Video Games For Writers

I'm a writer. I'm also a gamer. And I'm pretty much always down for a video game about writing or bookish things!

In many ways, writing and gaming go hand-in-hand, and there's plenty that a writer can learn about writing and storytelling through video games.

Not to mention it can give you a much-needed mental break.

If you're looking to put down the pen and pick up a controller, here's a list of titles about writing or feel writing-adjacent! There's even one where writing is the gameplay...

Alan Wake

You can't even begin to talk about writing-centric games without talking about Alan Wake.

In this horror classic that's heavily influenced by the works of Stephen King and Twin Peaks, you play as the titular bestselling crime author who has been pressured into a writing retreat by his wife in the hopes of helping break through his writer's block. It's not long until things go awry. Mrs. Wake goes missing, and Alan soon begins to find pages of a manuscript with his name on it--one he doesn't even remember writing.

And to make matters worse, the pages are deadly premonitions coming to life right before his eyes.

Armed only with life and bullets, Alan must defeat the Darkness before it consumes him.

I detailed my experience playing Alan Wake in this post if you'd like to learn more! A sequel was released in 2023, which I haven't played yet because it's a PS5 exclusive.

Doki Doki Literature Club!

Don't be fooled by the cutesy dating sim exterior. Doki Doki Literature Club! is so much darker than the unsuspecting player might assume upon a first glance.

In Doki Doki Literature Club!, you play as the only male member of a high school poetry club. You'll spend your time writing and discussing poetry while getting to know Sayori, Natsuki, Yuri, and Monika--all of whom are vying for your affection and attention.

Doki Doki Literature Club! is nearly impossible to rave about without getting into heavy spoilers. It's a slow-burn start with a crazy-good payoff. It also comes with a bevy of content warnings for good reason, so be advised if you give this one a go because it deals with themes that aren't suitable for all players.

Tiny Bookshop

If you're looking for something a little lighter, Tiny Bookshop might be just your cup of tea.

In this cozy game, you run a mobile secondhand bookshop and help the Bookston Bay community find their next favorite reads.

You may even come across your own next read, too! Tiny bookshop features an abundance of real-life books, and I've actually picked up several for myself, including The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and The Westing Game.

Tiny Bookshop is incredibly wholesome with so much to discover. There is also plenty of diversity not only on its shelves but across its characters.

For more on Tiny Bookshop, check out my review.

100 Classic Books

Even though my probably six-at-the-time cousin flat-out said, "That's not a game" when I showed it to him at a family gathering, I would be remiss if I failed to mention this one on a list of video games for writers.

via Wikipedia

100 Classic Books is best described as the Kindle before the Kindle was a thing (and a frankly solid use of public domain literature).

Playable on the Nintendo DS, it's precisely what it sounds like: a collection of a hundred classic books.

The text would appear on both screens to mimic the pages of a physical book.

I distinctly recall reading Little Women on my DS and to this day say it was my favorite video game as a kid. I actually found my DS not that long ago and the 100 Classic Books cartridge was still in it!

Even though my TBR is already a mile long, I'm incredibly tempted to get myself a replacement DS charger and start making my way through the catalogue.

4TheWords

4TheWords is a browser-based writing software with a gamified twist, fun for writers who enjoy RPGs and those looking to build a more consistent writing habit.

Set in a fantasy world, 4TheWords takes writing to another level by challenging you to write at least 444 words daily. The core gameplay is based around defeating various monsters by writing; for example, you have fifteen minutes to write 120 words and defeat a Wignow. Players can pick and choose their foes, stack 'em in a queue, and get to writing.

I think it's particularly fun for writers who enjoy sprinting.

Players can earn rewards for their avatar and level up by maintaining a streak, encouraging consistency. You can also set writing goals and track your writing stats (a feature many writers appreciated about the now-defunct NaNoWriMo site).

There are additional features like multiplayer modes, community forums, and monthly challenges.

There is a subscription model (which was largely why I haven't played it in a long time), but a limited free version has been introduced.

If you're a fellow gaming writer, I'd love to hear what you've been playing lately! Have you tried any of these titles? What would you add to the list? Drop it all in the comments.