Board 8 > Is anyone on Board 8 interested in doing some writing for a game?

(+) Yeah! (+)

Hey so I'm working on a game right now. Full disclosure, it's more of a hobby project for me than anything else. I would put your name in the credits, but don't expect that we're going to make a million dollars.

Anyways there is a ton of dialogue and storyline writing that I'll need to do in order to meet the vision that I want for the game. But the more I thought about it, the more I feel like I'm interested in the design and programming aspect of things and the amount of writing I have in vision is almost tedious for me to do on top of everything else. Long story short I've been giving some consideration to working with a fellow writer or possibly multiple writers.

Here are some details.

1. The setting is fantasy and the game takes place in and around a city. It's an open world game similar to fallout or elder scrolls series games. The NPC interaction system I have in place however is more inspired by games like Rune Factory and Harvest Moon.

2. Based on the information above you can probably guess... Yeah, what I really want is for people to come up with ideas for a character and then write a TON of dialogue for that character. Basically there will be a different conversation you can have with a character each day when you talk to them. This means every character is an opportunity to tell a distinct story that slowly unfolds each time your character speaks to them.

3. You will have a lot of creative freedom. It's not going to be like 'This is a character I have in mind, this is the story I want to tell, now go and write all of the dialogue for me.' Think more about coming up with your own story and writing it all yourself, but then having someone else willing to do all of the coding for you so that you can see it in an actual game. I think there's actually a pretty large appeal to this but maybe I'm just projecting my own feelings onto others. In the past I've often come up with ideas or written things that I wanted to see made into a game or a comic but it's very difficult to find a programmer or artist willing to help you out with stuff. All that being said I certainly have plenty of my own ideas and so if you feel like the type of person who needs guidance I could simply 'assign' you to writing dialogue for character arcs that I already have planned out.

Anyway I wasn't even 100% sure if anyone here would be interested but I figured it was worth making a topic. I could just go to any random forum with more traffic, post an ad, and probably get plenty of responses. But with board 8 being a sort of community I think it'd be nice to ask around here first before I go anywhere else. There are a few board 8 users I'd definitely be interested in working with on this type of project, and, very likely, there's plenty out there that I don't know very well but we'd end up getting along great.
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This is something @Jeff_Zero would probably be interested in.

I probably would be, too.
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Go ahead and put me on the interest list.
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Tag to look into later
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Maybe.
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It might be cool to have different writers right different characters, and infuse some individuality among the characters that way

I would be interested but I'm not confident in my writing ability >_>
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Cool. Nice to see there's at least a few people interested!

@LeonhartFour
One hurdle I already see though is that I'd really strongly prefer that the writer have Discord. It's so, so, so much easier to stay in communication with someone and talk about working on the project in real time using a chat client. Obviously for you Leon I know you don't have Discord so yeah, not sure how we'd really get around that issue.

@Underleveled
So far the list is pretty short and you're one of the only people on it!

@MZero11
Yeah, I feel this way too. I think if a person was willing to at least commit to writing one single route then I'd probably give strong consideration to adding them into the project. But you really have to commit to coming up with a character idea and writing out a full arc for them.
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MariaTaylor posted...

It's an open world game similar to fallout or elder scrolls series games.

Sounds ambitious.

I'll be available if you want dank maymay character dialogue
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On that note if anyone does want to talk about the game or tell me about their writing experience send me a message at

Ellery#9074

I don't have much else to do tonight so I'm pretty free to chat about the project with anyone who seems interested.
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Paratroopa1 posted...

MariaTaylor posted...

It's an open world game similar to fallout or elder scrolls series games.

Sounds ambitious.

It's fairly ambitious but the world is relatively small in order to keep the project manageable. I don't mean it's similar to those games in terms of scale. that's just a way of conveying the idea that I'm creating here. basically the main point of the game will be the player deciding what kind of sidequests and random tasks they want to do while exploring the world. there's a focus on city based quests as well as exploration and dungeon stuff.
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I haven't had a decent excuse to do some creative writing in a while, so I could be down for this. I probably wouldn't mind either creating my own arc or contributing to a preexisting one, depending on what it was.
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I'm tentatively interested

I like the idea of designing a character and then bringing them to life through pieces of daily dialogue. I'm guessing the character arcs will be mostly independent of each other?
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I should also mention that there are romantic routes but there are other NPC interactions based on friendship, or just advancing more quest or goal oriented things. For example there's a blacksmith and you can become his apprentice. That's more of a career-driven plot than a romantic or even friendship based thing.

