WRITING FOR GAMES

With Daði Einars & CLIMB

A two-day workshop where we go into the fundamentals of screenwriting, storytelling for games and what makes writing for video games different from films and television.

The workshop is led by Daði Einars, one of the writers behind Echoes of the End, the debut game from the Icelandic studio Myrkur Games. Daði graduated from the Icelandic Film School with a degree in screenwriting and brings experience from both traditional screenwriting and game development.

Daði is also the creator of Mystic Arts, a Youtube channel focused on storytelling and worldbuilding for Dungeons and Dragons and tabletop RPGs with more than 120,000 subscribers. Through Mystic Arts, he explores how to become a better Dungeon Master, build engaging worlds and stories, overcome common storytelling challenges and how to create memorable experiences for players.

What will you learn?

Throughout the workshop we'll explore:

• The fundamentals of screenwriting and storytelling
  

• How to develop characters, worlds and narrative ideas
  

• How screenwriting techniques can be applied to video games
  

• The key differences between writing for film/TV and writing for games
  

• How to structure and develop an early game concept
  

• How to take your ideas and turn them into something tangible
  

• How interactive storytelling changes the role of the writer
  

• How to give and receive constructive feedback on your work
  
  

Schedule

Day 1 — Saturday, September 26 · 12:00–17:00
Writing for games rarely starts on a blank page. It often begins with loose pieces that have yet to become a video game.

Day one begins with an introduction to screenwriting and storytelling principles, followed by Daði's own experience working on Echoes of the End and the transition from traditional storytelling to game writing.

Participants will then begin their first exercise: Taking an initial idea or collection of pieces and exploring what they could become as a game. This is followed by group review and discussion, giving participants the opportunity to develop their ideas through feedback.

The day ends with the setup for the second exercise, which participants will continue working on between the two sessions.

Day 2 — Sunday, September 27 · 12:00–17:00
Day two focuses on taking an idea and pushing it further, turning a concept into something concrete.

Participants continue developing their own project while exploring how narrative, characters, worldbuilding and gameplay can work together. Daði will provide feedback throughout the process alongside group discussion and peer feedback.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have developed their initial idea further and leave knowing the next steps for continuing to work on their project.

Who is this workshop for?

The workshop is aimed at anyone interested in writing, storytelling and creating video games. You don't need to have professional game development experience or have previously written a screenplay. Whether you're a writer interested in games, an aspiring game developer with a story in mind, or simply someone who wants to understand how stories are created for interactive experiences, this workshop is designed to give you practical tools and a starting point for developing your own ideas.

CLIMB is a new Icelandic initiative focused on helping people take their first steps in creating video games through real projects, hands-on learning and connections with people working in the industry.

This workshop is an opportunity to learn from someone with experience across screenwriting, game development and interactive storytelling, while getting hands-on experience developing an idea of your own.

Lunch and refreshments
There will be a lunch break during each workshop day. Lunch and refreshments are not provided by CLIMB.

The workshop is located downtown, with a variety of cafés, restaurants and other food options within walking distance, so participants will have plenty of options for getting something to eat during the break. Vinnustofa Kjarvals also has some lunch options.

Please note that participants are not permitted to bring their own food or beverages into the workshop venue.