How to Find Mentors in the Game Writing Industry

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Title: How to Find Mentors in the Game Writing Industry

The journey into game writing, a field as creatively demanding as it is competitive, often feels like navigating a labyrinth without a map. Aspiring writers grapple with unique challenges: understanding interactive narrative structures, mastering genre conventions, adapting to technical constraints, and, crucially, breaking into an industry that values experience and proven talent. While self-study and practice are indispensable, there exists a powerful accelerant for career growth and skill development: mentorship. A mentor, a seasoned guide who has walked the path you aspire to tread, offers invaluable insights, opens doors, and provides the critical feedback necessary to transform potential into proficiency. This definitive guide will illuminate the strategic, actionable steps required to identify, approach, and cultivate meaningful mentorship relationships within the dynamic world of game writing.

Understanding the Value of Mentorship in Game Writing

Mentorship is not merely about receiving advice; it’s a symbiotic relationship that fosters profound professional and personal growth. For game writers, the benefits extend far beyond generic career guidance, addressing the specific nuances of this specialized craft.

Why a Mentor is Crucial for Game Writers

A mentor provides a unique vantage point, offering perspectives unattainable through independent study or online courses.

  • Accelerated Skill Development: Game writing demands a distinct skillset, blending traditional narrative craft with interactive design principles. A mentor can pinpoint specific areas for improvement, from branching dialogue and quest design to lore creation and character voice. They can review your portfolio pieces, offering targeted, constructive criticism that highlights blind spots and refines your approach. For instance, a mentor might review a dialogue tree you’ve designed, pointing out how to make player choices feel more impactful, or how to streamline exposition within a quest log. They can teach you the subtle art of writing for different player archetypes or how to balance narrative depth with gameplay mechanics. This personalized feedback loop is far more effective than generic advice, allowing you to iterate and improve at an accelerated pace.
  • Invaluable Industry Insights: The game industry operates on its own unique rhythms, with specific pipelines, terminology, and cultural norms. A mentor, having navigated these complexities, can demystify the process. They can explain the roles within a development team, how writers collaborate with designers and artists, and the typical workflow from concept to release. They might share insights into common pitfalls in game development, such as scope creep or narrative-gameplay dissonance, and how writers can proactively mitigate these issues. Understanding the business side – contract negotiations, intellectual property, and studio dynamics – is equally vital, and a mentor can offer practical advice on these often-opaque subjects. For example, they could explain the difference between working on an indie title versus a AAA project, or how to prepare for a narrative design interview.
  • Expanded Professional Network: One of the most significant, yet often overlooked, benefits of mentorship is access to a mentor’s established network. While a mentor won’t hand you a job, they can introduce you to other professionals – producers, designers, fellow writers, or recruiters – who might be hiring or know of opportunities. These introductions are invaluable, as they come with an implicit endorsement from your mentor, lending you credibility within the industry. They can also advise you on which industry events are most beneficial for networking, or how to approach specific individuals for informational interviews. Imagine your mentor introducing you to a narrative director at a studio you admire, or connecting you with a sound designer who needs a writer for a passion project. These connections can be pivotal in a field where who you know often complements what you know.
  • Emotional Support and Guidance: The path of a game writer can be challenging, marked by rejection, creative blocks, and the pressure of tight deadlines. A mentor serves as a sounding board, offering encouragement, perspective, and strategies for navigating these difficulties. They can share their own experiences with setbacks, normalizing the struggles and providing coping mechanisms. When you face a particularly tough critique or a project gets canceled, a mentor can help you process the disappointment and extract lessons for future endeavors. This emotional resilience is as crucial as any technical skill, preventing burnout and fostering long-term commitment to your craft. They can help you manage imposter syndrome or advise on maintaining work-life balance in a demanding industry.

What to Look For in a Mentor

Identifying the right mentor is paramount. It’s not just about finding someone successful, but someone whose experience aligns with your aspirations and whose approach complements your learning style.

