The Writing Shift You Can’t Afford to Miss—Why Screenwriters Must Pivot to Video Games Now!

As creatives, we know that storytelling is our superpower. But the landscape of storytelling is changing rapidly, and if we don’t evolve, we risk being left behind. Today, I want to share with you why video game writing is an untapped frontier that screenwriters need to embrace—now more than ever. The global video game market is booming, surpassing even the film industry in revenue, and it’s opening up exciting new opportunities for writers like us.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What’s next for my screenwriting career?” this could be the answer you’re looking for. Let’s explore three compelling reasons why pivoting into video game writing is not only a smart career move but essential for staying relevant in today’s entertainment landscape.

1. Interactive Storytelling: The New Frontier

Unlike film and TV, where we have complete control over the narrative, video games put the player in the driver’s seat. This means your story needs to be adaptable, with multiple outcomes based on player choices. If you’ve ever craved more creative freedom, this is it. Video game writing takes storytelling to the next level by making it a living, breathing experience—shaped by the players themselves.

What You Need to Know:

• Branching Storylines: Writing for video games means planning for multiple storylines that adapt to player choices, which makes for a more complex and layered approach than typical linear storytelling.
• Collaboration is Key: You’ll need to work closely with game designers to ensure the narrative fits seamlessly into gameplay, making the experience unforgettable for players.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, studios like Lightspeed LA are bringing in Hollywood talent to collaborate on games. This means traditional media and gaming are converging, offering screenwriters fresh opportunities.

2. World-Building: Take Your Imagination Further

If you’ve loved creating rich, immersive worlds in your scripts, video games offer even more room to play. World-building in games isn’t just about setting the scene—it’s about crafting entire ecosystems that players can explore, interact with, and become fully immersed in.

What You Need to Know:

• Environmental Storytelling: In video games, the world itself is a character. Players discover parts of the narrative through exploration, which means you’ll need to weave the story into every corner of the game world.
• Expanding Dialogue: Writing dialogue trees that respond naturally to player decisions is essential to keeping the game world dynamic and engaging.

Variety reports that the global video game market hit $159 billion in 2020, outpacing film and TV. This massive industry growth means demand for skilled video game writers is only going to increase.

3. Collaboration: A Game Changer

Unlike traditional screenwriting, where you typically have control over dialogue and plot, writing for games requires constant collaboration with developers and designers. Every puzzle, every battle, and every choice must align with the narrative. If you’ve ever wanted to expand your creative toolkit, learning to write for games will give you that chance.

What You Need to Know:

• Gameplay Matters: You’ll need to work closely with designers to make sure the story enhances, rather than hinders, the gameplay experience.
• Expect Iteration: In game development, things change constantly. Scripts evolve, storylines shift—it’s all part of the process.

Deadline highlights how SAG-AFTRA’s involvement in gaming is further blurring the lines between traditional media and video games, which means more opportunities for screenwriters like you to step into this growing market.

3 Reasons Why You Need to Pivot NOW

If you’re still on the fence about making the leap into video game writing, here are three reasons why you should start upskilling today:

1. Financial Stability: The video game industry is thriving, and as games continue to outpace film and TV, writers with game narrative skills will find themselves in higher demand—and with better pay opportunities.
2. Career Longevity: As the entertainment world becomes more interactive, the skills you gain from writing for video games will be essential to future-proofing your career. Don’t wait until it’s too late to pivot.
3. Creative Growth: Writing for video games will push your creativity in ways traditional screenwriting can’t. If you’re ready to tell stories that are immersive, adaptable, and interactive, this is the space to explore.

Exclusive Opportunity: The SCRIPT Mentorship Program

For those of you who are serious about taking your career to the next level, I’m offering an exclusive opportunity for 5 dedicated screenwriters to join The SCRIPT Mentorship Program.

For $3,500, you will receive:

• 1:1 Mentorship: Get personalized coaching from industry professionals who’ve successfully transitioned into video game writing.
• Comprehensive Training: Learn everything you need to know about branching narratives, environmental storytelling, and gameplay integration.
• Portfolio Development: By the end of the program, you’ll have a polished video game writing portfolio ready to showcase to studios.
• Networking: Gain insider access to key players in both the gaming and entertainment industries.
• Career Support: Receive guidance on navigating the industry, from job applications to landing freelance gigs.

This investment in your future will open doors to an exciting and lucrative industry that’s hungry for talented writers like you.

Apply now and make the leap into the future of storytelling!

Final Thoughts The entertainment industry is changing fast, and as screenwriters, we have two choices: stay where we are or embrace the future. Video game writing offers a unique opportunity to expand your skills, explore new creative worlds, and future-proof your career in an industry that’s only getting bigger. Don’t wait for the wave to pass you by—start upskilling now and position yourself at the forefront of interactive storytelling.

I’m excited to see where this journey will take you. Let’s explore new mediums together!