This workshop will help you see your writing from a new perspective, whether you’re a novelist, short story writer, or comic book writer. It will also help you understand what it takes to break into the games industry and to be successful once in it.

The video game industry as a whole pulled in 24.75 billion dollars in 2011 (nearly matching publishing revenue estimated at $27.2 billion that year), and games need writers too! Horror is especially alive and well in the games industry with games such as Dead Space 2, F.3.A.R, Silent Hill: Downpour, and Rage being just a few of those that came out in 2011. And look here for an awesome (video-blinged) list of horror games coming out in 2012 and early 2013.

Narrative design jobs are opening up as game design studios recognize the need for higher quality in their dialogue and story—and they’re looking to pools of traditionally published writers for their recruiting.

I’m going to be presenting a 4-hour workshop on narrative design at the World Horror Convention in New Orleans (June 13-16, 2013). Come join me and let’s have some fun making worlds and stories!

Narrative Design for Computer Games (and other large projects, like novels)

Delivered by Angel Leigh McCoy

Angel Leigh McCoy is a 20-year veteran writer in the games industry. She works as a narrative designer at NCSoft/ArenaNet, in charge of the ongoing story for Guild Wars 2, an award-winning, AAA online roleplaying game. Her focus in her job is world-building, character-driven story, and dialogue.

Timing: 9am-1pm Sunday 16 June – Queen Anne Parlor

In this workshop:

• We will cover these topics, among others:
• What is the current status of the games industry?
• How does thinking like a tech writer help you write better creative content?
• What makes good dialogue?
• We will have guided practice in:
• World-building
• Characterization
• Storytelling

Once you’re registered for the workshop, you’ll be invited to send your resume (or that of a loved one who wants to work in the games industry) to Angel. She’ll look it over and give you tips for how to make it more game-industry attractive, plus the final hour of the workshop will include a discussion of how to approach applying for a job in the games industry.

“Video games sit at the confluence of history, technology, and art in such a way that’s found in no other medium, a place where influences from every creative field meet, mix, and recombine.” —Daniel D. Synder, the Atlantic

Bookings

To book and make payment, please email Angel directly at angel.leigh.mccoy@gmail.com.

The cost is $50.00 per person, and this is entirely separate from your Convention Registration. Payments will be made directly to Angel, in advance. No refunds, though you can give/sell your spot to someone else.

Space is very limited (we are operating in a Boardroom style, with plenty of time for individual discussion), so book early to avoid disappointment. Room will fill up on a first-come, first-served basis.

Be sure to bring your laptop or other writing device (pen and paper still work fine).

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