  • Relevant Experience and Expertise: Seek out individuals who have achieved what you aspire to. If you dream of writing for AAA RPGs, a narrative director from a major studio would be an ideal mentor. If your passion lies in indie narrative games, someone with a strong portfolio in that space would be more suitable. Their experience should directly relate to the specific areas of game writing you wish to develop, whether it’s systems-driven narrative, branching dialogue, world-building, or character development. Look for writers who have worked on games with narrative styles you admire, or who have tackled challenges similar to those you anticipate.
  • Effective Communication Style: A mentor must be able to articulate feedback clearly, constructively, and empathetically. Some mentors prefer direct, no-nonsense critiques, while others adopt a more encouraging, guiding approach. Consider your own learning style: do you thrive under blunt honesty, or do you need a more gentle hand? Observe how potential mentors communicate in public forums, talks, or articles. A good mentor isn’t just knowledgeable; they are skilled at transferring that knowledge in a way that resonates with you. They should be able to break down complex concepts into understandable components and provide actionable steps for improvement.
  • Availability and Commitment: Even the most brilliant mentor is ineffective if they lack the time or willingness to engage. Be realistic about their schedule; busy professionals may only be able to offer limited time. During your initial outreach, try to gauge their capacity and willingness to commit to a mentorship relationship, even if it’s just for a few focused sessions. A mentor who can dedicate an hour once a month is far more valuable than one who is perpetually unavailable. Look for signs of genuine interest in helping others grow, perhaps through their past involvement in mentorship programs or their willingness to answer questions on public platforms.
  • Shared Values and Professional Philosophy: While not strictly necessary, a mentor whose professional values align with yours can make the relationship more harmonious and impactful. Do they prioritize narrative innovation, player agency, or commercial success? Do they advocate for ethical practices in game development? Understanding their philosophy can help you determine if their guidance will steer you in a direction that feels authentic to your own aspirations. This alignment can foster a deeper connection and ensure that the advice you receive resonates with your personal and professional ethos.

Pre-Mentorship Preparation: Laying the Groundwork

Before you even consider reaching out to a potential mentor, you must invest time in preparing yourself. A well-prepared mentee is an attractive prospect, demonstrating seriousness, initiative, and a clear understanding of their own needs.

Define Your Goals

Clarity about your objectives is the bedrock of a successful mentorship. A mentor cannot guide you effectively if you don’t know where you’re going.

  • Short-Term, Specific Skills: Identify immediate, tangible skills you want to acquire or improve. Do you want to master writing compelling quest descriptions? Learn how to integrate narrative seamlessly into gameplay mechanics? Understand the nuances of writing for a specific genre, like horror or sci-fi? Be precise. Instead of “I want to be a better writer,” articulate “I want to learn how to write branching dialogue that feels natural and impactful, specifically for RPGs.” This specificity allows a mentor to offer targeted advice and assess your progress.
  • Long-Term Career Aspirations: Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? Do you aspire to be a lead narrative designer, a freelance game writer, or perhaps start your own narrative-driven indie studio? While these goals may evolve, having a general direction helps a mentor provide strategic career guidance. They can advise on the necessary steps, potential roadblocks, and alternative paths to reach your ultimate destination. For example, if your long-term goal is to be a narrative director, a mentor might advise you to focus on leadership skills and project management in addition to writing.
  • Specific Project Feedback: Perhaps you have a personal game project or a portfolio piece that needs critical review. Clearly define what kind of feedback you’re seeking. Are you looking for structural advice on your narrative arc, character development insights, or technical feedback on how your writing integrates with game systems? Having a specific piece of work ready for review demonstrates your commitment and provides a concrete starting point for the mentorship. For instance, you might say, “I’d appreciate feedback on the pacing of the first act of my interactive fiction demo, particularly regarding player engagement.”

Build Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is your professional calling card, showcasing your abilities and potential. It’s the most compelling evidence you can offer a potential mentor that you are serious about game writing.

  • Game Writing Samples: This is non-negotiable. Your portfolio must contain examples of game-specific writing. This includes:
    • Branching Dialogue: Demonstrate your ability to write dialogue that adapts to player choices, showcasing different paths and consequences. Use a tool like Twine or a simple flowchart to illustrate the branching logic.
    • Quest Descriptions/Logs: Write compelling, concise quest text that clearly communicates objectives while immersing the player in the game world. Include examples for various quest types (main story, side quests, fetch quests).
    • Lore Documents/World-Building: Showcase your ability to create rich, consistent lore. This could be a short excerpt from a game bible, a character backstory, or a historical timeline for a fictional world.
    • Character Bios: Develop detailed character profiles that go beyond surface-level descriptions, delving into motivations, relationships, and voice.
    • Narrative Design Documents (Excerpts): If you have experience, include snippets from GDDs that highlight your narrative contributions, demonstrating your understanding of how story integrates with gameplay.
  • Personal Projects/Interactive Fiction: Creating your own small interactive experiences, even text-based ones, demonstrates initiative and a practical understanding of game narrative. Tools like Twine, Ink, or even simple Python scripts can be used to create playable demos. These projects show that you can not only write but also think like a game designer, considering player agency and interactive systems. A short, polished Twine game that explores a unique narrative mechanic can be more impressive than a lengthy, unplayable script.
  • Proofreading and Polish: Every piece in your portfolio must be meticulously proofread and polished. Typos, grammatical errors, or awkward phrasing will immediately undermine your credibility. Treat your portfolio as a finished product, reflecting your highest standard of work. Seek feedback from peers before presenting it to a potential mentor.

