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How can I gain experience with freelance script and game writing and build a portfolio?
When I look at jobs on LinkedIn I see they usually require 2 years of experience. I would like to write part time and I’m curious about how to gain experience while I’m still at school.
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7 answers
Updated
Tami’s Answer
That's a great question and one that I still sometimes explore after doing an internship over 20 years ago. Things change fast, so it really depends on the specific company and type of product. Many companies offer internships that lead to long term jobs, or at least encourage that ideal. The problem with this is there's no good way to know if it's what you'll like or if you're missing out on other opportunities during the process. There's so much to consider. Do the research and try to pinpoint what your goals are when considering available opportunities. Chances are, you may end up coming up with your own ideas for apps and land a freelance gig or even start an entrepreneurship.
Pinpoint the companies that interest you.
Generalize your search or use a more specific sector or industry.
Tailor your skill set to the objectives.
Look toward certificate programs or ongoing events in your field.
Network and publicize your work if possible with a personal webpage.
Tami recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much! Especially for the next steps list!
Maya
Updated
Wesley’s Answer
One of my professors talked about this specifically. The best thing is a good portfolio and for scripting and game writing you need examples to show your ability. The easiest way to do so especially without getting into a large video game project is writing choose your own adventures, dnd campaigns, or the best option fighting fantasy. These not only show your ability to write but also show your ability to weave game mechanics in those stories. My suggestion is making a fighting fantasy esc book based on a fairytale or myth to have a easy starting place not needing to think about characters. This will give you practice with branching narratives and simple game mechanics.
Thank you for your advice, I will definitely use it!
Maya
Updated
Anika’s Answer
Gaining experience in freelance script and game writing while building a portfolio can be achieved through the following steps:
Start Small: Begin by writing short scripts or game scenarios in your free time. This can include fan fiction, short stories, or concept scripts.
Join Online Communities: Participate in online writing communities and forums such as Reddit (e.g., r/writing, r/gamedev) or specialized game writing communities. These platforms often have writing challenges and opportunities for collaboration.
Freelance Platforms: Register on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. Start with small projects to build your reputation and gain experience. Look for entry-level opportunities that don't require extensive experience.
Start Small: Begin by writing short scripts or game scenarios in your free time. This can include fan fiction, short stories, or concept scripts.
Join Online Communities: Participate in online writing communities and forums such as Reddit (e.g., r/writing, r/gamedev) or specialized game writing communities. These platforms often have writing challenges and opportunities for collaboration.
Freelance Platforms: Register on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. Start with small projects to build your reputation and gain experience. Look for entry-level opportunities that don't require extensive experience.
Thank you so much, Anika!
Maya
Updated
Rochishni’s Answer
Your ultimate goal should be to create a solid Portfolio with your work in it.
For example, have 4 easy to access game writing examples, and also include an about page as to who you are, why you want to get into the game industry AND what your favorite games are and why. You can make up challenges and create portfolio pieces accordingly.
Playing games (multiplayer and single player) are extremely important to gain gaming knowledge. Make sure you make note of this! Take the time to have and play, but also retain the information you gain as well.
These are excellent conversation points in an interview.
It’s helpful to take Udemy Courses and gain new game creation skills.
Make sure you are networking with those at your dream companies and others who have the same goal and passion as you. I suggest LinkedIn!
Try doing internships and game jams - then add those to your resume.
Keep working on building your experience and you are on your way to a successful career path. Go you!
For example, have 4 easy to access game writing examples, and also include an about page as to who you are, why you want to get into the game industry AND what your favorite games are and why. You can make up challenges and create portfolio pieces accordingly.
Playing games (multiplayer and single player) are extremely important to gain gaming knowledge. Make sure you make note of this! Take the time to have and play, but also retain the information you gain as well.
These are excellent conversation points in an interview.
It’s helpful to take Udemy Courses and gain new game creation skills.
Make sure you are networking with those at your dream companies and others who have the same goal and passion as you. I suggest LinkedIn!
Try doing internships and game jams - then add those to your resume.
Keep working on building your experience and you are on your way to a successful career path. Go you!
Thank you so much, Rochishni!
Maya
Updated
Shirley’s Answer
Thank you for your question.
To create a portfolio, you must build a body of work. The best way to showcase that work would be on a blog or writing platform like Medium or Wattpad. In addition, enter contests looking for scripts to gain exposure. Use Google to research contests looking for scripts.
Good luck!
Shirley
To create a portfolio, you must build a body of work. The best way to showcase that work would be on a blog or writing platform like Medium or Wattpad. In addition, enter contests looking for scripts to gain exposure. Use Google to research contests looking for scripts.
Good luck!
Shirley
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Maya
Updated
Cyril’s Answer
I would suggest looking for internships so that you can gain some experience. A lot of game dev companies and agencies/production houses look for interns, especially when school is not in session.
This would be a good way to build some skills and portfolio
This would be a good way to build some skills and portfolio
Thanks for the help.
Maya
Updated
Tom’s Answer
This does go back to what I tell everyone: just write.
Get online, study what you want to write about, and then take off and start writing on a platform that's cheap or free and hone your skill. It's bound to take a little time to get your feet under you and gain the attention of the sites you're looking at. But building a portfolio is necessary since it gives your future employer something to look at and also tells them that you're serious about the direction you've selected.
Be selective when it comes to which platform you use, and make sure it has all the necessary tools you need.
But otherwise, just write and build up your skills so that future employers will have a reason to select you over others.
Employers want someone who's reliable, knowledgeable, and can deliver consistently and efficiently.
Research, study, pay attention to your style, and above all...
Just write.
Get online, study what you want to write about, and then take off and start writing on a platform that's cheap or free and hone your skill. It's bound to take a little time to get your feet under you and gain the attention of the sites you're looking at. But building a portfolio is necessary since it gives your future employer something to look at and also tells them that you're serious about the direction you've selected.
Be selective when it comes to which platform you use, and make sure it has all the necessary tools you need.
But otherwise, just write and build up your skills so that future employers will have a reason to select you over others.
Employers want someone who's reliable, knowledgeable, and can deliver consistently and efficiently.
Research, study, pay attention to your style, and above all...
Just write.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Maya