3 replies to this topic

[RageMage]

I was working on the story for my game earlier and ended up getting stuck. I got to thinking about what methods I could use to get through this block, and then started wondering about the many other ways we could go about writing a story for a game from beginning to end.

I like to get the story almost completely finished before I even start working on anything else.
Usually when I'm writing I like to get a rough idea usually about a paragraph. I then look at detailing important characters (usually finishing a sketch of each character) and finally elaborating on the story and setting up a basic flow of events (I usually even get a basic sketch of various maps finished also).
Though I get writers block so often it's ridiculous and eventually end up getting off track of the main story or end up adding in another character.

So my question to you is what is your preferred method to plan and write and in what ways would you recommend getting through writers block?

[CrimsonInferno]

I usually think of a quick draft and then it under goes hundreds of edits before I'm decently happy with it. My preferred way to plan is to make a timeline and an outline. The outline is the basic story and its history. It will end up changing a million times, but that's part of writing -- killing your lovelies. When the outline is decent enough, I start on the timeline. A historic document for me, that counts down when something happens, why it happened etc etc. This way, I have the whole thing planned. There's also room in between to edit or add things. When those are done, I start writing in the characters, though that should have started before everything else, I tend to write more about them before and after. Sketches, interviews, giving them problems to overcome (even if its not in your story or game, it will help you understand your character) and all that.

But to get pass writers block, I would suggest starting with the characters you made already. Make an interview with each character, ask them questions. Like the point of the story, their drive etc etc. Understanding why your characters are fighting or there, will help considerable with writers block. There's also the most common and helpful; stepping away from the game/story for a while, reading other people's work, looking at landscapes, listening to what is peaceful and inspiring to you and even brainstorming different ideas. This will refresh your mind and help with the block.

[Polraudio]

I usually dont write a story when making a game. I find it easier to come up with a general idea for a story then work off of that idea and make stuff up as you go. Keeping the same idea.
Its like coming up with the end first then working up to the end. So i really dont get writers block.

[RageMage]

CrimsonInferno, on 31 December 2011 - 09:22 PM, said:

But to get pass writers block, I would suggest starting with the characters you made already. Make an interview with each character, ask them questions. Like the point of the story, their drive etc etc. Understanding why your characters are fighting or there, will help considerable with writers block.

This is the most interesting and creative thing I believe I've ever heard of, I will probably try this sometime soon.
Although like you had said the more common way of dealing with writers block is to take a step back and take a break to get a new perspective which is probably why it's taken so long for me to get this far with my story as it is.

Polraudio, on 31 December 2011 - 09:52 PM, said:

I usually don't write a story when making a game. I find it easier to come up with a general idea for a story then work off of that idea and make stuff up as you go. Keeping the same idea.
Its like coming up with the end first then working up to the end. So i really don't get writers block.

I've also tried this way but I feel as though things get messy this way, but whatever works. Different strokes for different folks.