Develop Your Online Presence

In the digital age, your online presence is an extension of your professional identity. It’s where potential mentors might first encounter your work and assess your professionalism.

  • LinkedIn Profile: Optimize your LinkedIn profile to reflect your aspirations as a game writer. Highlight relevant skills (narrative design, creative writing, interactive storytelling), list any game-related projects (even personal ones), and connect with professionals in the game industry. Use a professional headshot and write a compelling summary that clearly states your career goals. Engage with industry content, share relevant articles, and participate in discussions to increase your visibility.
  • Professional Website/Portfolio Site: A dedicated website provides a centralized hub for your portfolio, resume, and contact information. It allows you to control the presentation of your work and showcase your unique brand. Use a clean, professional design that is easy to navigate. Ensure your writing samples are easily accessible and clearly labeled. This demonstrates a level of professionalism and commitment that stands out.
  • Strategic Social Media Engagement (e.g., Twitter): While not strictly necessary, a professional Twitter presence can be beneficial. Follow game writers, narrative designers, and studios. Engage thoughtfully in industry discussions, share insights, and retweet relevant content. Avoid controversial topics or unprofessional behavior. Your goal is to establish yourself as a thoughtful, engaged member of the game writing community. This can be a subtle way for potential mentors to observe your passion and professionalism before you even reach out.

Research the Industry

Demonstrating a foundational understanding of the game industry shows respect for a mentor’s time and expertise. It proves you’ve done your homework.

  • Companies and Genres: Familiarize yourself with major game development studios, prominent indie developers, and the types of games they produce. Understand the different genres and their narrative conventions. If you admire the narrative in a specific RPG, research the studio and the writers behind it. This knowledge allows you to tailor your outreach and demonstrate genuine interest.
  • Key Players and Thought Leaders: Identify prominent game writers, narrative directors, and creative leads. Read their articles, watch their GDC talks, and follow their work. Understanding their contributions and philosophies will not only inform your own craft but also help you identify potential mentors whose work resonates with you. Knowing their specific projects or areas of expertise allows for highly personalized outreach.
  • Industry Trends: Stay abreast of current trends in game narrative, such as the rise of procedural storytelling, emergent narratives, or new approaches to player agency. This demonstrates your forward-thinking mindset and your commitment to the evolving landscape of game writing. Being able to discuss these trends intelligently can make a strong impression.

Strategic Approaches to Identifying Potential Mentors

Once you’ve prepared yourself, the next step is to actively seek out individuals who could potentially become your mentors. This requires a multi-pronged approach, leveraging both online and offline opportunities.

Leveraging Professional Networks

Your existing connections, however nascent, can be a powerful starting point.

  • LinkedIn Connections: Review your LinkedIn network. Do you have any first or second-degree connections who work in game development, even if not directly in writing? Reach out to them for informational interviews. Ask if they know any game writers or narrative designers they could introduce you to. A warm introduction from a mutual connection is far more effective than a cold email. For example, if you know a game artist, you might ask, “I’m looking to connect with game writers to learn more about the industry. Do you know anyone in your network who might be open to a brief chat?”
  • Alumni Networks: If you attended a university or college, explore their alumni network. Many institutions have strong connections within various industries. Search for alumni working in game development and reach out, mentioning your shared alma mater. This common ground can be a great icebreaker.
  • Former Colleagues/Supervisors: Even if your previous work wasn’t in games, former colleagues or supervisors might have connections or advice that could prove useful. They know your work ethic and can vouch for your character, which is a valuable asset.

