The Basics Needs For Game Writers Job

So, you've decided you want to write in the gaming industry? You've picked up your laptop, you're sitting on your couch and you're...not sure where to start, right? Well, have no fear. The following is an inventory of what novice writers will want to have when searching for that all-important break-in job.

First and foremost: have the proper attitude. Any writing job is hard, and this one will be more so, due to its unique nature. Game writers need to be versed in everything, from screenplays to nonfiction and technical writing, so come prepared to learn quite a bit.

Still interested? Good! Next, we need a few more tangible things. Freelance writers can readily work from home (in fact, this can be the norm for smaller companies), so a computer with a good internet connection is a must. If you're reading this, though, chances are you have that. Awesome. Next.

A college degree is a big plus! Unfortunately, not many colleges offer degrees for Game Writing (or even Game Design, although mine certainly did). A Professional Writing degree will go a long way, and is marketable in many other industries. Why not show companies that you've been dedicated enough to master your writing technique at secondary school? They're probably expecting it. If you haven't studied writing, then having any four year degree will still help. The other bits of your self-marketing will have to be better, though.

So you've got a computer, an education and an unfailing will - what now? You'll need a portfolio. This is the part where many good writers quail. "How can I have a portfolio when I haven't had any experience?" You can't, logically. But you must show your potential employer something, so this is a good thing to develop. Right now.

Research the bits of writing that game development companies need, and then create samples for them. Off the top of my head, I can tell you that writers tend to have a hand in the following:

- Game story and narrative
- Game scripts and storyboards
- Character bibles (source information on characters in a game)
- World bibles (source information on a game world)
- Game Design Documents (GDDs)
- Instruction manuals
- Game copy writing (marketing)

And the list goes on. There is no reasonable limit to the things you could choose to write about, so write a lot. You can find sample works for many of the above items freely available online. Make up "lost levels" for games already published, or simply invent your own setting for the sake of making a sample. It isn't important that the game you're writing for isn't real - what will be reviewed at the interview is your skill as a writer.

source:http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Game-Writers-Need---The-Basics&id=2075688