How to Write a Video Game Script

Writing a video game script offers a challenge that goes well beyond the normal realm of writing. But it is also something that can be tremendously rewarding in the scope of its creativity. Here are some guidelines and tips for writing a video game script.
Today's video games are based in complex worlds and they tell stories. No longer does a player simply advance through repetitive screens slaying goblins and ghouls in a quest toward the goal. A player now expects to progress through a world where there is a rich history and a plethora of decisions to be made. This adds to the complexity of writing a video game script and it also adds to the richness of the creativity involved.
The first thing you need to think about is that writing a video game script is that it is not the same as writing a movie script. The two processes are similar and you do write a movie like script for your video game but that is only part of the process. There is a whole host of accompanying materials that you need to write for your game script. Here is an overview of what you need to write and why.
Write An Executive overview of the story in prose
This is the most important part of your game script and this is what will sink or float your script. This overview has to tell a compelling and unique story and it should tell the complete story from the opening scene of the game through the major steps all the way to the completion of the game. An overview like this can be almost any size and it would be very easy for this to be ten written pages or more. Remember that today's video games are very complex and the stories can be very complex. This overview is also the most important part of the script. You would shop this to game developers to see if they are interested in developing it into a game.
Write a History and Background of the world
Video games are complete worlds and game designers need to know what the world is like and what kind of history it has. This will help the designers to visualize what the world will look like.
Create a Flowchart for the entire game
Your game is going to be very complex and there will be many decisions that the player will have to make and each decision opens up a whole new path for the player to take. Creating a flowchart is the best way to keep track of all the possible paths through the game.
Create sub-quests and write a prose overview of each quest
Sub quests can be simple or complex but each one is a story in itself and you must tell these stories.
Create character descriptions and bios for all the major characters in the game.
Game designers need a complete picture of the characters in the game. Many of the non-player characters you create will pop up time and time again. And their story is woven deeply into the fabric of your world. You need to describe this relationship in detail to the game designers.

Write interactions with non-player characters
Your game will probably involve interaction with non-player characters (NPC's). You should write out the dialogue and flowchart the choices the game player can make. These interactions are often critical to the story and they can take the player on very different paths toward the conclusion of the game.
Write Cut scenes
Cut Scenes are short animations or movies that come before or after major plot points in your story. A cut scene should always be written to enhance or describe the story. A cut scene is also a reward given to the player for achieving a major milestone in game play.
Writing the actual storyboard script
This is the final step in the whole video game script writing process and it is the most detailed. You do this step last because you need all the supporting materials to understand and describe this correctly. This part is very similar to that of a movie script. You progress through each scene of your story and you detail all the necessary information. Here is an example:
Scene 1:
Location: A dark cathedral with stained glass windows. An NPC is kneeling before a stone casket in the center of the main room
Music: background music of an organ playing introduces the scene but subsides
Characters: Main player, NPC named Thomas, seven were creatures
Player Goal: Discover the location of the underground lair
Action: Player must initiate discussion with Thomas, upon first contact we activate cut scene (1) where Thomas morphs into a were-creature and summons his were-minions. Main character must battle the were-minions then re-initiate discussion with Thomas.
Flowchart: No decisions made at this point: If battle is completed Thomas reveals the entrance to the underground lair and player advances to that level. If player is defeated in battle revert to death cut scene (11) and move to try again screen.
Notes: Player is locked in the cathedral and there is no exit. The only viable way out is to initiate contact with Thomas. Random were-creatures can be activated if player explores cathedral before talking with NPC.

Visionmaster LCD Video Wall Systems for Control Rooms

The absence of adequate floor space in modern control rooms make LCD videowall displays preferable to the deeper DLP projection cubes that were the standard for many years. Although these flat panel displays can be mounted on the wall to minimize their footprint, Americon's Visionmaster freestanding cabinet for LCD videowall displays are gaining popularity because of other advantages.
While there are several modular videowall systems on the market, the Visionmaster LCD video wall stands out with its versatility and unique features designed for security monitoring, military, process control, emergency operations, and network monitoring applications.
Here are a few key attributes of Americon Visionmaster LCD videowall systems that make them the right choice for both large and small control rooms as well as emergency operations centers:

• Self-contained and free standing in 12" deep custom cabinetry that conceals the equipment and cables while allowing easy access from both the front and backside. Choose from 'thin' or 'ultra thin' bezel commercial LCD displays with LED back lighting depending on your application and budget.


• Modular design that shifts the weight of the displays from the wall to the floor. This is important when the control room is in a commercial building where the walls are not capable of supporting the weight of large wall-mounted displays. If operating in an earthquake-prone zone, the Visionmaster LCD videowall cabinet is easily attached to the wall preventing the cabinet and its components from falling forward.


• Expandable depending on wall space and ceiling height. These LCD videowall systems grow as requirements grow and can be easily relocated without having to renovate the space.


• Modern video wall controllers that allow the operator to place and size a wide range of high definition sources like TV and computers anywhere on the videowall. Pre-loaded Windows software and supporting peripherals such as wireless keyboard and mouse and optional touch panel control system.