Attending Industry Conferences and Workshops

Conferences and workshops are prime environments for networking and identifying potential mentors.

  • Game Developers Conference (GDC): GDC is the premier event for game developers. While attending can be expensive, even virtual passes or GDC Vault access (for past talks) can provide immense value. Look for talks by narrative designers and writers. Pay attention during Q&A sessions; those who ask insightful questions might be good peer connections, and the speakers themselves are potential mentors.
  • Local Meetups and Game Jams: Many cities have local game development meetups, often organized through platforms like Meetup.com. These smaller, more intimate gatherings are excellent for making genuine connections. Game jams, where participants create a game in a short timeframe, offer a hands-on way to collaborate with developers and showcase your writing skills. You might meet experienced writers or designers who are open to sharing their knowledge.
  • Online Workshops and Webinars: Many industry professionals offer online workshops or webinars on game writing. Participating in these not only enhances your skills but also provides direct access to experienced writers. Engage thoughtfully in the chat, ask intelligent questions, and follow up with the instructor if their expertise aligns with your goals.

Participating in Online Communities

The internet hosts a vibrant ecosystem of game development communities where writers congregate.

  • Discord Servers: Many game development studios, indie collectives, and educational platforms host Discord servers. Join servers dedicated to game writing, narrative design, or specific game genres. Participate actively, offer helpful advice where you can, and ask thoughtful questions. Over time, you’ll identify experienced members who consistently provide valuable insights.
  • Reddit Subreddits: Subreddits like r/gamedev, r/gamedesign, and r/gamewriting are active communities. Read discussions, contribute constructively, and observe who provides well-reasoned, expert advice. Avoid simply asking for a mentor; instead, engage in genuine conversations that might naturally lead to a connection.
  • Specialized Forums: Look for forums dedicated to interactive fiction, specific game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity), or narrative tools. These niche communities often have highly knowledgeable members who are passionate about their craft.

Identifying Thought Leaders and Established Writers

Sometimes, the best way to find a mentor is to identify those whose work you already admire and then strategically approach them.

  • Blogs and Articles: Many prominent game writers maintain personal blogs or contribute to industry publications. Read their work to understand their philosophy, expertise, and communication style. This research will inform your outreach and demonstrate your genuine interest.
  • GDC Vault and YouTube Talks: The GDC Vault (a subscription service) and various YouTube channels host thousands of talks from game developers. Search for talks on narrative design, writing, and world-building. Identify speakers whose insights resonate with you. These talks often provide a window into their expertise and personality.
  • Game Credits: When you play a game with exceptional writing, check the credits. Identify the narrative designers, writers, and story leads. Research their professional backgrounds and see if they are active on LinkedIn or other platforms. This direct approach shows you appreciate their specific contributions.

Utilizing Formal Mentorship Programs

While less common for game writing specifically, some organizations or studios occasionally offer formal mentorship programs.

  • Industry Organizations: Keep an eye on organizations like the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) or Women in Games. They sometimes run mentorship initiatives or can point you to resources.
  • Studio-Specific Programs: Very rarely, a large studio might have an internal mentorship program open to external applicants, often as part of a diversity or talent development initiative. These are highly competitive but worth investigating.
  • Educational Institutions: If you are enrolled in or have graduated from a game development program, inquire about any mentorship opportunities or alumni networks that facilitate connections with industry professionals.

Crafting the Perfect Outreach: Making Your Approach Count

Once you’ve identified potential mentors, the way you initiate contact is critical. A poorly crafted message can instantly close a door, while a thoughtful, respectful approach can open one.

Personalization is Key

Generic messages are easily dismissed. Your outreach must demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in them, not just “a mentor.”

  • Research Their Work: Before you type a single word, thoroughly research their professional background, the games they’ve worked on, their talks, articles, or social media posts. Find something specific and genuine to comment on.
  • Find Common Ground: Did you attend the same university? Do you both have a passion for a niche game genre? Did you particularly enjoy a specific narrative choice in one of their games? Mentioning a shared interest or a specific piece of their work that resonated with you creates an immediate connection. For example, “I was particularly struck by the nuanced character development in [Game Title] and how you managed to convey so much through subtle environmental storytelling.”
  • Avoid Flattery for Flattery’s Sake: While appreciation is good, excessive or insincere flattery can be off-putting. Your praise should be specific, genuine, and tied to their professional achievements.

