Landing a job as a video game scriptwriter is hard. The applicant pool is full of gamers who want nothing more than being a part of the development team that brings an immersive new world to life.
But there are various things you can do to increase your chances of getting hired as a video game scriptwriter. Here is a step-by-step guide to becoming a video game scriptwriter.
1. Pursue the Right Kind of Education and Skills
Writing scripts for video games requires a lot of knowledge and skill. So, to stand out in the applicant pool, having a relevant degree is necessary. you’re able to pursue a degree in the target language you wish to write in. Or, you can pursue a Bachelor’s degree in script writing or creative writing. This way, you can learn important skills, like plot creation, engaging dialogue writing, storytelling, and world-building.
To further improve your resume, you can take courses in video game design. This will give you deeper insight into the creative process behind a game, such as world design, content design, system design, and level design.
Having coding skills will help you better understand the game you’re writing for. Furthermore, knowing code will let you easily communicate with the game designers and coders who are working on the game alongside you.
Be sure to add it in your cover letter that your coding skills further amplify your collaboration skills and this will add value to the team. To learn how to code, a Computer Science Degree isn’t necessary. you’re able to instead usefree online coding courses for computer programming.
2. Play Games Critically
Playing games critically will teach you a lot about dialogue writing, world-building, environmental storytelling, and lore writing. It will also help you write better characters and stories, and make tackling character development and story progression a breeze.
Pay close attention to the script and storyline of the video game you are playing. Listen to the dialogue and write it down if needed. Then, evaluate it and see how it was structured, how it advanced the story, and how it developed the characters. you’re able to usenote-taking apps to link all this up.
It is important to pick the right video game though. Otherwise, you won’t be able to improve your own scriptwriting skills. you’re able to pick a plot-driven video game, like Undertale to improve your story-telling skills. On the other hand, a dialogue-heavy game, like The Walking Dead, will teach you how to write plot-advancing and character-developing dialogue for different character personalities.
You can also learn more about world-building by playing games like Skyrim or Elden Ring. These titles have an extensive world and lore for players to immerse themselves in and explore.
3. Build a Writing Portfolio
A writing portfolio will serve as a practical demonstration of the skill you’re learning. Ideally, this portfolio should be up on the internet. This way, potential clients can organically view the sample most relevant to them. you’re able to use an online host like Wix.com or WordPress to get your portfolio up.
If you already have some professional experience writing video game scripts, consider including these in your portfolio. Be sure to supplement this with a brief description of the scope of work. If you ghost-wrote any of these scripts, ensure you mention it in the description to prevent any copyright strikes.
If you haven’t ever professionally written a script, it’s highly recommended that you write one from scratch. It should ideally cover all the different aspects of scriptwriting, such as dialogues, storylines, character descriptions, item descriptions, lore information, and scenario creation.
If you can’t dedicate time towards writing a sample script, consider using any stories that you’ve previously written. Just make sure these chronicles have a creative element to them.
4. Consider Making Your Own Game
Developing a video game can be a big undertaking. But it will instantly set you apart in the applicant pool when applying for a video game scriptwriter post since studios look for experience.
If you do have coding knowledge, you can utilizewebsites with free game assets for Unityto create a game easily. But if code isn’t your cup of tea, you can use tools likeGameMakerandStencyl. Instead of traditional programming, these programs let you make games using drag-and-drop visual programming that is easy to learn.
5. Learn Flowcharts
Flowcharts are an essential tool that every video game scriptwriter needs to know about. With a flowchart, you can map out quest lines, dialogue trees, user decisions, and the impacts of user choices. This way, you stay on track and create a script that doesn’t have any loopholes or continuity flaws.
Creating flowcharts is simple if you have the right tools. There arevarious flowchart appsthat you can learn to use, such as Microsoft Viso, Zen Flowchart, and SmartDraw. Once you have mastered a flowchart app, you can showcase it as a skill in your resume as well.
On these apps, you can create a detailed timeline, marking every key point of your script. For instance, you can create a detailed flowchart of how the story of a character in your game starts, progresses, and ends. The chart will also include the lore related to the character, the areas they visit, and the characters they interact with.
6. Network With Professionals
Just like any other profession, networking is key if you’re looking to catapult your video game scriptwriting career forward. You can attend industry events and conferences, like the Game Developers Conference, Electronic Entertainment Expo, or Gamescom. Here, you can get in touch with industry professionals, including developers and publishers.
You can also become a member of theInternational Game Developers Association. This is a members-only community of video game developers. The association hosts events and conventions that you can attend and network in.
Writing Video Game Scripts for a Living Is an Achievable Dream
By pursuing a relevant degree and developing the right skills, you can significantly improve your chances of getting hired as a video game scriptwriter. Building a strong portfolio is also highly recommended. And one of the ways to do so is by making your own game.
Additionally, you may learn flowcharts and play video games critically to further hone your script writing skills. But don’t be disheartened if this career path doesn’t work for you. There are various other ways you can turn your passion for video games into a profession.
