Video Game Writer

You excitedly load up a new video game. “Press Start” flashes on the screen. With the click of a button, you become a character in an imaginary world filled with puzzling quests and action-packed battles. Who came up with the gripping storyline for this game? It was a writer like Brittney Morris.

Morris’s journey to becoming a video game script writer was unexpected. During college, she studied economics and wrote fiction in her spare time. After graduating, Morris published her first book—the young adult novel SLAY, about a teen who develops an online virtual reality world for Black gamers. Morris shared her passion for gaming and desire to write scripts for video games on social media. One of her posts caught the eye of someone who works at Soma Games, a video game development studio in Oregon.

The company invited Morris to work on a game called The Lost Legends of Redwall. She jumped at the chance! Since then, Morris has created scripts for games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Subnautica: Below Zero. She spoke with Science World about the task of crafting stories designed to immerse players in digital worlds.

How do you begin mapping out the storyline for a game?

The plan for the story depends on the game type, the company’s vision, and original material the game might be based on. I start with an outline that answers questions like: Should the game be lighthearted or serious? How detailed should the game world be? For example, the game The Lost Legends of Redwall is based on a fantasy book series. The characters of the story include different anthropomorphic, or humanlike animals, locked in a battle between good and evil. So I picked a choose-your-own- adventure format, where players’ decisions shape the story, leading to different challenges and endings. Once I had a rough plan, I wrote the full story, staying true to the tone and lore of the books.

Do you use any special tools to write scripts?

Yes, just like a TV or movie scriptwriter, I use scriptwriting computer software to format stories. These programs help organize the script’s dialogue and structure. Once the script is ready, it’s added to the game engine—a software-development environment used to build video games.

How do you make sure the story works as a game?

I collaborate with a team who helps bring my script to life. At small studios, this could mean working with just a handful of people. Larger studios might have entire teams working on different parts of a game. These groups include game designers who create the rules and mechanics for how a game will be played. Animators create character movements like running, jumping, and facial expressions. A special effects team adds exciting elements like explosions, magical spells, and weather effects, such as rain or lightning. Voice actors record dialogue to make characters sound real, just like in animated movies. I also work with programmers. They write the computer code, or instructions, that enables the game to run.

What are some challenges you face when writing scripts for video games?

First, budget matters. Every new element in a game, like a dragon, may require animation, voice acting, or special effects, which cost money. Second, space is limited. Game writing must be clear and concise. If it’s not, players might choose to skip parts of the story, interrupting the game’s flow. Ultimately, it’s about balancing creativity with technical limits to make everything fit seamlessly.

What advice would you give to aspiring video game writers?

Take writing or other classes where you can be creative. Get involved in game making, even just for fun. Sharing your work and getting constructive feedback can also help you get to the next level.