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Game Dialogue - How They Do It

Posted by Zonk on from the talking-picture-show dept.

Gamasutra has a piece on Organizing and Formatting Game Dialogue. An interesting look at one of the often overlooked parts of game creation. From the article: "Here's the deal: two weeks before your game hits beta, the lead designer on your project adds some new functionality to the game. In addition, some of the pre-rendered cinematics are changed. Nothing major, just a few cuts and additions here and there. All this requires you, the writer, to create some new dialogue for various characters in the game, including the protagonist, some of the bad guys, and some allies."

5 of 17 comments (clear)

  1. Maybe in la-la land that's what happens... by hackwrench · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The opening scenario should never happen. It doesn't just mean that control of game production has been lost, it means that it never was there to begin with. What's up with blindly assigning filenames, and voice actors that are trying to read lines with a hoarse voice. A "master spreadsheet"? This should be a database of some sort, not to mention a version control system. "Lead designers" don't just add features, they have to be written by programmers. At the time of proposal, everyone involved should have a heads up. "Beta" is a wierd milestone to be adding new features at. Kind of turns you off the article before it gets to the potentially useful part.

    1. Re:Maybe in la-la land that's what happens... by GigsVT · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Have you worked for the game industry? I haven't, but how "it should be" and how it is could be two different things. I know it sure is in IT/development in my industry. It's been a long uphill battle to get better procedures in place.

      --
      I've had enough abrasive sigs. Kittens are cute and fuzzy.
  2. How They Do It by Anne_Nonymous · · Score: 4, Funny

    >> Game Dialogue - How They Do It

    Suffice it to say that all your vocabulary are belong to us.

  3. Game dialogue? by earthbound+kid · · Score: 5, Funny

    So, you want to know about GAME DIALOGUE? There are rumors that if you PRESS X, you can learn more about GAME DIALOGUE from THE OLD MAN IN DIAOLG VILLAGE. Of course, these are just rumors. I am too wizened of a cliche not to dismiss them out of hand. An N. P. C. like myself wouldn't know anything about it. Just remember PRESS START when you want to read this again.

    Do you want me to explain that again?

    >YES< NO
  4. if you're searching for good game dialogue audio by porksoda · · Score: 3, Insightful

    you need not look further than Grim Fandango.