Overview
This book, written and edited by members of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) Game Writing Special Interest Group, focuses on the essentials of working as a professional game writer, including how to break in, writing manuals, narrative design, writing in a team, working as a freelancer, working with new intellectual property, and more. The contributors, all expert game writers working in the trenches day in and day out, describe the basic components of the job of a game writer, explain what works and what doesn't, and offer valuable, practical tips and techniques that you can put to use right away.Editorials
From the Publisher
" Professional Techniques is definitely a book by writers, for writers …. Insightful discussion of game writing issues is matched with many excellent examples and helpful exercises …. [It] will serve as an excellent addition to the library of any game writer-current, or prospective. I highly recommend it. -Michael Fiegel, Slashdot, June 2008and edited by members of the International Game Developers Association, Professional Techniques for Video Game Writing is a no-nonsense guide to the professional craft of writing the story, narrative, dialogue, tutorials, manuals, strategy guides, and anything else that needs to be written for modern-day video games. All contributors are themselves seasoned video game writers; they give the down and dirty on how to break into the business, what it means to be part of a writing team, principles of narrative design, and much, much more. Script samples offer illuminating examples that enhance this absolute ""must-have"" for anyone contemplating or pursuing a career in video game writing or technical writing, even (or especially) if the already have experience in crafting standard prose. -The Midwest Book Review, July 2008
If you are a starting writer already looking for work in a still growing industry, now might be a good time to check out Professional Techniques for Video Game Writing. ... What the book does do very well is put everything into amazing context. You definitely get the impression that these writers have had to deal with many types of situations. -PJ Hruschak, Gamertell, August 2008
""This collection of essays edited by multimedia writer Despain and written by members of the Game Writing Special Interest Group of the International Game Developers Association is an exceptional resource for students and gaming industry professionals. … The insight presented here is very practical and in-depth. … Highly recommended."" -J. Brzezinski, CHOICE Magazine , November 2008"