Writing Video Game Guides

There is big business in writing video game guides but you really need to know how to do it properly if you want to be successful with it. Just because you play video games doesn't mean you will be able to write guides about it that others will find beneficial and just because you know how to write doesn't mean that you know enough about video games to write good guides.

It takes a special breed of person to be able to do both. You need to have a passion for writing, a love f video games and a dedication to helping others. You need to be able to explain complex details in a step by step manner that others can understand. You need to be able to describe visual things with your words. It's not as easy as you might think once you have tried it for yourself.

Here are some things that make a good video game guide:

· In-depth knowledge of the game

· Great attention to detail

· Step by step instructions on how to do something

· Reference points, markers or other identifying methods that someone playing the game will easily recognize

· Photos, images and/or screenshots used as visual aids

· Able to explain things in more than one way

· Clear, concise instructions and walk-throughs

· Ability to connect with the reader

· Love of games that shows throughout the guide

It's important that the video game guide that you write speaks well to the gamer who is reading it. It is essential that you know what you're talking about. If you're not familiar with the terminology, it's going to show. The gamer won't trust your guide when you cannot speak the lingo.

Another problem with game guides is when they are too generalized. Anyone can figure out "Go to the zone start point, complete the mission and move to the next zone." A solid video game guide will tell you the how and the where. What is the best strategy for beating a boss? How do you discover a secret tunnel entrance? How can you unlock a hidden character or ability? These are the things the gamer really wants to know.

Now that you know what a good video game guide really needs, you are prepared for writing them well. Don't even attempt to write video game guides unless you feel confident you can do so while keeping these tips and points in mind.

Lisa Mason is a freelance writer with a specialty in Internet content and SEO articles and the author of How to Earn a Living Writing for the Internet. She has written thousands of articles, hundreds of ebooks and thousands of website pages and related content in her 10+ years as a professional writer.

She enjoys writing about writing, parenting and other things that interest her. See "100 Days to Better Article Writing" to discover how you can write more articles on the topics that you love.