Game Writing Handbook

by Rafael Chandler

An illustrated manual for users who want to learn how to write scripts and stories for video games offers practical information on how to design storylines, create characters, write dialogue, organize data, format documents, and present information, outlining a framework for guiding the creative process and including sample game scripts, tips on understanding technical parameters, and more. Original. (Beginner)

Genres: Games, Game Design, Writing

295 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2007

About the author

Rafael Chandler writes novels (The Astounding Antagonists, Hexcommunicated), video games (SOCOM 4, Rainbow Six: Lockdown), and tabletop role-playing games (ViewScream, Pandemonio). He's a metalhead, kaijuphile, gamer, and gorehound.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about writing for videogames. It's over ten years old now, and it does feel a bit dated. Over half the book focused on writing for voice actors, casting voice actors, and working with scripters and scripting--basically things that only happen on a pretty big game project. But I guess most games would have to have a pretty big budget to hire a dedicated writer! I learned a lot about documentation and all the behind-the-scenes tasks that go into AAA games. I was a lot more interested in player choices/variables and conversation trees, which this handbook did not cover in very much detail at all, disappointingly. I liked the developer interviews and how practical the advice in this book seemed... it just didn't really apply to the games writing I'm doing right now.

[gramakri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book imparts the know-how of game writing for today’s competitive video game market. It provides hands-on techniques for designing storyline, creating characters, writing dialogue, and testing story content.
A well-written book which has resulted in my developing a better appreciation for the Game Design and Writing !
For chapter-wise summary of the contents of this book visit
http://www.rgopinath.com/2013/01/13/b...

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. Great examples. It's given me a lot to think about in my current and planned projects.