Writing for Video Game Genres: From FPS to RPG [Paperback]

Wendy Despain (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 23, 2009

This book delivers practical advice from seasoned veterans on the special challenges of writing for first-person shooter games (FPS), role-playing games (RPG), and everything in between, including massively multiplayer online games, real-time strategy games, sports games, horror games, serious games, casual games, handheld games, and more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Writer's SIG has assembled an impressive group of experts who deliver spot-on advice for tackling gaming's many genres. I wish I had read this 20 years ago. --Bob Bates, Veteran game designer, writer,

A must-have for the bookshelf of any game writer, no matter what genre they're working in. It was equally fascinating and useful for me to read the chapters about genres I'm experienced in and the chapters about genres I've never worked in. --Steve Meretzky, VP of Game Design, You Plus

For those of us swimming in the murky waters of games storytelling and narrative design, Writing for Video Game Genres: From FPS to RPG is not only a life raft, it's one with a treasure trove on top. Seldom do we erstwhile swimmers get this lucky. Read, learn, and build the rafts of the future. --Rhianna Pratchett, Writer and co-narrative designer on Heavenly Sword, Mirror's Edge, and Overlord

About the Author

Contributors to the book include Sande Chen, Richard Dansky, Steve Danuser, Graeme Davis, Wendy Despain, Stephen Dinehart, Daniel Erickson, John Feil, Chris Klug, Haris Orkin, Chris Pasley, Ahmad Saad, Tracy A. Seamster, Lee Sheldon, Evan Skolnick, Lucien Soulban, Maurice Suckling, Anne Toole, Andrew S. Walsh, David Wessman, J. Robinson Wheeler.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: A K Peters (March 23, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568814178
• ISBN-13: 978-1568814179
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #661,454 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars intro on a range of subjects, March 1, 2011

By 

ginsu "ginsu" (tv land) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writing for Video Game Genres: From FPS to RPG (Paperback)

3rd book for writers from the IGDA

Each genre is covered by a dif author with a dif personality. Theyre all pros. Most of the chapters have *something* to offer. Maybe not what you expect or what you hope for, but you get something of value. It's worth a read.

The only iffy one so far has been the fantasy sci fi rant. The guy scolds the younger generations for mixing fantasy and sci fi, and for not reading deep enough into the dif genres... but the guy doesnt seem well read himself.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sports games, horror, and others are covered along with game writing samples and supportive information online, October 18, 2009

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writing for Video Game Genres: From FPS to RPG (Paperback)

Wendy Despain edits WRITING FOR VIDEO GAME GENRES FROM FPS TO RPG, a fine pick from members of the International Game Developers Association Game Writing Special Interest Group, and offers a set of advice and best practice tips for first-person shooter games, role-playing games, and more. Sports games, horror, and others are covered along with game writing samples and supportive information online making for an excellent presentation any serious computer gamer needs.