Writers and Gamers Crossing Over at Convention

The last half of the week I attended Life, the Universe and Everything (LTUE), a writing conference focused on science fiction and fantasy. This year they continued with the addition of game writing. I am certain that part of the reason for the inclusion of gaming is because the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America now includes game writing as a means of gaining credit for being classified as an author.

I am glad to see the organization recognizing gaming writing. Many writers involved in game design have been established authors in other areas. Others have taken on the aspects of writing for games, both tabletop and electronic, and honed their skills of writing for the niche.

Many of the aspects of "main stream" narrative writing apply to creating games. Game developers for board games, role-playing games (RPGs), and electronic games create themes, backstory, dialog, arcs, and the other aspects needed to tell a good story. That is because games are based on story in one way or another.

I have had this discussion with people in the past who believe that games are not story based. I respectfully disagree with the concept because early games were used as teaching devices in society, an early form tied with the oral traditions of society. And even if you don't think games are tied to storytelling elements, those elements can enhance the game you are playing.

Every game developer I have talked with has started the development of their game based on a situation that they them were able to create a theme from. Although the theme may be slightly different than what many people consider as the theme of a story, it really does play the same function. In both situations the theme is a determination of what will happen if an individual, lead character or player, overcomes or fails to overcome the struggle. In both there is a dire consequence for not overcoming the obstacle. We usually think that the stakes are higher in a story because we can restart the game. But, the outcome is really quite the same.

Developers have told me that they also develop a backstory for their games. In RPG adventures this is more obvious. Board games may not present the backstory, but the developers told me they have a better time understanding their game, how to develop it, and what mechanics they choose to use with a stronger backstory. The backstory also helps in getting the game to market. It provides a hook for both selling to a game company, and to the players. I am sure every person out there has picked up a game off the shelf and made a decision based on the thematic story presented on the cover of the book or box.

For me this means that developers and traditional writers should consider thinking outside of their box. Yeah, I know that was cliché. But if you are interested in games and/or writing there is a great crossover between the two you should be taking advantage from. This is not a great leap for most of us in this hobby because most of us already are steeped in both areas.

Gamers usually read more. What is your favorite book and author? Almost every gamer I know is able to answer that question before I finish asking it. We are regularly borrowing from our favorite works. I have played in adventures based on The Princess Bride and Mad Max. I have seen people who created characters based on The Belgariadand James Bond. This isn't just RPGs; there is a rich list of games that exist because of H. P. Lovecraft's works.

On the flip side, I know authors who have confided that their stories, both short and long, were inspired from games they have played. I am not talking fan fiction. I am talking about an event that happened in a game, RPG and board, they were playing or watching. Something happened that sparked an idea, or fueled something they had buried. They ran with it and they developed entire new worlds for readers (and watchers) have been able to enjoy. I am not going to say which works these are because we weren't sitting in any formal interview.

There is the level of fandom that has developed also. Books, movies, and television have all been developed into games. Off the top of my head I can think of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Dresden Files, and Monster Hunters International. Moving from the games are numerous books and movies.

The crossover is a rich, fertile ground for creativity. It can be used for the homebrew, single-shot adventure you are working on, or the next epic novel. It might inspire the next summer blockbuster, or run-away board game. Be willing to look in new directions for your inspiration. Take the seed and let it grow in your own creative imagination. Go for it, because every one of the books you've read, movies you've seen, and game you've read started as that simple seed of potential.

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