• Integrated sound system with speakers and audio controller built into the base. Freestanding video wall systems are complete systems that include displays, supporting electronics, storage space, racks and high-quality cabinetry that can be brought in the room and put into operation with training done the same day.

As important, the Americon Visionmaster LCD videowall is a product that has been carefully designed for easy installation and operation as well as easy maintenance. The installation and training procedures take no more than one day in most cases and the price is commensurate to wall mounted videowalls. Americon Visionmaster video wall display systems are more flexible than wall mounted versions and are surprisingly economical.

Know All About the Green Screen Video Production!

In current times, green screen video productions are used almost in everything - from the films to the weather predictions on televisions, to the Internet - by adopting the so-called green screen technology. This technique allows a scene to be filmed in a completely offbeat locale; from nightfall on a beach to an extinct planet in space, that doesn't even prevail. With the help of green screen technique, TV makers and even a layman can create all kinds of up shots.
Artists are video graphed in front of a well illuminated green screen background, and this technique enables the actor to perform in the comfort of a studio or any other place, and the backdrop can be added later. It is a completely lucrative way of obtaining the production vision, and at times it is the only way to get the desired effect.
With a this particular technology, you will have the affability of shooting anywhere you want, without jeopardizing the professional view of the video. This sort of technology provides a lot of advantages and allows for many innovative options to take place once the shooting is finished.
How Does a Green Screen Upgrade Your Videos?
Just for an example, you are creating a video depicting the places you have visited on your vacation. A video can be made of yourself taped against this type of screen. And, when you start editing the video in the software, this green screen background can be eliminated and a new backdrop of your choice can be added so as to make it look like you reside at the real location. This transforms the video into something very amusing to watch, rather having to view a correspondent talking into the camera. Likewise, an industrialist endorsing his firm and products could have his portrait over lapped on the pictures of the product and the factory. These different techniques allow us to create a diverse range of stupendous fusions.

There is just a piece of advice, while preparing for a green screen take, be cautious not to have the actor draping a green dress or any accessory with a green shade, as the shots will become translucent and show as pits.
This production technique definitely requires exclusive skills and intelligence in camera work, lighting and last but not the least, editing to create that lasting and desired effect. So make sure that you hire the right green screen video production company that has the caliber and helps you achieve your goals.

Advantages of Video Chatting

The Internet has tons of facilities that are both entertaining and knowledgeable. They help make our life easier and comfortable. Live video chatting is the new "fad" on the internet. This service is provided by plenty of text messengers and other sites and they don't cost a cent. People can go online and talk to their relatives and friends, as well as get connected to total strangers and interact with them.
These sites let people meet other people across the world in the "virtual world". People can not only text, but can actually hear the other person, and see them as well. To video chat, you need to have a microphone and a webcam hooked to your computer. After that's done, reaching anywhere in the world seems easy and a few clicks away. Live video chats have been gaining a lot of popularity as of late and the number of users keeps increasing. Another reason all this is possible is due to the fast and efficient broadband services that are available. They are cheap and provide unlimited downloads and helps in transmitting large amounts of data. All the devices are easily available and are very economical, as well as very easy to use.

Video chatting can be used for a lot of different purposes. People can use video chat to entertain themselves or socialize. They can use it to stay connected with their family and friends who stay far away. They can also use this service to have a video conference for their job. The problem of distance is solved by the use of internet with added facilities of a webcam and microphone. The use of visual and audio devices make people seem like they're right in front of you, instead of being miles away. These services are free and hence communicating with other people is very cheap.

Some History Facts on Music Videos

Music videos represent a crucial part of the music industry. Artists owe their careers to music videos as they are being given the chance of impressing the public not just with their vocal talent, but also with their looks or moves.
Thirty years ago, music video used to be less important then it is nowadays. MTV (Music Television) was the phenomenon that gave so much power and importance to the music video. MTV started broadcasting in 1981 in the USA and it marked the beginning of the music video's ruling over the music industry. The first video ever played on MTV was 'Video Killed the Radio Star' by The Buggles. As MTV was broadcasting 24-hour-a-day music, music videos were needed to be produced. Consequently, music video began to play an important role in artists' careers. It is considered that even Madonna's career has been greatly influenced by her videos that presented a sexy, appealing look of the artist. Some experts say that Madonna has been inspired by the image that the actress Greta Garbo has used in her silent movies. MTV has been highly controversial: some saw as the beginning of an amazing, new, fresh era in music, others considered it to mark the end of true musical talent, as artists have been become more appreciated for their looks instead of their vocal abilities.
Nowadays, the music video is as important as the song itself, sometimes even deciding the success of a song or artist. Collections of music videos are being sold on tapes or DVDs. Music video's greatest fans are apparently watching them muted just to enjoy their artistic value, as they consider it to be a new form of art. They consider that a music video should be assessed based on its visual qualities and not on the song quality. It seems that the music 'gurus', corporate managers, have realised the potential of using female sex-appeal in music videos, therefore this feature is being used excessively as it is more popular for the public.