Drakeryn posted...

I like the idea of designing a character and then bringing them to life through pieces of daily dialogue. I'm guessing the character arcs will be mostly independent of each other?

They can be, but they don't have to be. Ideally I'd like to create a dynamic world where the NPCs are aware of each other and might bring each other up in conversation or even interact with each other in specific events. Granted, that would be more work, but it would make the city feel more real.

Luis_Sera89 posted...

I haven't had a decent excuse to do some creative writing in a while, so I could be down for this. I probably wouldn't mind either creating my own arc or contributing to a preexisting one, depending on what it was.

Cool! I've mostly been doing really basic stuff like mapping, creating scripts, setting up systems that I'll use for later on, etc. So really in terms of design and NPCs there is still a ton of blank space.
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I'm definitely interested. Love that it's only one character to write for to, so it's feasible to write it during my free time.
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I just have a few quick questions before I start brainstorming. You say there would be new dialogue every day but are there a set number of days? Coming up with a fifty day subplot requires a different foundation than a five hundred day subplot. Is there an overall plot in the background the characters will be reacting to in addition to their own personal story? And, lastly, what style of dialogue would this be? Like, would the player just press A and get a text window or would there be a limited conversation with dialogue options?
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well ideally I'd want to find fewer writers each willing to do multiple character routes. this would make the game the most consistent. I'm definitely open to adding more writers but if there's like 12 different routes each by a different person the game is going to be all over the place.
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Mobilezoid posted...

I just have a few quick questions before I start brainstorming. You say there would be new dialogue every day but are there a set number of days? Coming up with a fifty day subplot requires a different foundation than a five hundred day subplot. Is there an overall plot in the background the characters will be reacting to in addition to their own personal story? And, lastly, what style of dialogue would this be? Like, would the player just press A and get a text window or would there be a limited conversation with dialogue options?

1. There are no set number of days. The most emphasized "main" route characters will have an arc spanning a number of days equal to whatever the writer feels is needed to tell the story, and then clusters of generic dialogue that the game can call on a day when you don't meet the requirements to advance the story. I'll explain more about this if needed, especially toward people who end up actually doing writing.

2. As of right now there is not a main plot. That being said, there will be SOME "major" plots and quests and certainly it will be possible to integrate NPCs into these plots as needed or if the writer wants to include them. For example, for the Charm quest, there's going to be scenes where the main character has the opportunity to meet and treat with nobility. I think it will be very valuable to have an NPC who is already part of this world, who has a chance to build a relationship with the player, and then eventually introduce them during the time when you finally get the chance to go to court and meet with other nobility. In a sense this could be considered a part of the friendship quest for that NPC but also a career quest for the nobility path. If such an NPC is also given their own personal story arc that would be great. Mostly depends on how much the writer is willing to do.

3. Both options are available and will be utilized. That being said I don't want to put too heavy of an emphasis on having to pick a specific dialogue option in order to receive rewards. One thing that I did for a specific NPC is that she asks a question about the PC and you answer to give her an idea of yourself. Your answer doesn't influence whether or not she wants to be friends with you - but it actually influences your growth rate toward a relevant stat. I thought this was a cool way of implementing a mechanical reward to incentivize befriending her and not locking the player out of becoming her friend just because they answer a question a way she doesn't like.

hope that answers your questions
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Sign me up.
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Given those answers, I definitely think I'd be interested. I like to think of myself as a writer but I tend to have trouble with descriptive stuff. Dialogue has always felt easiest. I've been in a huge rut lately too so something like this might help.

Still, I'd need to talk with you more about the story, setting, and the various gameplay mechanics that seem tied into these character interactions. If you wind up with enough other people who are interested, that's fine too. For now I guess I'll just follow this topic and see if I'm needed.
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what kind of environments are you planning? like is there going to be a standard forest, caves, ice area? or is everything going to be otherworldly?

is there magic?

can there be talking cats?
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I'm happy to volunteer for a character...don't feel comfortable volunteering for more than one at this time, but if this helps you I'm interested.
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Hmm hmm interested in this, though not sure if my writing is up to par. I've got an idea for a character already. Got a question, is it okay if these guys every so often assign sidequests and such? Nothing too major, but as they bond with the PC I've got an idea of for an NPC that gives out hints of loot and such, and might not the assistance of a hero sometimes... and sometimes just a friend to lend an ear.
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Mobilezoid posted...

