Writing Strategy Guides - Professional Techniques for Video Game Writing - page 139

• Set up a system, either with the editor or lead tester, where you can receive the

most recent build of the game as soon as it's burned.

• Be sure you're always working with the most current version.

13.10 Conclusion
An excellent strategy guide is the product of several factors. The writer must not only
write a succinct guide, but it must be engaging, adding dimensions to the game that
players without the guide will miss. It requires good communication with the game
company and the editor at the publishing house. But mostly, it takes a determined
writer who not only wants to help players navigate through trouble spots but wants
to write the ultimate guide to the game itself.

13.11 Exercises
1. Pick out a level in a game that you found confusing. Write a walkthrough of
the level, explaining the most efficient way for a player to get through while
picking up any necessary items and treasure.

2. Play through a recently released game. Develop strategies as you play and
write them down. Give these to a friend who hasn't played the game and
seehowtheyfare. Canyouhonethewording? Areyourstrategiesclearly
communicated to the player?

3. Draw a map for a level of a game you like. Add locations for items or quest-
giving NPCs. As in Exercise 2, give the map to a friend who has never played
the game before. How easily were they able to follow the map? Are there parts
you can improve?