Creating Diverse Characters in Video Games with Jaclyn Seto and Christal Rose Hazelton
Jul 22, 2024
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Join writers Jaclyn Seto, known for her work on diverse characters, and Christal Rose Hazelton, an advocate for inclusive narratives in gaming, as they explore the art of character development. They discuss the unique challenges of writing for live service games like Apex Legends, the importance of diverse voices in the writers' room, and how fan fiction influences lore. The conversation dives deep into breaking stereotypes and the need for authenticity in representing characters from varied backgrounds.
Creating diverse characters in video games requires a writer's room inclusive of various perspectives to avoid stereotypes.
The dynamic nature of live service games demands writers to craft evolving narratives while collaborating closely with design teams.
Aspiring game writers face significant barriers and competition in the industry, underscoring the need for support and mentorship opportunities.
Deep dives
Journey to Game Writing
The journey to becoming a game writer can be unpredictable, as demonstrated by the experiences of both Jacqueline Sito and Crystal Rose Hazleton. Jacqueline pursued kinesiology initially, a field that left her feeling unfulfilled, ultimately realizing her passion lay in writing. She transitioned from technical writing before returning to school specifically for game writing, leading her to her first in-house role with Apex Legends. Crystal's path was equally winding, starting as a math major before discovering her interest in animation and eventually landing in game design, where she found her true calling in game writing.
The Challenges of Breaking Into the Industry
Breaking into the game writing industry is often seen as an impenetrable barrier, particularly for newcomers. Both writers share their understanding of the anxiety faced by aspiring game writers, especially during uncertain times filled with industry layoffs. They discuss how competition intensifies as experienced writers compete for the same positions as those just beginning their careers. The changing landscape of game writing roles is discussed, highlighting the ongoing challenges that both new and established writers encounter while navigating the job market.
Writing for Live Service Games
Writing for live service games like Apex Legends presents unique storytelling challenges compared to traditional linear games. The process requires crafting ongoing narratives that evolve and adapt seasonally, likened to a slow soap opera where character arcs develop gradually. The pace of storytelling accelerates, with new content delivered every three months, demanding flexibility in writing that anticipates future developments. This ongoing creation cycle necessitates constant collaboration with design teams and the ability to balance narrative direction while integrating character gameplay mechanics.
Representation and Authenticity in Character Creation
The significance of representation in character creation is underscored, particularly as it pertains to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Writers Jacqueline and Crystal discuss the importance of balancing authentic representation while avoiding stereotypes, stressing the need for characters to be multidimensional rather than a collection of traits. They highlight the responsibility felt by minority writers in shaping characters and narratives that reflect cultural experiences appropriately. The discussion emphasizes the necessity for diverse perspectives in the writing room to foster genuine representations and enrich gaming narratives.
The Importance of Collaboration and Feedback
Collaboration plays a crucial role in character development, requiring constant feedback from various teams involved in the game's creation. Both Jacqueline and Crystal emphasize the necessity of maintaining open communication, not only within the narrative team but across departments such as design and animation. They discuss the challenge of balancing personal investment in character traits with broader team feedback and the importance of allowing diverse voices to contribute. This collective creative effort ultimately shapes well-rounded characters that resonate with audiences and reflect authenticity.