Writing Awards
The Writers Guild of America announced last year that it would be creating a new award aimed at game writers. More recently it announced the shortlist, amongst which was the game The Witcher. But because I am not a member of the WGA or its New Media Caucus I was not included in the list of writers nominated.
Now, I have nothing against the other talented writers who were nominated, but it seems like the WGA are taking my share of the credit and alocating it to the writers who are their members. I realise that the awards are for their members, but in a world where we all thrive, professionally, on our credits, this seems a little wrong.
If my work had been less significant I wouldn't even give it a a second thought, but as I edited and re-wrote over 90,000 words of dialogue I think that my contribution is not something that should be glossed over.
I don't expect this post to change anything, but I felt like letting off a little steam (in a polite way).
Now, I have nothing against the other talented writers who were nominated, but it seems like the WGA are taking my share of the credit and alocating it to the writers who are their members. I realise that the awards are for their members, but in a world where we all thrive, professionally, on our credits, this seems a little wrong.
If my work had been less significant I wouldn't even give it a a second thought, but as I edited and re-wrote over 90,000 words of dialogue I think that my contribution is not something that should be glossed over.
I don't expect this post to change anything, but I felt like letting off a little steam (in a polite way).
Labels: Creative Process, Writing, Writing for Video Games
posted by Steve | 8:36 PM
2 Comments:
That sure is a shame, Steve, especially since your contribution was substantial. That doesn't seem right. I think even a slight nod to you would have been, at the very lest, courteous.
I'm sure the same sort of situation has arisen before for nominated film and tv scripts (several contributors, some not WGA members) so I wonder what the outcome was there?
The other way to look at it is that if all The Witcher writers were non-WGA members then the game wouldn't be nominated at all. Something's better than nothing at all.
I suppose this sort of sidelining encourages more people to become WGA members - they look after their own (the whole point of a union and not necessarily a bad thing).
Have you ever considered joining the WGA? Can you, given that you're UK based (don't know if this matters)? Also, what would be the advantages/disadvantages of becoming a WGA member?
Money for fees, etc. is obviously a factor (a potentially unnecessary drain on resources), having to go on strike if called upon (I'm sure this never happens! :) ) and having to abide by certain rules.
I'm also curious how much leverage they have in the game-writing industry (just to be clear - story, dialogue, etc., not code) given that you don't hear much about the WGA and games (certainly not in the mainstream games press, at any rate). They're well established in film, television, etc. but do they provide enough benefits to game writers like yourself?
Game writing is fairly young compared to film/tv so is the WGA's attitude to it mature enough yet? Given that this year is the first time game writing has a category it looks like they're finally dipping their toe in the water (albeit several years late).
I'm certainly aware of the positive aspects, which is why I'm not making a bigger fuss about it. If it wins the awared I'll be happy for the writers who were part of the nomination.
I'm sure that one part of why they've created the award is to help build awareness of game writing and to draw some of the existing game writers into the WGA fold, but at the moment I'm not happy to do that.
If I were to join a professional body I'd be more likely to join the Writers Guild of Great Britain. However, at the moment it would be counter-productive of me to do so. If I joined, then I'd be expected to adhere to the WGGB pay guidelines. Many of the projects I get involved in have small budgets (compared to Halo or Metal Gear Solid, say) and to charge their recommended fees would price me out of some very rewarding work. I may not be rich, but I have a comfortable living and thoroughly enjoy the projects I work on.
I think these bodies need to realise that there is a huge range of game projects out there and their fee guidelines and membership levels need to reflect this.
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