Clarity and Conciseness

Busy professionals have limited time. Your message must be respectful of that.

  • Get to the Point: State your purpose clearly and concisely in the first few sentences. Don’t bury your request under paragraphs of preamble.
  • Respect Their Time: Acknowledge that their time is valuable. Frame your request as something that would take minimal effort on their part initially. For example, “I understand you’re incredibly busy, but I was hoping you might spare 15-20 minutes for a brief informational chat.”
  • Keep it Brief: Aim for a message that can be read in under 60 seconds. If it’s too long, it’s likely to be skimmed or ignored.

Highlighting Your Value

While you are seeking guidance, subtly convey what you bring to the table – your dedication, your passion, and your proactive approach.

  • Show, Don’t Just Tell: Instead of saying “I’m a passionate writer,” mention a specific personal project or a portfolio piece you’ve created. “I’ve been diligently building my portfolio, including a Twine game exploring non-linear narrative, which I’d be happy to share.”
  • Demonstrate Initiative: Mention the steps you’ve already taken to learn and grow. “I’ve been studying narrative design principles for the past year and have completed several online courses.” This shows you’re not looking for someone to do the work for you, but rather to guide your existing efforts.
  • Be Specific About Your Needs: Instead of a vague “I need a mentor,” articulate what specific guidance you’re seeking. “I’m particularly looking for advice on structuring interactive dialogue for RPGs, as I’m currently developing a personal project in that genre.”

The “Ask”: Start Small

Don’t ask for a long-term mentorship commitment in your first message. This is too high a barrier.

  • Request an Informational Interview: This is the most common and effective initial “ask.” Request a brief 15-30 minute virtual coffee chat to learn about their career path, their insights into the industry, or their advice on a specific challenge you’re facing. This low-commitment request is much more likely to be accepted.
  • Ask for Feedback on a Specific Piece: If appropriate, you might ask if they’d be willing to provide brief feedback on a single, small piece of your work (e.g., a short dialogue excerpt, a quest description). Make it clear you’re not asking for a full portfolio review. “Would you be open to providing a quick thought on this one-page dialogue sample, if you have a moment?”
  • Offer to Buy Them Coffee (Virtually or In-Person): If you’re in the same city, offering to treat them to coffee is a polite gesture that acknowledges their time. For virtual meetings, a simple “I’d be happy to work around your schedule” suffices.

Follow-Up Etiquette

Persistence is good; pestering is not.

  • Polite and Persistent, Not Pushy: If you don’t hear back within a week, a single, polite follow-up email is acceptable. Reiterate your brief request and express understanding if they’re too busy. “Just wanted to gently follow up on my previous email. No worries at all if your schedule is too packed, but if you do find a moment, I’d still greatly appreciate a brief chat.”
  • Know When to Let Go: If you don’t receive a response after one follow-up, respect their silence. Move on to other potential mentors. Their lack of response is not a personal rejection, but simply an indication of their current capacity.

Nurturing the Mentorship Relationship

Securing a mentor is just the beginning. The true work lies in cultivating a respectful, productive, and mutually beneficial relationship.

Respecting Their Time and Expertise

This is the golden rule of mentorship. Your mentor is doing you a favor, often out of goodwill and a desire to give back.

  • Be Prepared: Before every meeting or interaction, do your homework. If you’re discussing a specific project, have your questions ready and any relevant materials organized. If they gave you an assignment or suggested a resource, ensure you’ve completed it. Don’t waste their time by being unfocused or asking questions you could easily answer yourself with a quick search.
  • Do Your Homework: If they recommend a book, an article, or a game, read/play it before your next meeting. This shows you value their advice and are committed to your own growth.
  • Be Punctual: If you have a scheduled call or meeting, be on time. If you need to reschedule, provide ample notice.

Being Proactive and Receptive to Feedback

A mentorship is not a passive experience. You must actively engage and demonstrate your willingness to learn.

  • Take Initiative: Don’t wait for your mentor to tell you what to do. Propose topics for discussion, share your progress, and ask for specific feedback. “I’ve been working on the dialogue for [Project Name] and would love your thoughts on how to make the player choices feel more impactful.”
  • Implement Advice: The most crucial aspect of receiving feedback is acting on it. After a session, take notes, reflect on their advice, and then apply it to your work.
  • Show Progress: When you next connect, share how you’ve implemented their suggestions and the results. “Following your advice, I revised the quest structure, and it feels much more cohesive now. I’ve attached the updated version if you have a moment to glance at it.” This demonstrates that their time is well-spent and that you are serious about improving.
  • Be Open to Constructive Criticism: Not all feedback will be easy to hear, but it’s essential for growth. Listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and avoid becoming defensive. Remember, their goal is to help you improve, not to criticize you personally.