Given those answers, I definitely think I'd be interested. I like to think of myself as a writer but I tend to have trouble with descriptive stuff. Dialogue has always felt easiest. I've been in a huge rut lately too so something like this might help.

Still, I'd need to talk with you more about the story, setting, and the various gameplay mechanics that seem tied into these character interactions. If you wind up with enough other people who are interested, that's fine too. For now I guess I'll just follow this topic and see if I'm needed.

message me on Discord!

Drakeryn posted...

what kind of environments are you planning? like is there going to be a standard forest, caves, ice area? or is everything going to be otherworldly?

Port, a town in Southern Kartia. This is where the player character lives with his or her aunt. You play the role of a refugee whose home was destroyed by Blight and had to move in with relatives in a new city. This is going to be a TON of stuff to do in the city. It's best to think of this as an urban exploration game first and foremost.

Southern Kartia, a plains and forest region that was minimally impacted by the Blight. You can gather alchemy ingredients, fight monsters, and find low level dungeons in this region.

Blight-Infested-Coast, the area to the east of Kartia. An area that is heavily impacted by Blight. The area is largely corrupted with rot to the point where you won't find much food or water, or even animals. There are plenty of monsters though. Think less traditional treasure but more ability to find strange new discoveries for the sake of science or valuable materials.

Arthvelt Border, a mountain area to the west of Kartia. This is the border to Arthvelt, which was somewhat impacted by the Blight. The deepest dungeons can be accessed from here but the player should be cautious since there will be Blight-infected areas that they can encounter.

Drakeryn posted...

is there magic?

Yes, but using Magic drains your Energy. If you have no Food or Water you can't recover your Energy. If you run out of Energy you can die of starvation/thirst.

Drakeryn posted...

can there be talking cats?

there should absolutely be talking cats.
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Dammit Drak stole my thunder

Oh well, on with NPC 2

jk about the talking cats being my first NPC

Oh, hmm, Discord. Welp, guess I gotta make one sometime, might as well be now.
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MariaTaylor posted...

message me on Discord!

I can't carry on anything resembling real time conversation while on my phone at work but if you're around at all during the weekend I might!
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HaRRicH posted...

I'm happy to volunteer for a character...don't feel comfortable volunteering for more than one at this time, but if this helps you I'm interested.

at this point the level of interest seems very high from a large number of users. for that reason I would probably have to politely decline anyone who just wants to write one character. it's better for me to scan specifically for candidates who are willing to do a lot of writing and then take just a few (1-3) of them to do all of the writing for the game.

Taimanin_Asagi posted...

Hmm hmm interested in this, though not sure if my writing is up to par. I've got an idea for a character already. Got a question, is it okay if these guys every so often assign sidequests and such? Nothing too major, but as they bond with the PC I've got an idea of for an NPC that gives out hints of loot and such, and might not the assistance of a hero sometimes... and sometimes just a friend to lend an ear.

there are going to be NPCs who offer quests to the players. if you want to help with coming up with quest ideas and writing quest dialogues I can assign you some related work.
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Alright Discord is up, now what?
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No stress, feel welcome to holler at me if you change your mind or what have you!
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Man, I'd love to get in on this but I don't have anywhere near the free time these days to commit. :(
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Taimanin_Asagi posted...

Alright Discord is up, now what?

Look at the bottom left and tell me what it says your user name and number are.

Should be something like Natwaf#6969

I'll send you a message
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Natwaf_akidna#3569
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Is there a time frame? I'm interested, but I'm not sure I'll really be able to involve myself until the semester's over with.
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oh okay
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In case anyone wants a good idea of what I would expect from you, I just finished writing a good chunk of dialogue for a specific NPC. Mostly for the sake of giving you guys some sampler text but also because I wanted to work on the game tonight anyway and this was a good excuse to knock out a good hour of dialogue writing.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_PPhIFAeZXa83CfWDAh_ZYWx9RoQgLWc1ITMfaVzUDI/edit?usp=sharing
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Dammit, I think mine ran long at points
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I'd actually be really interested in this.

