Perceptions of game writing : Exploring Inspiration and Conceptions of Writing from Creative Exercises

Abstract

This thesis explores the perceptions of game writing as a practice among a group of aspiring game writers. This topic is approached by introducing the concept of inspiration as the object of study and conducting a creative writing workshop with six novice game writers using the mixed methods of a workshop as a research methodology and a set of unstructured interview techniques for data gathering. The background for this thesis combines both academic literature on the topic of game writing as well as professional handbooks for further insight.

The purpose of this thesis is to provide perspective into how game writing is perceived to better understand the discipline and bring attention to the scarcely addressed topic of inspiration in game studies research. Based on the workshop's results, the analysis provides four distinct themes that represent the perceptions of game writing which are identified for their ludic and narrative elements respectively. The study concludes by proposing new potential avenues for research and development for future iterations of similar approaches, as well as recognizes the potential of implementing inspiration into future studies.