Writing Methods, Discussion and ideas on how to write a game Options

[UmbrotheUmbreon]

There are many forms of writing stories, and even more forms of literature beyond that. Here I thought we could discuss methods on how people write the stories for their games. Do you write it yourself and ask for critiques? Do you collab with others in order to draw forth new ideas? Is your story written in literature form or in a movie script form? Share your methods with the world my friends

For me writing alone is always a struggle, due to my short attention span and lack of complete creative thought. Working with a buddy or two allows me to generate ideas while also getting a critique on what we write about. A collaboration for me is the best method to get a story written up, and I think I prefer a mix of both script style and literature style

[DarkEchoesGaming]

Writing for me comes pretty naturally. I'll get an idea from some place I see or something that I think about and then I'll just start writing. Once I finish, I'll get some friends or, in most cases, my old English professor to look it over and give critiques. That goes with just about everything I write; games, short stories, fanfics, etc.

I guess the short version of what I'm rambling on is, I write out my ideas and then get someone to look it over.

[UmbrotheUmbreon]

That's cool My ideas come randomly

[Clord]

I pretty much just do a RPG game and then add more to a story when I get inspired.

Bottom line is. I think how storyline continues and then use it for my project if the idea feels good.

Especially with my latest RPG Maker projects, I have found myself rewriting a certain parts.

This post has been edited by Clord: Feb 25 2013, 07:37 AM

[Sparrowsmith]

There's a lot of nuance to writing. First is having ideas that are coherent and, hopefully, original. Second is being able to plot out the whole thing without over or under doing anything. Third is the technical ability of the writing. There's more to it than that, but this personally helps me address mine and others' weaknesses.
A lot of people's ideas are more like hashed up variants of their favorite work of fiction, which leads to a lot of bad ideas from otherwise dedicated (point 2) and skilled (point 3) writers. There's nothing wrong with mixing up other people's ideas into your own, but it often comes across as too cliche, as if the author is unaware that they've essentially written a fan fiction of someone else's characters dulled down in an entirely implausible situation.

I've said all this because it helps explain how I write. I really work well with other people's ideas. I often challenge what other people say so I can get a better handle on what it is they're saying. Sometimes someone will have a great plot device hiding in their story that they don't even notice, I'm the guy who tells them to cut the shit and focus on that. As for making ideas myself, I can do it, but I still come out with shit once in a while so it's necessary for me to have someone (anyone) reacting vocally to my work. My second point of writing, being dedicated enough to work out an entire plot, is definitely a weakness I work on.
I find that identifying any problems with a writing style is the only real way to improve it. Published literature goes through so much revision and editing it would drive budding authors mad if they weren't truly invested in their work. Games and films get off somewhat easier for this, because the finished version can't be edited to the same extent a book can, but the point still applies. A good work of literature needs innovation, direction, and finesse.

Also, every time I actually speak with authors (aspiring or otherwise) about writing I learn things I almost never would have on my own. Just researching writing tips has always helped me get the ball rolling.

[UmbrotheUmbreon]

That was a lot great points you made Sparrowsmith, and nice to see you again

[atlus]

I use my imagination to write since I suck at using critical thinking to write. I also use the stories of other games and even books to give me ideas of what I want to write about .

[UmbrotheUmbreon]

I tend to do that but try to refrain from using other story parts for fear of copyright laws (they've been getting out of hand lately).

[Magical_RuNE_Kni...]

Man, my writing is pretty awful too. XDD no lie.
I read urs and Sparrow's posts though and they gave me some ideas on how to improve.


I usually just think up an idea myself and collab w/ my sister; she's an amazing writer imo.
Basically the same process tbh as when i draw-- i just kinda think of a theme, then a rough idea of the chars/ world, then a story. After that i tell my sister the idea and ask for advice. If its "good", i'll finish it up, if its "bad", i'll work on it a bit before usually scrapping it. (Lol)

Its prolly a pretty bad way of writing stories but at least i do the critique thing. XD

[UmbrotheUmbreon]

That's actually a good way to write a story :3 I am working on my Umbreon OC's story (Umbro, Legendary Umbreon) and it originally started with a main plot, then evolved with characters and other ideas.

[atlus]

@magical_rune_knight awww! I wish I had someone to help write my stories. No to help me make games period. sadly my sibs are not only younger than me but...oh nevermine. I gettin too personal. sigh. For the first time ever I feel lonely...

[Magical_RuNE_Kni...]

That's actually a good way to write a story :3 I am working on my Umbreon OC's story (Umbro, Legendary Umbreon) and it originally started with a main plot, then evolved with characters and other ideas.

It is? :2 i guess whatever works though, theres no law on how to write a story/game.

@magical_rune_knight awww! I wish I had someone to help write my stories. No to help me make games period. sadly my sibs are not only younger than me but...oh nevermine. I gettin too personal. sigh. For the first time ever I feel lonely...

Awe. I hope its nothing bad/ serious regarding ur siblings...
..Im actually going through unfortunate circumstances w/ my sister atm. I dont rly talk to her.

Actually, i havent really talked to her since November.

So sigh as well, i know what u mean. If u need someone to help u/ look over ur work though, u can try finding someone who u would feel comfortable talking to. Even a random person that seems friendly.
Id b willing to support u though. Maybe we can both suck less.. And talk about our siblings lol. :-)

[atlus]

@magical rune knight 2001 oh dont worry. its nothin bad. its just that they are sadly younger than me. that and pesky as hell....annnyway thanks for the offer to help me. umm to tell truth I dislike teamin up with people. though it is hard as hell to do anything alone on rpgmaker 2000 and I was to proud to ask anyone. anyway I sure wish though I could afford one of the legal rpgmakers. like xp. I had the money actually but I had to waste it all at scool. oh there I go rambling again...

[userjosh704]

I like to ask myself questions as I write. What do I want to do with this story/character? What do I want to have happen? What is the purpose of this? Is it important? If so, why? These questions help me to figure out if I'm doing anything unnecessary, to satisfy concerns, identify weaknesses, etc. What do I want to accomplish with this scene? How do I do it? In order to demonstrate my hero's frustration, I need to make my hero yell at these children and kick this cat. Do I want my character kicking a cat? Maybe a dog instead?