The Ultimate Guide to Video Game Writing and Design

This is my teen daughter's review: I've read most of this book, but even without finishing it, I've liked it a lot. The action items are really valuable to extending your creativity and skill for video game writing and design. So far, this book isn't about the artwork so much as it is about the character, game, and story structure. At first I picked up, thinking it would be boring and/or way over my head, but this book really shows you the ins and outs of video game writing/design, in a way that is both realistic and quite interesting. If you do the action items throughout the book, like I'm doing, you'll find your video game thoughts will become ideas, and your ideas will grow more substantial as you find inspiration. Also, the authors give you some scenarios and examples about working in a video gaming job, what problems may arise and how to overcome and work around them, how to cooperate with your team members, etc. This book is really enjoyable to read too, and is even humorous. These guys really know what they're talking about, and they're wonderful authors now too! This book is important to read, practically a MUST if you are interested in becoming a video game designer/writer. Thank you to the authors for writing this helpful and amazing book!

I haven't even finished this book yet and already it's in rough shape! It's highlighted, dog-eared, bookmarked, etc. This is a fantastic book to use alongside your first project. It's not just a book, it's a work-study course on the subject. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in game writing.

Though I've been mostly interested in writing for animation and comics, while playing video games I questioned who came up with it's stories. Many games have little to no stories and focus mostly on mindless entertainment...which isn't always a bad thing. But some video game stories really touch the viewer (Half Life 2, Final Fantasy, Bioshock, etc. come to mind.) On a whim I bought this book and have enjoyed it immensely. Both the authors provided much more than I was hoping for. Both are seasoned game writers/designers who have worked on many games you know, and are still working on games. Stuff like UNCHARTED - DRAKE'S FORTUNE, CRIMSON SKIES, PROJECT ORIGIN, and FRANK MILLER'S SIN CITY - THE GAME. These guys know what they are doing. The book breaks down not only how to write for games, but what that entails, hardships you will find along the way (both with writing and people), they provide sheets you can fill out to create your own game bible to pitch. And as an added bonus they occasionally have writing exercises to help you hone your craft or understnad a point better. Leave no stone unturned and that's what these two have done. It has my highest regards! Buy it and truly educate yourself.

When I read The Ultimate Guide to Videogame Writing and Design I was expecting quite a lot from a title like that. As a well read veteran game designer with over 34 million units sold to date, as well as game design professor at USC, I thought I had seen every element and angle in game development. Not only that, at USC we have developed a pretty robust curriculum on how to build great narrative into a solid game. To my amazement, my high expectations were not only met, but exceeded by a wide margin with this book! Ultimate Guide is extremely well thought out and presented in a no nonsense manner, with many excellent examples, points, and tips on not only writing, but also how to survive and prosper in the game industry. I guess it comes as no surprise since this book is practically a FedEx straight from the front lines, as these authors are still writing top games, and have written a number of "Story of the Year" games over the last five years. These guys have written for both film and interactive, and they know how to bring solid storytelling craft into the game space. I recommend this book to all my students as well as colleagues as a must read. You will not find a more straight forward and to the point book packed with real world examples anywhere. This is more than a "how to" book, but also a "how come" as it focuses down precisely on the challenges and pitfalls of game design and writing today from a variety of angles. I guarantee it will provide insights and value to both new and veteran game writers, as well as designers who are looking to bridge the gap between solid storytelling and great gameplay. I wish I'd had this book when I was starting out! But I'm sure glad I have it now!