If you’re in game development and you don’t know what a writer does beyond the words, then you probably really NEED a writer.
Writing and Design
Steve Ince writes about these two aspects of his life, and much more besides.
A few events in the UK related to Games Writing
I though people who visit here may be interested in a few events taking place in the UK in the coming weeks.
First, I’m speaking on a games writing panel at this year’s London Screenwriters Festival on 25th October. If you’re thinking of attending, check out the programme schedule. Visit the website here.
Second, that same weekend, 25th October, is the premiere of the second episode of Trylife. This is more of an interactive drama than a game, but the quality is first rate and has a huge connection to the work we all do. There are only 29 tickets remaining for this event if you’re interested in going, but it’s free and you can get tickets here.
For those interested, the first episode can be seen here.
Third, I’m co-organising a small games writing event in Leeds with the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain and the Royal Television Society, which will take place on 18th November. There will be four speakers and a panel discussion followed by networking after. Tickets here.
I hope to see some of you at these events.
Writers’ Guild press release
Following my new position as Chair of the Videogames Committee within the Writers’ Guild, I sent out a press release earlier:
July 14th 2014
Re: Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, Videogames committee chair.
Following the Guild’s AGM on Friday 4th July 2014, games writer Steve Ince has now taken up the position of chair of the Videogames Committee within the organisation, a position he is proud to take up and hopes it encourages more game writers to join the Guild.
Steve says:
“I joined the Guild two years ago because I believe it’s important to be part of a strong organisation that works in the interests of professional writers and, by extension, those writers who wish to become so.
“As a professional game writer I not only want to help shape the direction of writing within games with the work I do, but also be a part of how game writers are perceived by the wider writing community and within the game development industry.
“With this in mind I put myself forward for the Videogames position within the Writers’ Guild which was confirmed at the recent AGM, for which I’m very honoured.
“As a first step in this new position I’d like to invite all eligible game writers to consider joining the Guild, details of which are on the Guild website.
“Game writers, like most other scribes, can feel a little isolated at times, so being part of an organisation with such a rich history will give you a place in a strong community of creative individuals from every part of the writing spectrum.
“Previous holders of this position have done a fantastic job to date and I hope I can match that, particularly as there’s still a lot to do in respect to what the Guild means for game writers. By joining or becoming part of the discussion, game writers can help give direction in a field that is evolving faster than all others.
“I welcome comments, questions and suggestions on anything related to the game writing side of the Guild, including membership enquiries, and look forward to hearing from you.
“I hope to achieve something positive for both the Guild and game writing while in this position.”
About the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain:
The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain supports writers across media including books, film, online, radio, theatre, TV and videogames.
We campaign for writers and negotiate agreements to secure the best possible pay and conditions. Membership is open to writers of all levels of experience.
Further details about the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain can be found on the Guild’s website: http://www.writersguild.org.uk/
About Steve Ince:
With over 20 years in the games industry, Steve has enjoyed much success and acclaim, both during his time with Revolution Software and as a freelancer since. Having a diverse range of projects under his belt and award nominations to his name, Steve’s extensive experience is in high demand, as a writer, designer, consultant and speaker. He is currently working on a number of exciting projects.
Gamewriter Bites!
I have created a new blog called Gamewriter Bites! in which I’m posting short videos on various gamewriting topics and answering questions people pose to me.
70 hours to go
We’re down to the last 70 hours on the Kaptain Brawe 2 Kickstarter. Please support us if you can.
Kaptain Brawe 2 on Kickstarter
I’ve been a bit remiss. Because I’ve been trying to post a lot on Twitter, Facebook and other places, I neglected to post anything here.
If you don’t already know, I’m involved in a Kickstarter for Kaptain Brawe 2: A Space Travesty. Please check it out if you haven’t already. Please consider pledging or at least help spreading the word if it’s not a game for you.
This has the potential to be a truly fantastic project. Not only does it fit with my sense of humour perfectly (as illustrated by my FREE short story), Cateia Games is a solid group of developers with lots of experience.
And if that wasn’t enough, they’ve also brought on board Bill Tiller, a superb artist whose work graced the excellent game, The Curse of Monkey Island.
Now is that fantastic or what?
While I’ve heard it said that some people think the goal is steep, I am firmly of the opinion that you get what you pay for.
It is our intention to make this game the best we possibly can and under that proviso I think the goal is not unreasonable. In fact, I think it’s a bargain of development. When you look back eight years to when I started work on So Blonde, the budget for that game was roughly three times what the Cateia Games guys are asking. Even without inflation I think you must agree that this represents incredibly good value for the project we intend to deliver, especially as English voices will be integral to the game.
I hope some of you will be able to see your way clear to supporting the game.
Thanks.
My Talk at LAUNCH Conference
The talks from the LAUNCH Conference a few weeks ago have been posted. My talk starts at about 5:14:00 but there’s a little problem with the sound in places. I hope it doesn’t stop people understanding what I’m saying.
Game Writing Podcast
I took part in a game writing podcast recorded at this year’s London Screenwriters’ Festival, which has just been released. Although I’m obviously biased, Tim, Tony, Rudolf and myself covered a lot of valuable points. 40 minutes of fun and insight.
New Interview
Aaron Hubbard interviewed me for his site, Ask The Writer. I hope you enjoy it.
Personal Summary
Steve Ince
I'm an award-nominated writer and game designer with 19 years of development experience. I've worked with a large variety of clients, both in the US and across the breadth of Europe.
I also write and draw cartoons and comic strips.
I have a partner, June, three grown up sons, three granddaughters, a grandson and a cat.
All the blog content is copyright © Steve Ince 2003-2012.
