Writing in a Team - Professional Techniques for Video Game Writing - page 82

Sande Chen and Anne Toole, Writers Cabal
“As a partnership, we typically resort to consensus throughout the game writing pro-
cess. We may each prepare ideas ahead of time as a launching point for our discus-
sions. Once we start talking, however, the ideas morph and grow, and we begin to
articulate our goals for the story, keeping in mind the developer's vision. With our
goals in place, our story proposals incorporate concepts from both of us.
“Once we're actually writing the game, we divide the work evenly between us
but still rely on consensus. We look over each other's work and may reassess how to
approach certain sections. Even so, there is a bit of ownership. When we review our
partner's writing, we are less likely to make creative edits to preserve our distinctive
voices. Since we know each other well, we often divvy up the work based on our
particular strengths.
“Even the best writing partnership may occasionally call for compromise. We
typically make compromises on thankless tasks that neither of us enjoys. Most of
these tasks involve the business end of our partnership.
“Over time, we've remained flexible in order to incorporate our process with
those of different developer teams. Each time we are reminded of the importance of
understanding the fundamentals of working in a team and how they apply not only
to writers but to all game developers.�
8.10 Conclusion
Thegameisover,theproducthasshipped,andnowyouaremovingontoanew
project, a new company, and a new adventure. Fortunately, you are armed with the
tools you need to succeed in any team environment. You remember the importance
of respect and managing egos; you've learned to ask questions of your colleagues as
both team member and lead; and you've mastered the fine art of giving and getting
feedback. Your understanding of the models of consensus, compromise, and owner-
ship has prepared you for whatever new development process may come your way,
and you're ready to use these tools to educate your development team about your
needs and to learn about theirs. Known as a flexible, easy-going writer, you're an
ideal addition to any writing team. As such, there's only one thing left to say. . .
We look forward to working with you!
8.11 Exercises
1. If you were on a writing team, how would you answer the questions in Sec-
tion 8.3?