Welcome back! This is your second video in the Industry Insider's Preparation Kit, designed to get you fully prepared for our Game Writing Industry Insider Session on September 7th.

The Problem Most Writers Don't See Coming

Here's something that might surprise you: studios evaluate your professional readiness before they even look at your writing samples.

Most writers are unknowingly using language that screams "I'm a total outsider" to hiring managers. Your vocabulary instantly reveals your level of industry understanding - and it's often the difference between being seen as a player of games versus a maker of games.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

When you join a team for the first time and don't ask about the core loop... when you can't discuss game mechanics or player experience... when you're missing the vocabulary that's second nature to professionals - you're sending a clear signal.

Professional game writers know they can't even start thinking about story until they understand these foundational elements. When you ask the right questions and show interest in aspects of game development that seem unrelated to writing, you're demonstrating that you understand how writing fits into the bigger picture.

Your Secret Weapon: Industry Terminology

Download The Narrative Department's Game Writing Glossary

This comprehensive glossary covers everything from basic terms you might already know to advanced concepts that even some working game writers haven't heard before. You'll find:

• Essential vocabulary that all working game devs understand
• Common mistakes that immediately identify amateur writers
• Professional frameworks used in daily development work
• Terms that matter to hiring managers across all game disciplines

The Real Impact of Speaking the Language

Our masterclass alumni consistently report that learning this vocabulary transformed their interview experiences. Instead of awkward, generic questions, they found themselves having engaging conversations about making games - because they were literally speaking the same language as their interviewers.

Your words have the power to change the way people see you. When you use the right terms, something clicks for the interviewer: "Oh, okay - we can actually talk shop with this person. They get it."

What You'll Discover in This Video

In this 5-minute video, I break down:

• How amateur language reveals your outsider status
• The vocabulary that transforms how studios see you
• Real examples of professional vs. amateur phrasing
• Why this preparation step is more crucial than most writers realize

Coming Up: September 7th Industry Insider Session

This foundation in professional language is just the beginning. During our 90-minute Industry Insider Session on Sunday, September 7th (2:00-3:30 PM Central), we'll go much deeper into:

The Reality Check: Who studios are actually hiring right now

The Skills Gap: What studios expect vs. what writers actually know

Your Next Steps: Specific actions you can take immediately

Live Q&A: Get your specific questions answered

Seats are limited and filling up fast. Don't wait - register for free to secure your spot.

Your Next Steps

1. Watch this video to understand why professional vocabulary matters
2. Download the glossary and start incorporating these terms
3. Mark your calendar for September 7th's Industry Insider Session
4. Stay tuned for Part Three of your prep kit

This isn't about memorizing terms - it's about understanding the professional mindset that makes you an insider rather than an outsider.