This comprehensive guide walks readers through the entire process of getting and keeping a writing job in the games industry. It outlines exactly what a beginner needs to know about education requirements, finding opportunities, applying for roles, and acing studio interviews. Professional writers will learn how to navigate studio hierarchies, transfer roles and companies, work overseas, and keep developing their careers.
Written by an experienced games writer with nearly two decades of industry knowledge, this book contains a wealth of interviews and perspectives with industry leaders, hiring managers, and developers from marginalized communities, all offering their tips and insights. Included are examples of materials such as job posts, writing samples, and portfolios, as well as chapter-end challenges for readers to directly apply the skills they have learnt.
This book will be of great interest to all beginner and aspiring games writers and narrative designers, as well as more experienced writers looking to hone their skills.
Introduction
1 Definitions
2 Education
3 Finding Work
4 Applications
5 Resumes
6 Cover Letters
7 Samples and Portfolios
8 Interviews
9 Writing Tests
10 Contracts and Negotiations
11 First Day
12 Moving Up
13 Steps and Obstacles
14 Leadership
15 Moving On
16 International Work
17 Strategies for Marginalized Communities
Conclusion
Biography
Anna Megill is an award-winning game writer and industry veteran with experience writing primarily for modern AAA games. In her nearly two decades of game development, Anna has worked for some of the top studios around the world, such as Ubisoft, Arkane, Remedy, and Square Enix. A longtime advocate for marginalized voices in games, she provides resources and advice to aspiring writers through her website. Anna currently works at Playground Games on their upcoming Fable game.
"The Game Writing Guide is the book I wish I’d had when I was starting out. It goes beyond the obvious advice to give you the nitty gritty you need to be able to do the job. It's like getting a year of extra work experience. I’m buying it for all my friends who want to become game writers."
Lisa Hunter, Narrative Director, Compulsion Games.
"There is no one true path into getting a job in the game industry. Chock full of invaluable advice and knowledge only an industry veteran could offer, this book is a definitive insider's guide on how to get your foot in the door while leveraging the very best of yourself in the process."
Ann Lemay, Narrative Director, WB Games, Montréal.
