How to Hire a Game Writer
Game creation is more accessible than ever. With no-code tools, indie-friendly engines, and AI assistants, just about anyone can start building a game. But what separates a playable game from a memorable one?
Story.
Whether you’re developing a cozy mobile app game, a sprawling open-world RPG, or a puzzle-platformer with personality, storytelling is the beating heart of every immersive game. Think of titles like The Last of Us, Portal, Disco Elysium, Hades, Red Dead Redemption 2, and It Takes Two. What makes them iconic isn’t just the gameplay — it’s the narrative arcs, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters that keep players invested long after the credits roll.
So if you’re building a game, here’s one truth: you need a talented game writer.
Why Game Writing Matters More Than Ever
Game writing isn’t just about crafting dialogue or lore — it’s about world-building, shaping tone and theme, and designing narrative systems that respond to player choice.
Even if you’re just prototyping your game idea, bringing in a game writer early (even as a consultant) can save you time, money, and countless revisions. You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint. Why build a game without a story framework?
Whether you’re Googling “how to hire a game writer” or asking ChatGPT “what does a game writer do?”, the answer is this: they translate your mechanics into meaning.
What Makes a Great Game Writer?
Not all writers are built for game development. Here’s what to look for:
Narrative instincts. A strong game writer is first and foremost a storyteller. Look for writers with backgrounds in screenwriting, novels, or previous games — especially if their work shows structure, emotion, and voice.
Genre fluency. If your game is a horror dungeon crawler, hiring someone who only writes slice-of-life cozy games might not be the best fit. Seek writers who love the genre you’re building in.
Collaborative mindset. Game development is deeply collaborative. Writers need to work with designers, developers, and artists to shape cohesive experiences.
Creative agility. Great game writers think in mechanics, player psychology, and branching logic. They’re not just writing text — they’re crafting moments.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Game Writer?
Rates can vary widely depending on experience, genre, and project scope.
Entry-level or hobbyist writers: $20–$40/hr
Mid-level professionals: $50–$100/hr
Top-tier game writers with screenwriting credits or AAA experience: $150–$300/hr+
Consulting with me directly (for story structure, narrative direction, or game pitch help): $1,000/hr
Keep in mind: writing can be scoped hourly, per word, per milestone, or per project. The best writers tend to work on a flat-fee or retainer basis to ensure depth and consistency across the arc of the game.
Should You Hire a Freelance Game Writer or a Full-Time Game Writer?
It depends on your budget, timeline, and game scope.
For studios with multiple ongoing projects, a full-time writer might make sense. But for most teams — especially startups, mobile devs, or indie builders — freelancers offer more flexibility, creativity, and ROI.
Freelance game writers often work across multiple genres and platforms. That variety feeds their creativity and cross-pollinates ideas. The best freelance writers bring experience not just from games, but also from film, TV, fiction, and narrative design tools like Twine, Ink, or Fungus.
In short? Freelancers are your secret weapon.
How to Hire the Best Game Writer for Your Project
When posting a job or reaching out to potential hires, include:
A short description of your game. The genre, tone, and gameplay loop.
Narrative goals. Are you looking for lore? Dialogue? A full story arc?
Target audience and platform. Mobile, console, desktop? Casual gamers or core RPG fans?
Timeline and budget. Being upfront helps attract the right caliber of writer.
Writing samples request. Ask for work in similar tones or genres.
Make sure your chosen writer is also a gamer — or at least fluent in your specific world. Hiring a sci-fi game writer for your fantasy farming sim may not be a match.
Ready to Find the Right Game Writer for Your Project?
If you’re ready to find the perfect game writer for your project, you’ve got two great options:
Post your job on my curated writing job board — where you’ll reach a community of experienced writers available for freelance and contract roles.
Want to work with me directly? I offer consulting services for game studios and developers at $1,000/hour. If you’re looking for help with narrative development, world-building, or character arcs, I’d be happy to explore how we could collaborate.
