Rhianna Pratchett is best known around these parts as someone who writes video games, but what does that actually entail? It sure is different to sitting down and writing, say, a screenplay, or novel.
In a long post over on The Escapist's forums, Pratchett has gone into fascinating detail on her past as a games writer, reminding us all that just because someone's credit says "writer" on it doesn't mean they've written the whole game. Sometimes they have! Sometimes they've simply been one of too many cooks in the kitchen.
Nor does it mean they've even had a hand in shaping the game or its inhabitants. Seriously, if you've ever thought any kind of writing-related aspect of a game isn't up to scratch, whether it be background, plot or dialogue, the post is worth reading. It's kind of of sad, actually, hearing how negligent some developers are of the need for a strong narrative spine in a game.
Post [The Escapist]