How Do I Become a Game Writer?

Video games are more complex than ever before. At the heart of a game is its story. If you want to control the characters, plot and setting from the inside, you can become a game writer. Your education and work experience can help you find a job in this exciting and competitive field. As a successful candidate for a job in this field, you should love games and play as many of them as you can to see what’s out there.

There are a number of classes you should take to become a game writer. You should study computers, programming, art, and current media. A diverse education is usually best because games can be about anything. Writing, particularly scriptwriting, is critical, as is editing your own and others' work. Science, engineering and physics help too so you can know what is possible in your game worlds.

Your education may give you opportunities not only for internships, but for building an important presentation tool: your portfolio. Writing for gaming publications and websites can help you learn to handle deadlines and working with editors. Any fiction publications show you have creative skills and can bring a story to a satisfying conclusion. Samples of your work can go in an online or hard copy portfolio that development companies can see when you apply to become a game writer.

It's a good idea to join as many professional organizations as you can. Some organizations offer discounts on books or materials as well as countless member contact opportunities for those looking to become a game writer or entertainment scribe. Attend conferences on games, comics, film and other similar interests and put your website address on a business card you can give to people you meet there.

Once you make contacts, you may have people looking at your website and asking about your work. If you can find a job at a gaming company through an internship or contact, use the opportunity to learn about the industry. While you’re still in school, or if you want to continue learning, you can look for video game scholarships that will help you augment your education and job skills.

When you become a game writer, you won't be working alone. You'll be part of an entire development team, including graphic designers, programmers, and artists. Since many games are played from first or third person point-of-view of the main characters, they should be complex and interesting. Your team will undoubtedly have input into their development along with many other aspects of the game. Music and interactive elements have mushroomed into full-blown alternate universes, and give your characters something to do within their worlds.

Game development is a very competitive field, so if you want to become a game writer, you should be as well-rounded as possible. Maintain your contacts from internships and contract writing work for vital networking purposes; someone may hear of an opening and even recommend you. Be sure to thank your contacts for assisting you and remember to help other hopefuls seeking your advice.