- Training Video Game
A video game obviously has a world, a story, characters, an environment and even a plot that you have to imagine.
It’s the role of the scriptwriter to build this fiction, never forgetting to consider the interactive aspect with the players. The pleasure and satisfaction of the players must remain the driving force behind the writing.
Missions
Storytelling is the central mission of the scriptwriter, who is responsible for building the story of the video game within the framework of a coherent universe that will subsequently be worked on and developed by the computer graphics artists and level designers.
At the heart of the creative process, the scriptwriter imagines all the characters in the game and defines all their characteristics. The scriptwriter also sets up all the game’s mechanisms, i.e. the sequence of scenes and the game’s geography, and anticipates the player’s expectations and playability, including an interactive dimension by involving, for example, the player in the construction of the story.
A story is intended for a targeted audience: it must anticipate the player’s desires, knowing which accessory they will want to use. The player must be able to identify with the character they are playing and feel involved in the mission entrusted to them in the game.
Skills and knowledge
Although there is no specific curriculum for training scriptwriters, who come in a wide variety of profiles, they must nevertheless have an in-depth knowledge of video games, design and production.
A 3-year degree from a film school or video games school is a sound approach to the job. They are creative professionals with a well-developed artistic sense and solid writing skills.
They can’t ignore the technical aspects, particularly when it comes to using professional software (graphic design, 3D creation, IT development, etc.), which means they need to be versatile and a good team player. A video game is a collective project.
To write and refine their scripts, scriptwriters often have to carry out a great deal of research (founding myths, sociology, ethnology, etc.).
As in all video game production jobs, a good level of English is essential, as is a keen sense of observation and a great deal of passion! You don’t get into this job by chance!
Salary
Salaries range from €1,300 (for a beginner) to €3,000 gross per month for an experienced scriptwriter. You also need to take into account your status (salaried, temporary, freelance), the company and the scale of the project.
Remuneration may include advances or royalties for freelancers.
It’s all a matter of negotiation, depending on the project and your experience.
Careers and opportunities
After several years as a video game scriptwriter, a position as project manager is quite conceivable: they may turn to writing for traditional cinema or television, but generally scriptwriters remain in the digital creation field.
