UX writing for video games (Ben Moran)

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When words make or break the player experience

Most content designers work in apps, websites, and services. But
what happens when your product is a massive open-world RPG or a
competitive shooter?


In this episode, I talk with Ben Moran, a UX writer who’s worked
on AAA video games, about the unique challenges of designing
language for games. From menu systems and HUD elements to skill
trees and settings, we explore how content design in games is a
constant balancing act between immersion and usability.


We also talk about the differences between “content design” in
the gaming industry (quests, story content) versus UX writing for
UI, and why game studios are missing opportunities when they
don’t bring dedicated UX writers onto their teams.
What we talked about:

How Ben transitioned from product design and copywriting into UX
writing for games
The difference between content design for quests and UX writing
for UI
Immersion vs. usability: why both matter, and how to find the
balance
Deciding when to name things in a game (and when not to)
Making complex systems like skill trees, armor upgrades, and
settings feel approachable
Why players will tolerate complexity in gameplay, but not in
basic navigation
The missed opportunity when studios don’t hire UX writers
Lessons from games that can inspire innovation in digital
products
Where to find Ben:

 LinkedIn


Ben's article on UX writing in video games


Do you enjoy the podcast? Please leave a review!


Our new course, Advanced UX Content for Product, is out! Use
PODCAST20 to get 20% off.


Check out the Content Design Salary Survey