Author Athanasy on game scripts, essays by screenwriters and narrative designers

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How to write your first game script? This question worries many aspiring authors. We turned to gaming industry professionals, such as screenwriters, narrative designers, and indie developers, to find out their opinions and experiences. As a result, we've compiled eight essays sharing helpful tips and advice for those looking to create their own game scenario. These tips will help you better understand the writing process and inspire you to create a unique game world.

This article represents the fifth and final part of a series dedicated to the secrets of creating game scenarios. Writer and screenwriter Mikhail Kryzhanovsky shares his knowledge and techniques that will help improve the process of writing scripts for games.

Reading is an important aspect of our lives that helps develop thinking, expand vocabulary and deepen understanding of the world around us. Immersing yourself in books, articles, and other sources of information promotes personal growth and improves analytical skills. Regular reading not only entertains but also enriches our inner world, allowing us to perceive different points of view and ideas. It is important to choose high-quality materials to get the most out of the reading process. Consider a variety of genres and topics to make your reading more engaging and productive.

Game scenarios play a key role in creating an engaging experience for players. They should immerse participants in a unique world, where every element of the plot and interaction contributes to the atmosphere. Author Grayshaft emphasizes the importance of high-quality development of game scenarios that are not only entertaining but also evoke an emotional response. A well-thought-out plot can hold the attention of players, promoting their deep involvement and desire to explore the proposed world. Thus, creating a captivating game scenario becomes a prerequisite for a successful game that can gain popularity and recognition.

Novelist and screenwriter working on projects such as «Athanasy» and "Ceiba". With experience in crafting compelling stories, I specialize in developing plots and dialogue for various media formats. My work encompasses both creative writing and screenwriting, allowing me to create engaging and dynamic narratives. The primary goal is to capture the audience's attention and create memorable characters that will stay in the minds of readers and viewers.

If you're reading this article, you likely have at least some writing experience. If not, don't despair: in that case, it's best to consult a professional screenwriter. For example, Evgeny Makhnev, creator of the game Athanasy, chose this path and successfully brought his game to release on Steam.

The topic of writing your first screenplay is vast and deserves a separate study. There are numerous books devoted to this subject. We recommend starting with textbooks on screenwriting, dramaturgy, and plot construction. These sources offer a variety of approaches and techniques that may be helpful. However, it's important to remember that not all recommendations are universal. Adhere to the principle that rules are guidelines, not strict limitations.

A tip that may seem obvious and even boring, but many aspiring authors and screenwriters continue to ignore it. They rely on their own strength, instincts, and natural talent. However, I emphasize this important point again: to write successfully, you must first immerse yourself in reading. Reading not only enriches vocabulary but also helps you understand the structure and style of various works. This allows the author to develop their skills and create high-quality content. The importance of reading in the writing process should not be underestimated. An idea that has arisen in your mind begins to take shape thanks to lessons from textbooks. The basis of the plot, including dialogue, is laid. But how to integrate this text into the game environment? How to convey the character's emotions and experiences through gameplay? This is not your task. In this context, the following advice becomes relevant: a screenwriter and a game designer should be different specialists. Likewise, a screenwriter and a programmer are different professionals. Even a screenwriter, SMM manager, and copywriter perform different functions and have unique skills. Collaboration between these specialists allows for the creation of a deeper and more multifaceted gaming experience, where text and gameplay harmoniously blend, enhancing the player's immersion in the game world. Small indie studios often struggle to find qualified specialists for every role. A small studio is like a spaceship crew—each team member performs multiple tasks and works with limited resources. However, assigning your game designer to write the story not only shows disrespect for the script but also neglects the importance of game design. This division of tasks distracts the designer from their primary work, which can negatively impact the quality of the game product. It's important to properly assign roles within the team so that each designer can focus on their area of ​​expertise and make the maximum contribution to the project.

Scriptwriting is serious work that requires significant time and effort. Many scriptwriters work eight hours a day with lunch breaks, and it's ideal if this work is paid. As with any professional activity, Murphy's Law applies, so it's important to accurately assess your energy and time. If you plan to complete the script in ten days, be prepared for the fact that the process may actually take ten weeks. For example, the script for the visual novel Athanasy was developed and rewritten over several years. I intended to write the finale of my second project, Ceiba, in two weeks, but I've been thinking about and refining its concept for three months now. This approach allows for high-quality and deep storytelling, which is a key aspect of successful screenwriting.

