The strength of writing often determines the success or failure of many video games. The Dragon Age trilogy exemplified this notion, offering a fully realized fantasy world complete with intricate politics, history, and a rich culture. Personally, experiencing that world through the Dragon Age trilogy and its memorable cast of characters was an absolute delight, setting a high standard for what modern video games can achieve in terms of world-building.
Gaider rightly draws attention to the indispensability of writers and their craft. As he aptly expressed, “in games, you even see this attitude among those who want to get into the field. ‘I don’t have any REAL skills… I can’t art, I can’t program, so I guess I’ll become a writer? It’s better than QA!’ As if game writing didn’t require any actual skill, which requires development.”
While it is crucial to recognize that game development is a collaborative effort and not attributable to a single individual, it is gratifying to see Gaider advocate for this underappreciated sector of the industry. Video game writing holds a special place in the hearts of many, from the exceptional writing in titles like Marvel’s Midnight Suns to timeless narratives such as Final Fantasy 7. Memorable dialogue, engaging storylines, and captivating worldbuilding continue to resonate long after players put down their controllers.
