Gameplay Format – Because Video Game Writers Need To Go On Strike Too

I was looking for a decent way to write a script for a video game but found nothing. So I decided to create my own.

I call it “gameplay format,” because if a screenplay is a movie script, a “gameplay” should be a game script. Now, “gameplay” is already used to describe the experience of playing a game. That’s precisely why I called this format a “gameplay,” because it describes exactly that.

In filmmaking, screenwriters aren’t supposed to talk about shots or blocking or directing all that much; at most, they make minor suggestions. The screenwriter’s job is to describe the action. Why not give the “gamewriter” the same job — talk about what happens when the player’s character does what, and leave things like controls and programming to the designer and programmer?

I decided to try creating a format based on a screenplay, and I’m writing a surreal dystopian comedy/thriller game to test it out. It will be called “Status Quo”. But I want to make sure I’m on the right track as far as it being readable by humans.

I will say two things: I envision this as a 2D sidescroller simply because I can’t program or model in 3D to save my life, and centered underlined text is a “level heading”. If I have to say anything else, then this format isn’t easy enough to read, and I have failed. MISERABLY.

So, please let me know if this is comprehensible, and whether I can improve it (the format, not the game necessarily). Without further ado, after the jump, level one of “Status Quo”:

                                        THE CLINIC

               INT. EXAM ROOM

               Overhead lights slowly turn on to reveal the white, sterile
               room. BURKE, a Watchman (a man with a gigantic eye instead
               of a head) stands on the left side, dressed in a hospital
               gown.

                                          DOCTOR (V.O.)
                                     (on INTERCOM)
                              Okay, Burke, just follow the
                              computer's instructions. We'll be
                              done shortly.

               The player now has control of Burke.

               A section of the floor on the right side of the room begins
               to glow green. A railing is on the right side of this green
               area.

                                          COMPUTER (V.O.)
                              Please step onto the green square
                              to begin the exam.

               SUBTITLE: Explain how to walk.

               The computer repeats its instruction every five seconds.

               WHEN BURKE WALKS ONTO THE GREEN SQUARE:

               The green glow stops. A red arrow appears on the large
               screen taking up the rear wall.

                                          COMPUTER (V.O.)
                              Please jog towards the other side
                              of the room.

               SUBTITLE: Explain how to run.

               A treadmill in the floor turns on. It is roughly the same
               speed as Burke's running gait. When it pushes Burke against
               the railing, he braces himself against it.

               WHEN BURKE REACHES THE CENTER OF THE ROOM:

                                          DOCTOR (V.O.)
                              That's good, Burke, just a few
                              more seconds.

               After a few more seconds of running, the treadmill stops.

               The intercom extends from the left wall, revealing a large
               retinal scanner.

                                          COMPUTER (V.O.)
                              Please look directly at the
                              retinal scanner.

               SUBTITLE: Explain how to look at things.

               WHEN BURKE LOOKS AT THE SCANNER:

               The scanner examines Burke's eye.

                                                       IF BURKE LOOKS AWAY:

                                          COMPUTER (V.O.)
                              Please look at the retinal scanner
                              until the scan is complete.

                                           WHEN BURKE LOOKS BACK, CONTINUE:

               WHEN THE SCANNER IS DONE:

               The scanner turns off.

                                          DOCTOR (V.O.)
                              I'm running the numbers now. How
                              are you feeling, Burke?

                                                     IF BURKE SAYS NOTHING:

                                          DOCTOR (V.O.)
                              Burke?

               SUBTITLE: Explain how to choose dialog options.

                                                      IF BURKE SAYS "OKAY":

                                          BURKE
                              I'm okay, I guess.

                                          DOCTOR (V.O.)
                              Good.

                                             OR, IF BURKE SAYS "NOT GREAT":

                                          BURKE
                              Still queasy.

                                          DOCTOR (V.O.)
                              Sorry to hear that.

                                                                EITHER WAY:

                                          DOCTOR (V.O.)
                              Hmm...let's see now...

                                          BUT, IF BURKE STILL SAYS NOTHING:

                                          DOCTOR (V.O.)
                              Burke, did you hear m-- oh, here
                              they are...

                                                                REGARDLESS:

                                          DOCTOR (V.O.)
                              Nothing seems to be too out of the
                              ordinary.

               The door on the left side of the room opens, and the doctor
               (also a Watchman) walks in, carrying and reading a
               clipboard.

                                          DOCTOR
                              Your iris is a bit dilated, and
                              nerve pressure's above normal,
                              but that's hardly surprising.
                              What with the riots and all.

                                    IF BURKE SAYS "THEY STARTED WEEKS AGO":

                                          BURKE
                              They've been going on for weeks,
                              though. I'm used to them.

                                          DOCTOR
                              Well, yes, we all are.

                                                  OR, IF BURKE SAYS "TRUE":

                                          BURKE
                              Yeah, that's true.

                                 IF BURKE SAID THAT, OR IF HE SAID NOTHING:

                                          DOCTOR
                              We're all used to them by now,
                              though.

                                                                REGARDLESS:

               The doctor lowers his clipboard.

                                          DOCTOR
                              It's like they're status quo at
                              this point. Very alarming.

                                         IF BURKE SAYS "MAKES MY JOB SUCK":

                                          BURKE
                              And the resulting paperwork is
                              just hell.

                                          DOCTOR
                              I'd imagine. Can't help your
                              stress level either.

                                                                REGARDLESS:

                                          DOCTOR
                              Well, at least coming here was a
                              break from all that for you. Back
                              to the grind, I guess?

                                                       IF BURKE SAYS "YES":

                                          BURKE
                              Yeah, back to the Bureau with me.

                                                                REGARDLESS:

               The doctor turns around and walks towards the door.

                                          DOCTOR
                              You can get dressed. Good seeing
                              you, Burke. I just hope it's at
                              the bar next time. Ha ha ha...

               The doctor exits the room.

                                                                   FADE TO:

                 THE BUREAU OF BUREAUCRACY/AGENCY OF INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
                                         COMPOUND

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• Quick! Tell Everyone!