Computer Game Writing.

Good computer game writing is mostly in two major genres of games. Role playing and first person shooter games. However, it was not always the case! FPS games were considered only once for their big engine and weapons available. However, the number of Half Life and Deus Ex changed all this. When I look back on my (too many) years of experience playing all the games I remember it had great writing. Well, there is a reason for this:

The writings were not evil it is worth remembering!

I had to actually go through my collection of discs that play loose to find what I had forgotten. These include some pretty big name games, beginning with "Black and White" by Lionhead. This is a good example of where they were too interested in the engine and game mechanics working on a story that the player really committed. It was too much emphasis on controls and system of beliefs used to influence the world, and I felt I was just watching a game rather than being part of its history.

Another example of bad storytelling and computer games in general, in writing, must be "Doom3". This has always been a game ID 'problems. The reasons I have heard of this revolve around the game is made to show the engine.

So why developers should care about computer games writing? What to bring to a game? Allows you to start with credible characters that the player can identify and connect with. Or a captivating storyline that draws the player in. Or an interesting setting that provokes an emotional response as a lively city or large, uninhabited wasteland. Although many of these aspects have been designed by the game-designer, someone needs to bring the game to life by using these features. Valve has always been a pioneer in the computer game writing, after having devoted their writer as a writer of science fiction, Mark Laidlaw. He helped shape the story of Gordon Freeman as the first Half Life game and continues to keep the plot and interesting characters. Because of the intrigues led to these games from his writing, fan keeps discussion going on for months, before and after each release.

Another well-written game is Deus Ex, which actually had two dialogue writers! And the results have been obvious credible and thoughtful dialogue, interesting characters and a story so in depth that makes the Grand Canyon look superficial.

Another good writing is able to provide several choices of a player must make during a game. In the game Bioshock, is often in people known as "Little Sisters", which are genetically modified children. Your choice is worrying both for their DNA to restore normal, or to extract their precious essence for their own means, by killing the child in the process! These choices impact the story, which influence the moral compass of your character and the final outcome of the game. But even more important that the player makes a break and reflect on the consequences of their actions within the game. The writer here is Ken Levine, for the other writer of mine favorites, System Shock 2 and Thief: The Dark Project.

Writing computer games is one of those areas that are often overlooked game developers. A friend of mine who is an excellent writer, recalled that the number of outlets for aspiring writers is "vanishingly small" and I was thinking. As many independent developers out there have a dedicated writer? When I was developing games I have taken into consideration, it would have greatly improved the quality of my dialogue and helped me tie the loose ends in my history.

Title independent "Defense Grid: The Awakening" is an example of a tower defense game fairly standard that has been greatly improved on his writing (and certainly is the voice acting) that can only be dropped by the wayside otherwise.

Developers of casual games in particular are lacking on this. I played too many badly written attempts at mounting a story hidden in an object or match-3 game. I am sure that hidden object fan who does not care much, but we should think about where would attract a wider user base.

Even free games should make an effort in their writing. The wonderful "Cave Story" has a great story with memorable characters, and that after its translation from the Japanese!

Good computer game writing does not necessarily mean instant success for any game. Nor does it mean bad writing immediate failure. However, it seems to me that the games most memorable are those that have the best writing. The sequel to these games are very impatient to have!

This article was written by Andy Yates PC Games and Reviews

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