Why a Predictable Ending Isn't an Issue

Your audience guessed the ending 15 minutes in? It's not a problem if you know how else to engage them. Breaking down Home Alone.

Dec 21, 2025 • Games Writers Play

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How to Make Exposition Engaging

Take out your "multi-passports", put on the orange wigs, and let's jump back into Luc Besson's sci-fi classic, The Fifth Element.

Dec 14, 2025 • Games Writers Play

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How to Create Visual Comedy

And why in comedy sharing the experience with the character is actually the worst thing you can do. Breaking down One Battle After Another.

Dec 8, 2025 • Games Writers Play

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November 2025

How to Write Effective Dialogue

Even if you suck at it. Breaking down dialogue from In Bruges.

Nov 30, 2025 • Games Writers Play

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Top 3 breakdowns you might have missed

Some of the readers' favorites to catch up on (if you have a life and don’t read every post)

Nov 23, 2025 • Games Writers Play

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Get the Genre Handbook (yes, for free)

Subscribe and get the 170-page Genre Handbook.

Nov 21, 2025 • Games Writers Play

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How to Introduce a Character

Busting zombie skulls and pouring drinks in the name of dramaturgy: 28 Days Later.

Nov 16, 2025

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September 2025

How to Make an Inciting Incident Hit Like a Nuke

And you don't need an explosion, or even a serious budget. Evolution did us all a solid. Breaking down "The Banshees of Inisherin"

Sep 16, 2025 • Games Writers Play

How to Make (Action) Sequences Unforgettable

Examining how Michael Mann brings the heat in "Heat" by utilizing our minds to do a lot of work for him.

Sep 2, 2025 • Games Writers Play

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August 2025

How to Convey Complex Themes

And put the audience in your "character's shoes". Spoiler: It's not about making us care for the characters; it's the opposite. Looking at "Triangle of…

Aug 21, 2025 • Games Writers Play

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How to Make Your Endings Stick

Wanted to title this one "How to Make Your Audience Come", but chickened out. Let's look at why "Big Lebowski" delivers where "Weapons" fails.

Aug 12, 2025 • Games Writers Play

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How to Build Suspense

You'll need: peanuts, crazy haircuts, coins, and a happy accident. Looking at "No Country for Old Men".

Aug 5, 2025 • Games Writers Play

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