A game writer is a person who works on a game’s storyline and dialogue. Some game development companies require game writers to write the entire script for a game, while others hire writers later in the development process. After the script is completed, the writer must flesh out the plot and characters.
A game writer’s exact role is determined by the company and the job description. A game writer and a game designer may work together on occasion, but the designer is usually more concerned with the overall game, including story, appearance, and balance. Often, the writer is only concerned with the plot and character interactions. In some companies, the two jobs may be combined into a single position, but this is unusual. Because a good storyline and script are seen as essential for a successful game, larger games development companies are more likely to have separate employees for the two positions.
One of the most important responsibilities of a game writer is to develop the overall story. When a writer is brought into the development process, it determines how much influence he has on the overall plot of the game. If the writer is a founding member of the team, he often bears a greater share of the story’s responsibility. The writer, on the other hand, is frequently brought into the team later. The writer’s job in this situation is to evaluate and fine-tune the story while looking for any errors or inconsistencies.
A game writer’s primary responsibility is often narration and character interaction in the game. A game writer must take a storyline and turn it into a script that is appropriate for the intended audience. This can include giving characters personalities, creating new characters, and deciding how the storyline will progress as the game progresses.
Games differ from other forms of entertainment, such as movies, in that the user has complete control over his or her actions. As a result, a writer must be capable of creating an immersive storyline that allows the player to feel as if he or she is a part of the world. Some games are designed in a linear fashion, which means the game writer has more control over how the player interacts with the environment. Other games are more open, which makes writing a compelling storyline more difficult.