Communicating Effectively

Clear and concise communication ensures that both parties are on the same page and that the relationship remains productive.

  • Regular Updates (Brief): Don’t bombard your mentor with daily emails, but a brief update every few weeks or once a month can be beneficial. Share your progress, any challenges you’re facing, and what you’re learning. This keeps them informed and allows them to offer timely advice.
  • Clear Questions: When asking for advice, formulate your questions precisely. Instead of “How do I get better at writing?”, ask “What are some common pitfalls in writing branching dialogue for multiple player personalities, and how can I avoid them?”
  • Preferred Communication Channels: Ask your mentor how they prefer to communicate (email, video call, specific messaging app) and respect their preference.

Showing Appreciation

Gratitude reinforces the positive aspects of the relationship and encourages your mentor to continue investing their time.

  • Express Sincere Thanks: A simple, heartfelt “thank you” after each interaction goes a long way. Acknowledge the specific value you gained from their advice. “Thank you so much for your time today. Your insights on narrative pacing were incredibly helpful, and I’m already applying them to my current project.”
  • Small Gestures (Optional): While not expected, a small, thoughtful gesture can be appreciated. This could be a virtual coffee gift card, a recommendation on LinkedIn, or simply a public acknowledgment (if appropriate and they are comfortable with it) of their guidance. Never feel obligated to give gifts; genuine appreciation is paramount.
  • Pay it Forward: The best way to show appreciation is to eventually become a mentor yourself, guiding the next generation of game writers.

Understanding the Evolving Nature of Mentorship

Mentorships are rarely static; they evolve over time, and sometimes, they naturally conclude.

  • It’s Not Always Forever: Some mentorships are short-term, focused on a specific project or skill. Others may last for years. Be open to the natural progression of the relationship.
  • Different Mentors for Different Needs: As you grow, your needs may change. You might seek out new mentors for different areas of expertise or career stages.
  • Transition to Peer/Friendship: Over time, a mentorship can evolve into a peer relationship or even a friendship, where the dynamic becomes more reciprocal.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, certain missteps can derail a promising mentorship. Being aware of these common pitfalls can help you navigate the relationship successfully.

Being Unprepared or Unfocused

Nothing wastes a mentor’s time more than a mentee who hasn’t done their homework or doesn’t know what they want.

  • Vague Questions: Asking broad, unspecific questions like “How do I become a game writer?” demonstrates a lack of prior research and puts the burden on the mentor to define your path.
  • Lack of Follow-Through: Failing to implement advice or complete tasks assigned by your mentor signals a lack of commitment and disrespect for their time. If you don’t act on their guidance, they will quickly lose motivation to help.
  • Not Having Specific Goals: Approaching a mentor without a clear idea of what you want to achieve makes it impossible for them to provide targeted assistance. They can’t hit a target they can’t see.

Expecting Too Much Too Soon

Mentorship is a gradual process, not a magic bullet for instant success.

  • Demanding a Job: A mentor is not a hiring manager. While they might offer introductions, their primary role is guidance, not job placement. Directly asking for a job or expecting them to pull strings is a surefire way to sour the relationship.
  • Expecting Constant Availability: Your mentor has their own career and life. Do not expect them to be available at your beck and call. Respect their boundaries and schedule.
  • Seeking Instant Solutions: Mentors provide guidance and tools, but you are responsible for doing the work. Don’t expect them to solve all your problems or hand you answers without effort on your part.

Treating it as a Job Interview

While you want to make a good impression, the mentorship dynamic is different from a formal interview.

  • Overly Formal Demeanor: While professional, the relationship should allow for open, honest dialogue. Don’t be so stiff that you can’t genuinely engage.
  • Only Talking About Yourself: A mentorship is a dialogue. While you are the mentee, show interest in your mentor’s experiences and insights beyond how they directly apply to you.
  • Not Being Vulnerable: To receive effective guidance, you need to be open about your challenges, weaknesses, and areas where you struggle. Hiding your difficulties prevents your mentor from truly helping you.

