Tips To Become a Video Game Writer
If you’ve ever wanted to write for a video game company, then there are several things that you’ll need to know. Many writing jobs require a college degree in creative writing or English literature. Some companies even hire writers who have experience with journalism and blogging. If your dream is to write the next best-selling video game, be sure to follow these tips.
There are many types of game writers, including scriptwriters, story boarders, dialogue writers, and more. Peachy Essay, offering in-depth advice and solutions to help you develop and succeed in this competitive field.
Who is a Video Game Writer?
In general, a video game writer is responsible for creating the plot and dialogue for each scene. They need to ensure that players are always engaged, with believable characters and exciting dialogue. As well as this, they identify subplots that might appear in future games or sequels.
Video game writers develop innovative, engaging narratives that capture gamers’ imaginations and keep them glued to the screen. In addition, they create exciting characters with rich backstories who interact in fresh ways.
If you want to become a video game writer, you must develop strong writing and communication skills. You will be required to write large amounts of exciting and engaging text. It should always feel natural to the player to read every line of dialogue or story element.
Roles of a Video Game Writer
Today, video game writing jobs can vary depending on the company. Many games, such as those made by Nintendo and Electronic Arts (EA), have a relatively simple story told through text. In some cases, the player simply moves from one level to another with a few cutscenes in between. However, this type of game does not require an in-depth story, just a simple one to keep the game moving along.
Companies that produce games with more complex stories should employ many writers. These individuals focus on everything from dialogue to the overall plot and events throughout the story. The goal of every writer is to create characters that are relatable to gamers, who can then become invested in the story.
Below are a few key points to help you in your video game writing career;
- Know Your Audience
The video games industry stats show a CAGR of 9.6% from the previous year. Each company has a specific set of audience members that they are targeting. It’s important to know who you’re writing for, as this helps you craft an exciting and engaging story. For example, GTA caters to an older audience than games like Call of Duty or Pokemon. The former contains a lot of violence and mature themes, whereas the latter is more suited to younger gamers.
- Research the Video Game Industry
Whether you’re a budding journalist or write for a video game company, there is so much to consider. The video game industry is big business and has many facets. Numerous gaming websites, including IGN, .com, and GameSpot .com, can provide you with information on hiring practices and job descriptions. You should also learn about the many video game awards, including The Game Awards and Spike Video Game Awards, as these will give you an insight into what gamers and companies look for in a good video game.
- Experience is Key
Suppose you’re looking to write for a gaming company such as Electronic Arts (EA) or Nintendo but don’t have much writing experience. Although it’s helpful for a writer to have experience with creative writing, many companies are willing to take a chance on new writers who will accept lower pay rates. If you’re focused, dedicated, and ready to learn the ropes, you will get experience and establish yourself as someone easy to work with.
- Organize Yourself
A big part of a writer’s job is organization. Writing for a video game company will be difficult if you’re a scatterbrain who can’t concentrate on the task at hand. You’ll need to think ahead and stay organized so that you can work on multiple projects at once. When you’re writing for a big company such as EA, deadlines are often looming, and if you aren’t prepared, the consequences can be severe. Get organized and always have a plan of attack before beginning your next writing project.
- Consider Your Options
There are many types of video games to consider writing for. You can start writing for smaller companies before moving on to bigger and better things. If you’re looking to write for a gaming company, it would be wise to build a portfolio of work and choose your options.
- Don’t Limit Yourself
Writing for a video game company doesn’t mean that you are limited to writing for games. You can also become a video game writer by writing scripts, comics, or even screenplays. The gaming industry is booming, and writers need to use social media to their advantage. Many networking opportunities available, including Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and Facebook, can give you a leg up when breaking into the industry.
- Make Connections Via Social Media
You can reach out to fellow writers by joining their social media groups or commenting on their blog posts. You may also want to start a blog and talk about your experiences as a writer or simply publish your work and see if anyone is interested. 53% of the most frequent game players say video games help them connect with friends. Creating online networks is an easy way to get your name out there.
- Pursue a Degree in English, Journalism, or Writing
You should take the time to get a degree in English or journalism if you are serious about pursuing a career as a video game writer. Even if it is a general degree, a degree will prove to potential employers that you are committed to becoming a video game writer. In addition to your degree, you should also consider working on your projects and making connections online.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to get into the video game writing industry, you must know what to expect and prepare yourself for this work. Although it may seem like a dream job, the hours can seem long, and there is usually a lot of pressure to perform. Before getting started, read everything there is about video game writing.