Writing for Video Games [Paperback]

Steve Ince (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 29, 2006

Video games is a lucrative new market for scriptwriters but writing for video games is complex and very different to traditional media (tv or film). This practical guide shows how you can adapt your writing skills to this exciting medium. Written by an award-winning games writer, the book gives you a realistic picture of how games companies work, how the writer fits into the development process, and the skills required: from storytelling, to developing interactive narrative, characters and viewpoints, dialogue comedy and professional practice. Illustrated with examples from games and quotes from developers, writers and agents, this is a cutting edge professional writing guide at a very accessible price.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The video games industry outstrips film in turnover terms and is a popular & lucrative new area for writers
Allows writers to understand the computer games industry & how their work fits into a complex process
An inside view of skills involved in writing for an interactive medium
One of the first 'straightforward' books on the subject
Written by an award-winning games writer, well respected for his narrative game work in the industry --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

About the Author

Steve Ince is a games producer, designer and writer. He has received nominations for Excellence in Writing at the Game Developers Choice Awards, as well as the interactive BAFTA awards.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Methuen Drama (September 29, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0713677619
• ISBN-13: 978-0713677614
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,038,101 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars About the business not the craft, July 29, 2008

By 

Joao Miguel Oliveira (Portugal) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Writing for Video Games (Paperback)

There is one sentence toward the end of the book that I think sums up the whole book: "If this book has succeeded in its intention, you should now be in the position of understanding how a skilful writer fits within the game development process."

In fact, that's what this book is all about - each chapter analyses one aspect of the writer's work within the game development business. What this book won't tell you is how to improve your work how the work actually is done, but it does tell valuable information about how it fits in the grand-scheme of game development with an emphasis of interaction between the writer and the rest of the team.

If you are an indie and don't plan on ever becoming a professional game writer this book won't help you. It won't help you either if you are looking for techniques on writing for games. However, it is invaluable for people in the business or who plan entering it, covering even ways to promote yourself and your work.

I was unsure about rating it 3 or 4 stars, because other books do manage to cover both the business and the craft. But the emphasis on interaction and the depth of what it does cover are favorable, and I decided upon 4 stars.