Lack of Follow-Through

This is a critical error that can quickly end a mentorship.

  • Not Implementing Advice: If you consistently ignore or fail to act on your mentor’s suggestions, they will perceive their efforts as wasted.
  • Failing to Update: Not sharing your progress or the results of implementing their advice means they can’t see the impact of their guidance, which can be demotivating.
  • Disappearing Act: Ghosting your mentor or simply fading away without explanation is unprofessional and disrespectful. If you need to pause the mentorship, communicate that clearly.

Not Respecting Boundaries

Every mentor will have different boundaries regarding time, communication, and the scope of their assistance.

  • Contacting Them Outside Agreed Channels/Times: If they prefer email, don’t call them unexpectedly. If they’ve set specific meeting times, don’t try to extend them without prior agreement.
  • Asking for Unreasonable Favors: Do not ask them to write your resume, edit your entire novel, or introduce you to every contact in their phone book. Keep requests reasonable and focused on guidance.
  • Sharing Confidential Information: Be mindful of any non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) your mentor might have. Do not press them for confidential information about their projects or studio.

Beyond the First Mentor: Building a Mentorship Ecosystem

The concept of mentorship isn’t limited to a single, lifelong relationship. As your career evolves, so too will your needs for guidance. Cultivating a diverse “mentorship ecosystem” can provide comprehensive support.

Different Mentors for Different Needs

No single mentor can be an expert in every facet of game writing or career development.

  • Skill-Specific Mentors: You might have one mentor who is a master of branching dialogue and another who excels at world-building. A third might be an expert in writing for a specific genre, like horror or comedy. This allows you to receive highly specialized guidance for different aspects of your craft. For example, a narrative designer from a mobile game studio might offer insights into concise, impactful writing for smaller screens, while a writer from a AAA RPG team could guide you on crafting epic lore.
  • Career Guidance Mentors: This mentor might focus less on your writing craft and more on strategic career planning, networking, salary negotiation, or navigating studio politics. They could be a lead writer, a producer with a strong understanding of the writing department, or even a recruiter specializing in game talent.
  • Emotional Support Mentors: Sometimes, you need a mentor who can simply listen, offer encouragement, and help you maintain resilience in a demanding industry. This person might not be directly involved in game writing but understands the creative process and the challenges of a project-based career. They can help you manage imposter syndrome, deal with creative blocks, or navigate difficult team dynamics.

Peer Mentorship

Mentorship doesn’t always flow from senior to junior. Learning from those at your own level can be incredibly valuable.

  • Shared Challenges: Peers often face similar challenges and can offer fresh perspectives or solutions you hadn’t considered. You can brainstorm ideas, critique each other’s work, and provide mutual support.
  • Accountability Partners: A peer can serve as an accountability partner, helping you stay on track with your goals and providing encouragement when motivation wanes.
  • Diverse Perspectives: Your peers might come from different backgrounds or have different strengths, offering a broader range of insights than a single, more experienced mentor. Form a small writing group with aspiring game writers to share work and feedback.

Reverse Mentorship

Consider what you can offer to others, even those more experienced than you.

  • New Technologies/Trends: You might be more familiar with emerging technologies, social media trends, or new game engines than a seasoned veteran. Sharing your knowledge can be a valuable contribution.
  • Fresh Perspectives: Your unique background or perspective as a newer entrant to the industry can offer fresh insights to those who have been in the field for a long time.
  • Building Reciprocity: Offering to help your mentor or other professionals, even in small ways, fosters a sense of reciprocity and strengthens your professional relationships. This could be as simple as sharing a relevant article you found or offering to help with a minor task if you have the capacity.

The pursuit of a game writing career is a marathon, not a sprint, and mentorship serves as a powerful catalyst for sustained growth. By understanding the profound value a mentor brings, meticulously preparing yourself, strategically identifying potential guides, and approaching them with respect and clarity, you lay the foundation for invaluable relationships. Nurturing these connections through proactive engagement, receptiveness to feedback, and genuine appreciation ensures their longevity and impact. Remember that mentorship is an evolving journey, often involving multiple guides for different needs, and that the ultimate goal is not just to receive, but to eventually contribute to the vibrant ecosystem of game writing. Embrace the process, commit to continuous learning, and leverage the wisdom of those who have paved the way to forge your own compelling narrative in the world of interactive storytelling.