How Do You Become a Video Game Writer? A 9-Step Career Guide

A career as a video game writer combines a passion for gaming with narrative craftsmanship. Successful entry into this field typically requires a blend of formal education, practical writing experience, and a demonstrable understanding of game development, with salaries often reflecting a writer's technical skills and portfolio strength. Industry data indicates that building a specialized portfolio is the most critical step for landing a video game writer job.

What Does a Video Game Writer Do?

A video game writer is responsible for creating the narrative elements of a game, including the overarching plot, character backstories, and in-game dialogue. Their work is integral to the game design process, collaborating closely with developers, artists, and voice actors to ensure the story enhances the player's experience. Key responsibilities often include:

• Writing character dialogue and scripts.
• Developing plots and conducting research for story authenticity.
• Testing gameplay to ensure narrative arcs align with game mechanics.
• Collaborating with a team of designers to bring creative concepts to fruition.

Many professionals in this role work on a freelance basis, while others are employed full-time by game development studios.

How to Become a Video Game Writer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Breaking into the video game industry requires a strategic approach. Here is a practical 9-step path to build the necessary skills and experience.

1. How Can You Build a Foundation in Writing and Technology?

Begin by completing your secondary education, with a strong focus on English and ICT (Information and Communication Technology). While not always mandatory, excelling in these subjects demonstrates core competency. Pursue extracurricular activities like creative writing clubs or introductory software development courses to build early practical skills.

2. Why is Playing Video Games a Professional Necessity?

Analytical play is a key part of professional development. Go beyond casual gaming by deconstructing the storylines of various games. Take notes on compelling character development, plot twists, and narrative weaknesses. This practice helps you understand different narrative design structures and informs your own creative style.

3. How Do You Develop Practical Writing Skills?

Start creating your own stories. Practice by outlining different types of games, from simple mobile games to complex RPGs. A structured approach includes:

• Deciding the game genre.
• Establishing the major storyline.
• Developing main characters and their motivations.
• Creating the game's world and setting.
• Outlining the main plot and potential side quests. Begin with achievable projects, like a short story for a game with two main characters and a single dramatic situation, to build confidence and a body of work.

4. Is Coding Knowledge Important for a Writer?

While not always a strict requirement, basic coding knowledge provides a significant competitive advantage. Understanding languages like Python or C# helps you communicate more effectively with the development team and comprehend technical constraints. Consider online courses or community college classes to gain foundational skills.

5. What Kind of Degree Should You Pursue?

A university degree, while not always essential, strengthens your candidacy. Relevant undergraduate degrees include:

• English Literature
• Creative Writing
• Screenwriting
• Game Design These programs hone your storytelling abilities, focusing on narrative voice, fiction writing, and character development, which are directly applicable to video game writing.

6. How Do You Gain Real-World Experience?

Practical experience is paramount. Seek internships, contribute to game jams (short, intense game development events, often lasting 48 hours), or collaborate on independent projects. Working with a team, even in a small capacity, provides invaluable insight into the production pipeline and helps you build a professional network.

7. How Should You Showcase Your Work Online?

Create a professional website or portfolio on platforms like ok.com to display your writing samples, project credits, and an "About Me" section. This acts as your digital business card, making your work accessible to potential employers globally. Regularly update your portfolio with new projects to demonstrate continuous growth and skill development.

8. Why Should You Consistently Publish Your Writing?

Publishing your work, whether on your blog, in industry publications, or as part of game mods, establishes your authority and visibility. For freelancers, this is especially crucial as it demonstrates your ability to produce engaging content and can attract direct client inquiries.

9. How Do You Create a Winning Portfolio?

Your portfolio is often the deciding factor for recruiters. It should contain diverse writing samples that showcase your range across different genres and game types. Tailor your portfolio for each application by featuring work most relevant to the specific job, and highlight your ability to write character-driven and interactive dialogue.

What is the Earning Potential for a Video Game Writer?

According to aggregated salary data from ok.com, the average annual salary for a writer in the UK is approximately £31,705. This figure can vary significantly based on location, experience, and the employing company. Freelance video game writers' income is project-dependent but offers greater flexibility. Salaries are influenced by technical skills, portfolio strength, and industry demand.

To succeed as a video game writer, focus on building a robust and diverse portfolio, continuously hone both your creative and technical skills, and actively network within the gaming community.