Scriptwriting is a complex process that requires not only writing skills but also a deep understanding of the gaming industry. To create a high-quality game script, you need not only experience in writing but also a passion for games and a thorough understanding of the genre you're writing for. It's important to study the mechanics and story elements that make games engaging and memorable. Rather than focusing on small tips and examples from personal experience, I'd like to emphasize the importance of understanding the specifics that matter to Russian developers. Understanding the cultural context and unique aspects of the Russian market can significantly improve the quality of a script and its reception by the audience.

Throw away shame and don't be afraid to demonstrate sincerity and integrity within the confines of your genre. Many of us are tempted to delve into postmodernism, breaking the fourth wall, genre deconstruction, and winking at players. This temptation has given rise to so-called "programmer humor," which sometimes becomes a problem in Russian computer games. Often in such games, every dialogue is filled with meta-jokes and pop culture references, which ruins the atmosphere and renders the carefully crafted world meaningless. It's easy and pleasant to tell the player, "It's just a game! Don't take it too seriously, we're just having fun here in a post-ironic way." But it's important to remember that sincerity and depth of storytelling can create a truly unique experience. So, try to maintain a balance between creativity and respect for players to keep your games memorable and engaging.

This position serves as protection from criticism and pain that can be caused by negative reviews from players condemning your creation. I'm familiar with this situation, especially from my experience participating in writing competitions for aspiring writers. You often hear: "I wrote this in one night, just wanted to try it out, don't be too harsh!" or "It's my first work, nothing special, don't take it seriously." Such excuses are often used to lower expectations and minimize the risk of a negative review. However, it's important to remember that every work, even if it's a trial run, has its own value and can become the basis for further growth and development.

Lack of seriousness towards your creation is one of the main factors that influences its perception. If you don't value your work, others won't take it seriously either. The rating you set for your project becomes a starting point for players, and it is this level that determines how the game will be received by a wider audience. Maintaining high standards and confidence in your product is important for building a positive image and generating interest in your game.

Feel free to express confidence and say: I'm creating a non-ironic fantasy about majestic elves and grim warriors. My game contains no Trump jokes, Bible deconstructions, or meta-references to other games in this genre. I sincerely love and appreciate my creation, and I hope you, the players, will appreciate it too.

After your first script has been harshly criticized by game journalists and reviewers, start writing a second one. This is an important stage that will help you improve your skills and create more developed and interesting content. Don't be afraid of constructive criticism; it will give you the opportunity to correct your mistakes and make the plot more gripping. Focus on character development, creating a compelling plot, and well-thought-out dialogue. Each new project is a chance to prove yourself and attract the audience's attention to your work.

Athanasy is a unique game available on the Steam platform. In this project, players are immersed in a captivating world filled with engaging quests and interesting characters. Athanasy offers rich graphics and a deeply developed storyline that keeps the player engaged throughout the game.

On the Athanasy Steam page, you will find a detailed description of the game, system requirements, and user reviews. Players can also check out updates and new features that are periodically added to the game. Athanasy attracts both new and experienced gamers thanks to its accessibility and variety of gameplay.

Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about Athanasy on Steam and join a community of players discussing strategies and sharing experiences. The game promises many hours of exciting gameplay and unforgettable emotions.

The official Wirion studio group on the VKontakte social network offers a unique opportunity to stay up to date with the latest news and events. By joining our group, you'll gain access to up-to-date information about our projects and be able to interact with the team and other community members. Join us to stay up-to-date with exciting updates and learn about new developments from Wirion Studio.

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The author of Room2442 and DarKnot emphasizes the importance of putting a little of yourself into every detail of game scenarios. This helps create a deeper and more engaging experience for players. When writing a scenario, the authors encourage considering not only the storyline but also the emotional component that makes a game memorable. Integrating personal experience and a unique perspective into game scenarios helps create high-quality content that can attract and hold the audience's attention. Effective scenarios are based on well-developed characters and interesting conflicts, which make the game engaging and multifaceted. Investing personal energy in the gameplay helps achieve harmony between the creator and the player, which ultimately enriches the gaming experience.