Guild leads the way with video games guidelines

The Writers' Guild of Great Britain has launched the world's first comprehensive guidelines for writers in the video games industry and all those who work with them.

The Guidelines include an outline of the industry and the role of the writer, plus detailed advice on in-house and freelance employment models; rates and payments; royalties, residuals and credits. The Guidelines have been written by professional writers who are active and widely credited in the games industry.

The aim is to "promote a writer/producer relationship which will work beyond the short-term with mutual respect, trust and benefit for all parties".

Copies of the Guidelines will be sent to all Guild members. Extra copies are available from the Writers' Guild of Great Britain, free for members, otherwise £2 per copy. You can also download a copy from the Guild website.

The official launch of the Guidelines will be at the Computer Games Industry Forum organised jointly by the Guild and BAFTA, which takes place at BAFTA in Piccadilly, London, at 7.00pm on Monday 11 September 2006. It is sure to be the most significant event of the year for games writers.

Admission is £5 for Guild members and BAFTA members, £10 for others. To reserve a place in advance, please e-mail events@bafta.org or call 020 7292 5806.