Required Submission Guidelines

An example of writing via the Neverwinter Nights toolset should be provided. If not in NWN, then please use the alternative submission described later.

Here are the guidelines for the module:

• Make the module short. It should be a short, interesting story that can be played within 15 to 30 minutes.
• Start the story off with a bang! If it doesn't catch our interest with the first character, your submission will likely be discarded.
• There should be at least 3000 words of dialogue within the module.
• We will be judging your ability to write dialogue that is interesting and has personality. The characters you are writing have to be engaging in a manner that immediately draws in the reader.
• The dialogue must be fun and easy to read, not overly verbose.
• We will also be judging the structure of your dialogue. Does the dialogue flow logically? Does the player feel in control of the conversation?
• Avoid creating an entire adventure module with combat, puzzles, and so on. Focus your efforts on dialogue.
• Remember, this module is not being judged on scripting. A simple set of characters with dialogue that can be played in-game is something anyone with basic computer skills can figure out how to set up in under an hour.
• Examples of the style of game dialogue that we are looking for: Mass Effect and Knights of the Old Republic.

Alternative Submission

• Download the following Word document – BioWare Dialogue Exercise (Microsoft Word 175 KB).
• Using the format shown in the example conversation, create your own conversation tree for the start of a quest. Use all of the same rules as shown from above.
• Send in your Word document for review.

Common writing submission mistakes:

• Overly verbose dialogue. Dialogue should be succinct and easy to read.
• Dialogue where the player has very little interaction. The player should feel that he is talking to an NPC, not being talked at.
• Modern sounding dialogue. Do not use modern anachronisms or slang. Fantasy characters shouldn't sound like they come from the 21st century.
• Boring first character. The first character the player talks to sets the tone for the entire module.

How to Apply

Note: Resume submissions not including an example dialogue will not be considered.

Along with your submission, you MUST include a signed product submission agreement. You can fax it to: 780-439-6374

Please quote the following competition number in the subject line of your electronic application, or include in the cover letter of your mailed application:

08-WRITER-BWA-57

To apply by e-mail, send your resume and online portfolio to:

WriterJobsAustin@bioware.com

Resources to help you apply:

• Product Submission Agreement (PSA)

Due to the volume of applications we receive for our job postings, we are unable to respond personally to telephone inquiries regarding the status of an application. Only candidates being considered for interview will be contacted at this time.