Game Writers SIG/Initiatives06
International Game Developers Association
Contents |
New Initiatives, from GDC 2006
The following new initiatives were discussed at the Game Writers Group Gathering at GDC 2006. The gathering was attended by a large crowd of people, and the discussions were fruitful.
Austin 06
Although not an initiative, per se, everyone who attended the gathering was strongly encouraged to attend this year's Game Writers' Conference in Austin.
Surveys
There was discussion of gathering some research data on contracts, rate of pay etc. by conducting surveys (in the manner carried out by the HWA, and other organisations). This was widely approved and will be conducted at Surveys.
White Paper Update
It was determined that the white paper needs revision. Chris Klug, Beth Dillon and Wendy Despain were identified as participants in this, but since Chris was cornered, we must determine if he is genuinally interested in working on this, or was just press ganged against his will.
- See also: Self-Promotion Guide, below.
SIG Restructure
Jason Della Rocca, programme coordinator for the IGDA, stopped by for a brief chat about the restructuring of the IGDA's Special Interest Groups. During this discussion, Jason called the writers SIG "a model for the other SIGS", which is high praise indeed. It is not yet clear how the restructuring of the SIGs will affect the Writing SIG, but this will presumably emerge with time.
Outreach
This is a two pronged issue:
- University outreach: we need to talk to universities about Game Writing courses. This will be easier once the book is in print.
- New writer outreach: we need to reach out to new writers and proselytise the medium.
Steve Bachall (sp?) mentioned outreach to film writing schools. This needs following up!
- Speakers list: some conferences/schools would be interested in having experienced game writers come talk to them, but don't know where to begin to find people willing to be guest lecturers etc. we can help get these two groups talking to each other. (item added by WendyDespain 17:20, 21 Apr 2006 (EDT))
Self-Promotion Guide
We already have some initiatives relating to self-promotion, such as the project to get game credits added to the IMDB. Elonka talked about getting game writer bios onto the Wikipedia. This lead to the idea of a Self-Promotion Guide, talking about getting promoted on the IMDB, Mobygames, and the Wikipedia.
The name 'John Veil' appears in my notes here. I have no explanation. (Rich suggests this may be John Feil, but didn't explain who that was and why he might be in Chris' notes.)
Contract Game Writing Services
Resources are available on the wiki, but they are apparently hard to find.
The words 'Final Draft' and 'Rough Draft - freeway' appear in my notes here. Again, I have no explanation. Something about tools? unrelated to the list of contractors? (comment by WendyDespain 17:20, 21 Apr 2006 (EDT))
Fleshing Out Resources on Website
Essential Skills for Interactive Writers:
- longer works
- player as protagonist
- lack of linearity
- barks
- level design
- scripting (I think this is in terms of technical scripting? not dialogue)
- vocabulary
Actions to Take
The following actions need taking:
- A Survey Task Force has been formed at Surveys.
- A team for the White Paper Update must be identified.
- Copy for the Self-Promotion Guide must be created.
- Discussion regarding Outreach is required, probably after the book is published.
- Wiki pages need to be created for the construction of Resource Articles
- Insert your actions here