But I don't think I'd have the time to do it unfortunately.
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Nia_Yuri posted...

Dammit, I think mine ran long at points

I'll look at what you have later. there's a decent chance that MOST of what gets submitted is going to be subject to editing and/or feedback. so yeah I'm not expecting people to turn in perfect dialogue on their first try.

Grand Kirby posted...

I'd actually be really interested in this.

But I don't think I'd have the time to do it unfortunately.

that's cool. this will definitely be a time consuming effort. major reason why I started looking for outside help because I realized there's no way I can write all of the dialogue for the game on top of doing all the design and coding myself.
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MariaTaylor posted...

at this point the level of interest seems very high from a large number of users. for that reason I would probably have to politely decline anyone who just wants to write one character. it's better for me to scan specifically for candidates who are willing to do a lot of writing and then take just a few (1-3) of them to do all of the writing for the game.

In that case I'm probably out -- I would be down for 1-2 characters but I don't think I have the time/commitment to do a really large-scale thing.
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Sounds interesting. Tag.
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I would love to help but I don't want to have anything spoiled when I finally get to play this
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Are you looking for writing help on the main plot storyboard too or just purely NPC dialog? I published a sci-fi/fantasy novel a few years ago and your game sounds really fun to get on board with.
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ProfitProphet posted...

I would love to help but I don't want to have anything spoiled when I finally get to play this

as of right now I'm mostly already working with Natwaf and a bit with Anagram. they're the only ones who have contacted me directly and both have submitted materials and gotten feedback on how to edit already. basically I sort of already have my bases covered so I wouldn't worry too much about it. you can just enjoy the game purely as a consumer.

that being said if anyone else still wants to contact my I have posted my Discord already. I'd be interested to hear from Robazoid since he did seem pretty enthusiastic about it yesterday!

StifledSilence posted...

Are you looking for writing help on the main plot storyboard too or just purely NPC dialog? I published a sci-fi/fantasy novel a few years ago and your game sounds really fun to get on board with.

just need help writing dialogue basically, but all of the quests are dialogue driven. so it's kinda... yes to both.
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@Anagram @Nia_Yuri @Mobilezoid @Robazoid

So my current plan for today is to finish ALL exterior city maps. I'd say I'm only about 60-70% done on them so this might be a bit ambitious, but I am going to try. If I can finish that task my next goal is to use the game maps and go through them one at a time in order to hand draw a map of the city. Once I have the city map hand drawn I'm going to scan it (this would be tomorrow at the soonest since I have to go somewhere that has a scanner), and we can use the city map in order to get an idea of what amount of work is done and how much needs to be done.

Specifically there should be an internally consistent number of people within the city. Every house should have a person or people who live in it, and each person who lives in a house should have a role somewhere else in the city. Using the visual map should give us the ability to keep track of every citizen and figure out how much writing still needs to be done.

I figured I'd post this here rather than messaging all three of you individually.
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How are you doing on the other aspects of your game?
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the game would benefit from art and music assets but since this is just a hobby project I haven't given any consideration to going out and seeking artists or musicians. chiefly because I'm not willing to pay for any assets.

if someone is volunteering I'd be glad to look at what they have to offer.
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Sweet

Ambitious

But sweet
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Pram_the_Oracle posted...

Sweet

Ambitious

But sweet

yeah I was working on maps last night and thinking about it I feel like this would add so much to the project in terms of helping everyone figure out where we all stand. I mean having access to the city map is going to be super important in creating NPCs. then we can start assigning NPCs to houses and to different places they go when they're not at home. obviously there's no way for the writers to know how many NPCs are needed or what kinds of NPCs if they don't have a guide to look at.

honestly I think I can probably do it by the end of the day and get something scanned tomorrow. maybe I'm being optimistic but I think if I buckle down and focus then I can do it. I was going to draw one or two maps last night for bed and I ended up doing 6 instead. it's really not that hard as long as I put on some music and focus exclusively on mapping without letting myself get distracted.

I already have the layout for the city in my mind, too, so it's just a matter of getting it on paper.
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I just did some logistical work and it looks like I have about 17 maps left to do (after doing some work already today)

not sure if this is as possible as I originally imagined
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format bump
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