Table Of Content

Cover Page: i Half Title Page: i Title Page Page: iii Copyright Page Page: iv Table of Contents Page: v Preface Page: ix Acknowledgments Page: xi Editor Page: xiii Contributors Page: xv Chapter 1 ◾ Getting Writing Jobs in Video Games Page: xix Chapter 2 ◾ Game Script Formatting Page: 9 Chapter 3 ◾ Documentation for Writers Page: 19 Chapter 4 ◾ Writing Instructions, Helptext, Walkthroughs, and Manuals: Text to Train the Player Page: 36 Chapter 5 ◾ Writing Tutorials: Write “Start” to Start Page: 51 Chapter 6 ◾ Practical Techniques for Productivity: Getting the Work Done Page: 87 Chapter 7 ◾ Collaborating with Art, Design, and Engineering Page: 97 Chapter 8 ◾ Writing for AAA Games: Playing in the Big Leagues Page: 104 Chapter 9 ◾ Writing for Indie Games Page: 120 Chapter 10 ◾ Game Writing Remotely: How to Pay the Rent Working from Home Page: 125 Chapter 11 ◾ Game Writing On Staff Page: 137 Chapter 12 ◾ Keeping Localization in Mind: When Game Narrative Travels Abroad Page: 151 Chapter 13 ◾ Writers in the Recording Studio Page: 164 Chapter 14 ◾ Writing for Existing Licenses Page: 183 Chapter 15 ◾ Writing for New IP Page: 195 Chapter 16 ◾ Script Doctoring Page: 218 Chapter 17 ◾ Writing Compelling Game Characters Page: 234 Chapter 18 ◾ Hiring Philosophies: We Can Do Better Page: 242 Chapter 19 ◾ If It Works, Break It: Game Narrative Tropes and Innovation Page: 256 Appendix A ◾ Call of Juarez: Gunslinger Script Sample-Screenplay Format Page: 269 Appendix B ◾ Bratz: Forever Diamondz Script Sample-Modified Screenplay Format Page: 287 Appendix C ◾ Barks and Task Spreadsheet Page: 290 Appendix D ◾ Casting Sides for Call of Juarez Page: 299 Index Page: 309

Description:

This second edition of Professional Techniques for Video Game Writing is updated with new chapters and new authors, but it’s still a no-nonsense guide to the professional craft of writing for video games. Not only does the text cover story and narrative elements, but it also addresses dialogue, documentation, and strategy guides. Seasoned video game writers each address a different topic, including the best way to break into the video game industry, how to be an efficient part of a team, and the principles of narrative design. The book also offers script samples, technical writing advice, effective writing tips, and suggestions for how to innovate in game narrative. 　 Key Features Comprehensive enough for veterans and accessible enough for novices Goes into detail about how to write tutorials, script doctoring, and writing for AAA games Delivers invaluable experiences directly from writers in the games industry Full of practical advice from industry pros on how to get a job, and then how to get the job done Author Bio Wendy Despain has more than two decades of experience spearheading digital media projects. She has worked with teams around the world as a writer, narrative designer, producer, and consultant on interactive experiences ranging from video games to augmented reality. She’s worked with EA, Disney, Ubisoft, Cartoon Network, PBS, Marvel, and Wargaming. Currently, she’s a Production Director at ArenaNet, makers of the Guild Wars franchise. Her books include: Writing For Videogame Genres: From FPS to RPG Talking to Artists/Talking to Programmers 100 Principles of Game Design