In an era where creative boundaries are increasingly blurred, many writers are finding success in both the gaming and literary worlds. With challenges unique to each medium, professionals often navigate between crafting immersive game narratives and penning compelling novels. This article explores why writers choose to straddle these two fields, how their experiences differ, and what this trend reveals about the evolving cultural landscape.

The world of video games has long been a challenging domain to describe at social gatherings. Writers in this field frequently encounter comments like, "Oh, I don't really play games," a sentiment that can feel dismissive when shared moments after meeting someone new. In contrast, last year's publication of my debut novel offered a refreshing alternative—introducing myself as a writer sidestepped awkward conversations, allowing interactions to flow more naturally. Interestingly, this shift isn't uncommon; numerous creators balance careers in both gaming and literature. Financial considerations often drive this decision, as writing novels rarely provides a sustainable income. According to a 2022 report by the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS), professional authors earn a median annual income of £7,000 from their work. Mallory Marlowe, a successful romance novelist whose debut made the USA Bestseller list, attributes her ability to sustain her writing career partly to her role as a video game writer. She notes the stability provided by her paycheck contrasts sharply with publishing's unsustainable payment structures.

Despite the financial appeal, game writers also face significant challenges. The GDC's 2025 State of the Games Industry report highlighted that one in five narrative designers and writers had faced layoffs within the previous year. Consequently, some are exploring opportunities outside the gaming industry. Occasionally, these dual pursuits intersect creatively. Harry Josephine Giles' game Raik, written in Scots and English, serves as a precursor to her award-winning verse novel Deep Wheel Orcadia. Similarly, Jon Ingold, co-founder of Inkle Studios, expanded his game Heaven’s Vault into a series of novels. For Ingold, transitioning from interactive storytelling to traditional prose deepened his engagement with the game's universe, albeit with differing demands—whereas players naturally explore due to curiosity, protagonists in books require consistent motivation.

When consulting various writers who traverse both mediums, responses vary widely regarding the primary distinctions between them. For some, it's procedural—a chance to escape collaborative compromises while writing novels or enjoy a break from solitude through game creation. Joe Dunthorne, known for works such as Submarine and The Adulterants, found solace in office collaboration after the isolating nature of novel-writing. Conversely, Sharna Jackson highlights the unpredictability inherent in game writing, where vast amounts of text may remain unseen depending on player choices. Meanwhile, Mallory Marlowe appreciates the independence novels afford compared to game narratives crafted for diverse audiences ranging from casual button-pushers to dedicated story enthusiasts.

Cultural perceptions further complicate matters. While Jim Munroe acknowledges the disparity in societal valuation between books and games, others embrace this lower status positively. Munroe suggests it attracts independent-minded creators, whereas Mallory Marlowe relishes intriguing discussions sparked by interest in game writing. Harry Josephine Giles views the fluidity of game conventions favorably, likening modern game writers to early novelists experimenting with form. Ultimately, younger generations raised immersed in gaming culture effortlessly transition between these mediums without perceiving one as inherently superior.

As the lines between gaming and literature continue to blur, the emergence of versatile talents adept at navigating both domains reflects broader shifts in creative expression. Whether driven by economic necessity, artistic exploration, or simply the joy of creating something unexpected, these dual-career professionals contribute significantly to reshaping contemporary narratives across media platforms.