Introduction

What is a video game writer? For any game to become successful, it needs a compelling story that drives its plot. Also, even multiplayer games that focus mainly on gameplay can improve their quality and bring life and uniqueness to their characters with a story that builds up their backstory. Furthermore, this shows how much value a story and a well-written script can bring to a video game.

This is where a video game writer can be priceless. Moreover, Game writers can help the game development process by crafting a good story, a script, and dialogues for the characters. Writers also can work alongside game designers to build better levels, tutorials, characters, and environments.

One of the best examples of a game writer is the legendary David Gaider for his work on the Dragon Age franchise. As the lead writer and narrative designer, David Gaider was able to carry the Dragon Age franchise to greater heights, which is now renowned for its well-written story and script.

With video game writing being so important, the demand for writers who can deliver a good game story also keeps rising. So, if you are interested in video game writing jobs, you came to the right place.

Video game writer duties

There are certain duties a game writer should take responsibility for. Firstly, they should work with the team to determine the genre, game design, and plot point of the game. Once it's done, then the writer can move on to the pre-production stage.

In the pre-production stage, the writer starts crafting the game story. In addition to the story, they also work on the lore, character backstories, world details, and possible quest scenarios of the game. Many story-driven games in the game industry come with more than one plot point and offer many storylines. Also, getting the pre-production stage right is one of the main duties of a video game writer.

What follows is the production stage. Here, writers are tasked with creating the dialogues, and in-game texts, and adding the finishing touches to the story. Things that happen in this stage are what gamers see and experience when they are playing games.

Finally, when all things are done, the post-production stage begins. During this period, the writer plays through the game and proofreads the content along with it. If they come up with any changes that need to happen, the writer will have to go back to the production stage until all the things are ready for the average gamer to enjoy.

Skills required to become a game writer

If you are looking for a game writer job in the games industry, you need to have a few skills on your side.

• Writing skills

This might sound obvious but as a skill, you will need to be a skilled writer. As a result, this will allow you to craft a good game story and plot points to go along with it.

• Experience in playing games

Unlike other story media, the video game industry takes an interactive approach to the way it tells the story. Therefore, anyone who has experience playing games will be able to recognize how the story should proceed and how the game design must develop.

• Programming knowledge

While you do not need extensive programming knowledge, at least an understanding of how codes work can become handy.

• Communication skills

Above all else, you must have the ability to communicate what goes in your mind to the game design team.

How to become a video game writer?

If you want to become a game writer, chances are you are involved in the game industry and want to pursue a career through writing. Also, to become a game writer, there are steps that you can follow.

• Gain gaming experience

Having some experience playing games can help you to become a better video game writer. This doesn't mean doing it as a full-time thing, instead, when you have some free time, try and experience what a game can offer.

• Get your writing qualifications

Even if you are confident about your writing, you will need writing or scriptwriting qualifications to get a job in the game industry.

• Build a portfolio

Take part in freelance opportunities, work part-time and start writing stories by yourself to build your portfolio.

• Apply for a suitable position

When you are confident about your skills as a game writer, apply for a game firm that hires writers. If you have any writing samples, they can help too.

Conclusion

Lots of people who have played a game will tell you that a story is what makes it interesting. If you are also a person that enjoys games and likes writing, writing jobs in the games industry are for you.

If you are looking to apply for game story writing jobs, make sure to have some writing samples with you. Who knows, you might be the lead writer of the next big game.