also consider the player’s role in the setting, as well as the potential effect he has on the people, places, and objects that surround him.
Beyond the basics, writing for games presents unique challenges. Using digital tools specific to the craft, such as string editors, scripting language, and content design software, game writers must translate their vision into content. They are also required to set the scene and communicate story in ways that do not rely upon words alone. Visual storytelling, when properly employed, can reveal volumes about the player’s surroundings with hardly a word written. Other methods of imparting story and information to the player are plentiful, and in the case of tool tips, item descriptions, and flavor text, bridge the divide between content and technical design. As such, the ability to write using both narrative and technical techniques is valuable.
While they have their own considerations, cinematic sequences are a strong tool for storytelling in games. A game writer should be familiar with dramatic writing, as well as techniques used in both screenwriting and playwriting. Game writers are often involved when voice over dialogue is recorded, either as assistants to a director or to give context to lines that are often recorded by actors with little to no knowledge of the game they’re performing for. Tangentially speaking, the proper use of sound effects and music enhances nearly any scene it is applied to.
Storytelling techniques and tools in the games industry are always evolving, providing new and interesting ways for designers to tell compelling interactive stories. A game writer must remain informed of these changes and be conscious of how they mold his craft. It also serves a game writer well to play all sorts of games in order to present a broad level of experience when discussing content creation with other designers.
Submitted by Gary Astleford