New AWG committee starts building bridges

19 May, 2016

The Australian Writers’ Guild is rolling out initiatives to break down the divisions between traditional and interactive media.

At its inaugural meeting on 31 March 2016, the AWG’s Games & Interactive Advisory Committee (GIAC) began planning for a number of events such as panels and workshops to cross the divide and further the craft of interactive writers.

Chaired by AWG Board Member, Teresa Crea, the Committee reflects the growing importance of independent Australian interactive and games developers, who are receiving international attention. The AWG hopes it can contribute to the interactive industry just as it has supported screen, stage and radio for the past 50 years.

The inaugural four-hour meeting discussed the role of the writer in interactive media, what work they do and how the AWG can offer services to better the industrial and professional spheres of writing. The goal is to have the industry set its own priorities.

Leena Van Deventer, a freelance developer/writer teaching interactive storytelling at RMIT, hopes the panel can smooth out some of the barriers between more traditional narrative writing and digital and games writing.“By passing on the knowledge acquired from both crafts in both directions, games writers can get a chance to learn from more traditional forms and - by the same token - other writers can learn about the impact interactivity can have on stories and the way they’re told,” she says.

Krister Collin, IGDA Sydney Community Leader, believes a healthy industry needs correct working standards, avenues of opportunity and means for the development of skills and attitudes.“The AWG is working very closely with industry members to ensure these needs are met for the betterment of the community at large, as much as for their members,” she says.“The first meeting went very well with clear, achievable goals being offered and set, all members bringing to the table varied experiences, identities and viewpoints.“It’s safe to say all members are excited to be aiding making a difference for Australian developers at large.”

More on the AWG's GIAC can be found HERE.