The birth of the music video has created a new type of directors: video directors. MTV started even listing directors with video credits and this profession has become more and more popular. But it seems that most video directors don't specialise in this particular art form, they see it as being just a step on the way to directing a movie. Many start directing videos or commercials, hoping to get the recognition to build a name and to direct a movie. It seems that even video directors admit the fact that a music video is secondary to the song itself.
In conclusion, although music video's fans have tried to elevate this form of entertainment to the title of an art form, the music video is eventually just a work of commerce, destined to sell a product: the song.

Where to Buy Video Games in Hong Kong

When travellers visit Hong Kong, most start thinking about what they want to buy before they even reach the city. Shopping is everywhere in Hong Kong, and quite often the price of what you're looking for is cheaper here than in your home country.
One of the most common questions I see on the internet about Hong Kong shopping is "Where can I buy video games in Hong Kong?" That's a very good question, and I'll explain why.
If you've ever been to Hong Kong you know there's no stores like Wal Mart or Gamestop that have large displays of video games for sale. And if you visit a big mall, like Cityplaza, Pacific Place, or Times Square, you probably won't find a store selling video games in there either. You might get lucky and find games in somewhere like Toys R Us, but they'll be for sale at full price.
After searching around for a while, visitors might wonder how a city famous for cheap electronics has very few places to buy video games. Even street markets don't sell video games.
If you're looking to buy video games, consoles, peripherals, or electronic devices in Hong Kong, you want to visit the Wan Chai District in Hong Kong Island. Here you'll find a mall called the Oriental 188 Shopping Centre.
The Oriental 188 Shopping Centre is a shopping mall dedicated to video games, movies, anime, toys, electronic devices, and all sort of other goodies.
The mall itself is quite small when you compare it to other malls in Hong Kong. The hallways are narrow and shops are crammed into the limited space inside. The shops consist of mostly independent shop owners who sell any of the items listed above. The prices inside these shops are cheaper than what you would find at chain electronics stores like Broadway and Fortress. And prices for games are cheaper here than what you'd find them for in stores in Hong Kong that sell video games.

There are a few things you need to know when buying video games in Hong Kong. And since most shop owners at the Oriental 188 Shopping Centre don't speak English, you'll need to know these things before you go.
1. Some video games consoles have region locks on them. Meaning you can't play games from Asia on a North American or European video game console. These consoles include: Nintendo Wii, Nintendo 3DS, and XBOX 360.
2. Game consoles without region locks on them include: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS. You can play any game for these consoles no matter where it was made or where your console is from.
3. Getting to the Oriental 188 Shopping Centre can be a bit difficult since the MTR doesn't stop anywhere near this mall. The best way to get here is by bus. Look for a bus that stops at 298 Hennessey Road (at Kwong Sang Hong Building) or Wan Chai Road and Heard Street.
4. A computer shopping mall, called 298 Computer Zone, is found in the same building as Oriental 188 Shopping Centre. If you're looking for Computer products, give 298 Computer Zone a look. You won't have to walk very far at all.
5. This mall is packed with young people on the weekends. Go to 188 on a weekday to avoid large crowds of people.

Starting A Video Production Company

Video production services tend to benefit a large number of individuals and business owners around the world. The technological advancement has reduced the complexity of video product equipment a great deal and thereby it has become fairly simple and affordable. Therefore, tech - savvy businessmen can easily start a video production company in order to make a mark in this industry and make loads of money. By just purchasing a few top class computers, cameras, basic sound equipments and a product software program you can easily start a successful company. So, if you wish to invest your money in this industry and start a video production company then you can go through this article carefully.
Let us now talk in detail about some key instructions that you should follow in order to start a video production company.

• You should first evaluate a suitable business model by instituting what services will be offered and recognizing your target consumer. There are certain companies who only hire professional experts while there are some other ones who market to the average consumer. So, you should first of all decide your target market so that you are able to set up your business easily.


• Once you have decided upon your target consumer you need to decide what type of equipment and facilities you require to run your company smoothly. You should also consider more about the software and hardware which is necessary to run the accounting functions.


• You should first obtain start - up capital through any mixture of loans, investments, personal savings or grants. With a strong part of primary capital going toward the purchase of suitable equipment, you might be able to provide it as collateral for a financial loan to start the proceedings.


• Now, you need to acquire software and hardware outline in your start up business plan. You should buy everything necessary to control and run the video production company smoothly so that later on no inconvenience is caused.


• The next thing that you should do is to set up a proper studio so that you can conduct voice-overs and editing. Make sure you have a sound proof room to conduct such sessions. The room should also provide you some simple access to all the production equipment. The room should be spacious enough to carry out such editing procedures with ease.


• Another crucial thing that you should do is to set up a proper live production studio so that you can accommodate on - site filming. If you have the necessary amount of budget then you can consider going for multiple studios as they will help you multiply your income a great deal.


• At last, you need to advertise and market your brand new video production company so that it reaches your target consumers and market. Advertising in local magazines and newspapers is a great thing that you can consider doing. Billboards and signage can also prove to be useful in this regard.

Consider going through this article carefully as the above mentioned points will help you in starting a video production company. This will prove to be a lucrative and profitable venture for you.