Perihelion
Sponsor
Basically, this is an event in which you churn out a first draft of your game script during July. Here are some Hypothetically Asked Questions [HAQs]:
What exactly does this entail?
Basically, think of writing a play or screenplay for your game. You'll want to write out all of the cutscene dialogue and stage directions, plus maybe descriptions of things that happen between cutscenes, e.g. dungeons or whatever. The exact format is up to you, but the idea is to write out all of the events of your game.
I picked 20,000 words as a goal because that's what Script Frenzy, the screenplay version of NaNoWriMo, uses. It's about the length of a shortish movie.
Also, note that this takes place during July. You start keeping track of what you write on July 1 and go through the 31st. It works out to be about 650 words a day.
Why should I do this?
Several possible reasons!
1. You've spent a lot of time thinking and planning but haven't actually started making anything concrete. This is a great excuse to do it. Seriously, even if you make a terrible rushed draft, it's a good starting point.
2. As a corollary to the above, you'll probably find your plans change a lot when you start writing anyway, so you might as well stop planning so much and just get started.
3. It's WAY easier to edit your game in script format than in game format. Your game will be better written and more consistent if you don't realize the story goes in a totally different direction than you originally thought after you've already made the first half of the game.
4. Even if you don't end up using anything you make in a real game, doing this event can help you develop the discipline and good habits to actually work on and finish things.
Can I participate even if my game isn't an RPG or isn't really plot-focused?
Sure, if you need to generate a significant amount of text for it. I don't care what you write, or even how much you write, as long as you write something.
What are the rules?
There aren't really any rules. I recommend that you write by yourself, start a new project with the goal of completing it by the end of the month, and aim for 20,000 words. However, you can work on an existing project, set a different word goal, and/or collaborate with someone if you like.
How does the forum work?
On July 1 or sometime thereafter, make a thread in the National Game Writing Month forum to keep track of your word count. You should track the number of words in the title and update it when you write more. You can post updates, excerpts, whatever you want in your thread.
Can I start late?
Sure!
What exactly does this entail?
Basically, think of writing a play or screenplay for your game. You'll want to write out all of the cutscene dialogue and stage directions, plus maybe descriptions of things that happen between cutscenes, e.g. dungeons or whatever. The exact format is up to you, but the idea is to write out all of the events of your game.
I picked 20,000 words as a goal because that's what Script Frenzy, the screenplay version of NaNoWriMo, uses. It's about the length of a shortish movie.
Also, note that this takes place during July. You start keeping track of what you write on July 1 and go through the 31st. It works out to be about 650 words a day.
Why should I do this?
Several possible reasons!
1. You've spent a lot of time thinking and planning but haven't actually started making anything concrete. This is a great excuse to do it. Seriously, even if you make a terrible rushed draft, it's a good starting point.
2. As a corollary to the above, you'll probably find your plans change a lot when you start writing anyway, so you might as well stop planning so much and just get started.
3. It's WAY easier to edit your game in script format than in game format. Your game will be better written and more consistent if you don't realize the story goes in a totally different direction than you originally thought after you've already made the first half of the game.
4. Even if you don't end up using anything you make in a real game, doing this event can help you develop the discipline and good habits to actually work on and finish things.
Can I participate even if my game isn't an RPG or isn't really plot-focused?
Sure, if you need to generate a significant amount of text for it. I don't care what you write, or even how much you write, as long as you write something.
What are the rules?
There aren't really any rules. I recommend that you write by yourself, start a new project with the goal of completing it by the end of the month, and aim for 20,000 words. However, you can work on an existing project, set a different word goal, and/or collaborate with someone if you like.
How does the forum work?
On July 1 or sometime thereafter, make a thread in the National Game Writing Month forum to keep track of your word count. You should track the number of words in the title and update it when you write more. You can post updates, excerpts, whatever you want in your thread.
Can I start late?
Sure!