Professional techniques for video game writing

Chapter 1 ◾ Getting Writing Jobs in Video Games 1
Wendy Despain, NCSoft, Quantum Content, International Hobo
Chapter 2 ◾ Game Script Formatting 11
Wendy Despain, NCSoft, Quantum Content, International Hobo
Chapter 3 ◾ Documentation for Writers 21
John Feil, Paizo
Chapter 4 ◾ Writing Instructions, Helptext, Walkthroughs,
and Manuals: Text to Train the Player 37
John Feil, Paizo
Chapter 5 ◾ Writing Tutorials: Write “Start” to Start 53
Andrew S. Walsh, Guerrilla Games, Sony
Chapter 6 ◾ Practical Techniques for Productivity:
Getting the Work Done 89
Wendy Despain, NCSoft, Quantum Content, International Hobo
Chapter 7 ◾ Collaborating with Art, Design, and
Engineering 99
Anthony Burch, Santa Monica Studio
Chapter 8 ◾ Writing for AAA Games: Playing in the
Big Leagues 105
Marek Walton, Crystal Dynamics
Chapter 9 ◾ Writing for Indie Games 121
Wendy Despain, NCSoft, Quantum Content, International Hobo
Chapter 10 ◾ Game Writing Remotely: How to Pay the
Rent Working from Home 127
Tracy A. Seamster, Independent Contractor
Chapter 11 ◾ Game Writing On Staff 139
Samantha Wallschlaeger, Monolith Productions
Chapter 12 ◾ Keeping Localization in Mind: When Game
Narrative Travels Abroad 153
Ross Berger, Electronic Arts, Amazon
Chapter 13 ◾ Writers in the Recording Studio 165
Haris Orkin, Independent Contractor
Chapter 14 ◾ Writing for Existing Licenses 185
Heidi McDonald, Independent Contractor
Chapter 15 ◾ Writing for New IP 197
Rhianna Pratchett, Independent Contractor
Chapter 16 ◾ Script Doctoring 219
Richard Dansky, Central Clancy Writer, Ubisoft
Chapter 17 ◾ Writing Compelling Game Characters 235
William Harms, Narrative Director, Hangar 13
Chapter 18 ◾ Hiring Philosophies: We Can Do Better 243
Tom Abernathy, Studio Narrative Director, ArenaNet
Chapter 19 ◾ If It Works, Break It: Game Narrative Tropes
and Innovation 257
Maurice Suckling, Independent Contractor, Professor of
Practice, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
APPENDIX A ◾ CALL OF JUAREZ: GUNSLINGER SCRIPT
SAMPLE–SCREENPLAY FORMAT, 271
APPENDIX B ◾ BRATZ: FOREVER DIAMONDZ SCRIPT
SAMPLE–MODIFIED SCREENPLAY FORMAT, 289
APPENDIX C ◾ BARKS AND TASK SPREADSHEET, 291
APPENDIX D ◾ CASTING SIDES FOR CALL OF JUAREZ, 301