With my wealth of experience in the video games industry, I always felt it was important to share my knowledge so that others might benefit from it. Here, then, are four books I wrote on game writing and I hope that there is something useful for you or possibly younger people that you may know.
Writing For Video Games
Video games is a lucrative 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.
“Brilliant. Insightful. Covers everything you want to know. A well written and easy to understand guide for any ‘wannabe’ games developer.” – R. Roberts on Amazon
“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.”” – Joao Miguel Oliveira on Amazon
An Introduction to Game Writing
Learning anything new can be a daunting task, particularly a skill like game writing. Without the right approach, many of those who’d love to learn this thrilling way of telling stories can be put off before they begin.
This book takes away that daunting aspect by introducing the reader to the exciting nature of game writing in a step by step process that any person can pick up quickly.
Requiring no previous knowledge or outstanding English skills, the eager novice will learn to create interactive stories in next to no time.
Building on three decades of experience in the games industry and having run workshops for learners of all ages, the author will take you on a journey that may kick-start a lifelong passion for writing and telling stories in a new, stimulating and interactive way. The first steps of any journey are always the hardest, but this book will help smooth the path.
“I got the book and read it all in just a weekend. It’s a small gem! So wonderfully didactic! Steve is an amazing writer and teacher, and the book benefits from both skills. It’s a pleasant reading through and through, and its topic structure presents information in a way that allows for the progressive building of knowledge.” – Thiago Baptista on Amazon
“Honestly, if you want a very clearly written book about how to create your own interactive fiction, this is without a doubt the best one I’ve read. The style is very upbeat and a joy to read, and most importantly the explanations about how to use Twine (the software that makes it very easy to put your own interactive stories together) are very easy to follow.” – Snowkitten on Amazon
201 Things for Better Game Writing
Game writing is an exciting field whose practitioners not only have to constantly learn but have to push at the current boundaries as they do so. To the writer it can sometimes feel like you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.
Much of this comes from the fact that the games industry is maturing as it grows, but in many ways there is an increasing amount to learn for everyone involved in development. Partly, this is down to the rapid advances in technology we see year upon year, but also because of rising expectations of players.
Because writing is difficult and game writing particularly so, ensuring that you deliver quality at the same time as hitting deadlines can make the task even harder. Help and advice is always going to be a valuable commodity.
Here, then, is a book that delivers a wide range of tips, suggestions, approaches, thoughts and advice in 201 easily digestible portions.
Chew thoroughly and be sure to clean your teeth after.
“It is very comprehensive and useful, the reader is guided step-by-step through 201 tips for better game writing. Definitely, I recommend the book both to beginners and experienced game writers, as well as to those who want to know more about the creative process behind graphic adventures.” – Giotto on Amazon
“Am currently reading Steve Ince’s new book. Not enough devs take this stuff seriously, but this is where you learn it. Sharp and perceptive. This is the bible. Check it out on Amazon!” – Tony Warriner
Collected Game Writing Articles
The latest (and probably last) book on game writing from Steve Ince is now available from Amazon.
Steve has worked in the games industry for thirty years and in this final game-related book before he retires, he brings together all of the articles he’s written over the last twenty years.
This collection presents each one as originally published, with no updating or editing, in order to give a sense of completeness to Steve’s work on the subject of game writing (with a little design thrown in).
These articles not only represent some of Steve’s core writing beliefs, they also show his dedication to passing on his knowledge and experience.
