RPG dialog writers interview (including the lead writer on VtM: Bloodlines)

[dowon]

http://www.rpgcodex.com/content.php?id=148

 

1. Since we have several developers here, please introduce yourself and give us an overview of your dialogue-related work: games, memorable characters you were responsible for, and anything else you feel is relevant.

 

I’m Brian Mitsoda, probably the least known of the bunch because I have never had a biopic optioned about me (for good reason). I’m currently the Creative Lead (or “Head Writing and Stuff Related to Writing Guy”) on Obsidian’s Project Georgia, which is being published by Sega and that’s all I can say about that right now. I’ve worked on many, many canceled games and a game called Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines, which dozens of people around the world have played. Some of the questionably memorable characters I’ve created over my 6+ years in the industry include Jeanette and Therese Voerman, Prince Sebastian LaCroix, the Friggin’ Chicken commercial guy and apparently, a stop sign.

 

My name is J.E. Sawyer and I wrote some of the dialogue for Icewind Dale, Icewind Dale: Heart of Winter, Icewind Dale 2, and Neverwinter Nights 2. Probably the only memorable character I've written is Maralie Fiddlebender in Icewind Dale 2 (in-game and chapter breaks), and probably the best writing there.

 

David Gaider. I’ve worked for Bioware now for about eight years, with most of my work being dialogue-related. The projects I’ve had a major hand in include:

• “Baldur’s Gate 2” (my major contributions being much of Athkatla, the Drow city in the Underdark, and three of the four romances – Aerie, Viconia and Anomen, as well as other party members)

• “Throne of Bhaal” (my first time as Lead Writer)

• “Knights of the Old Republic” (my contributions being Korriban and some of the major characters – Carth, HK-47, Jolee Bindo and Bastila’s romance)

• “Neverwinter Nights” (to a lesser degree, my work is mostly in Chapter 2)

• “Shadows of Undrentide” (much of Chapter 1, including Deekin)

• “Hordes of the Underdark” (the critical path was mine, and I wrote both Deekin and Valen)

[True_Avery]

Hahaha, he wrote the VTM: Bloodlines stuff? Brilliant.

[Jae Onasi]

I need to email Gaider and ask him some Jolee stuff.

[tk102]

I should send them an autographed copy of DLGEditor for all their hard work.

 

Vault Dweller at rpgcodex.com has my respect for getting this sweet interview.

The last thing that a player wants, I think (and I’ve learned this over time) is characters that whine, complain or are critical of the player in any way and characters that exist solely to talk about themselves. I think we’re past that point, now.

Can anyone name a KotOR character that might have evoked this reaction?

[mur'phon]

and apparently, a stop sign

 

"Stop. NO you stop!!"

 

Funniest stop sign ever

[SilentScope001]

The last thing that a player wants, I think (and I’ve learned this over time) is characters that whine, complain or are critical of the player in any way and characters that exist solely to talk about themselves. I think we’re past that point, now.

 

Well, that sort of condmens the two Grey Jedi...(Kreia and Mr. Jolee Bindo), and HK-47, all of whom happens to be very good characters. Actually, doesn't most of the characters in the KOTOR series talk about themselves far too much?

 

I'd disagree. Characters that exist solely to talk about themselves and complain are very good...as long as they do so funnily and then present information concering the plot. And, killing them at the end also goes and ease the pain of said characters.