Writing Strategy Guides - Professional Techniques for Video Game Writing - page 131

Game Company Contacts
These people will be vital to the completion of an excellent strategy guide. If you
aren't already familiar with the testers and game designers at the company then ask
your editor to put you in touch. Be sure to get contacts for both designers and testers,
as each can provide you with different information should you need it.
Once you have their info, contact each one and introduce yourself, saying that
youarewritingtheguideforthegamethey'reworkingon. Thesepeoplecanbe
incredibly helpful. The testers have played the game over and over, and the designers
know where hidden areas are and might be able to provide maps, secret codes, and
more.
13.2 What Makes a Good Guide
A successful guide will have a number of key components. A succinct, detailed walk-
through of the game is, of course, essential. You should create easy-to-follow maps
that show the locations of key items. Take clear screenshots of enemies and impor-
tant locations. Compose appendices with character and opponent stats and lists of
items, spells, weapons, and so on. Interesting sidebars about characters and locations
can spice up the guide. Cheat codes and guides to hidden areas can go in the back,
as can interviews with game designers.
13.3 Getting Through the Game
One of your first tasks as you begin writing is to play through the game, making
notes as you go. If you have a short deadline, quickly obtaining working copies of
the game can prove difficult, and you will have to be on top of it constantly.
Getting a Copy of the Game
You can either do this through your editor or your game company contact. Ask your
editor which one is more appropriate, as it can change with different companies. If
you don't receive a copy right away, get proactive. Unfortunately, getting a copy to
the strategy guide writer is sometimes not much of a priority for the game company,
and every day you lose will be felt toward the deadline.
Getting the Most Current Copy of the Game
Of course, the game you're working on hasn't been released yet and is likely still full
of bugs. You may get a version that has unplayable levels or isn't complete. Perhaps
they haven't finished balancing the game, and a boss is undefeatable or defeated too
easily. These factors will change by the game release date, so it's vital that you keep
getting updated versions of the game. Keep asking your contact who provides you
with copies of the game. If it isn't your editor and the person is slow to respond, get
your editor involved.