The notion that video game storytelling can teach novel writers something is not a new concept to this blog. In the past, I’ve given mini-summaries of different tips I’ve picked up from playing some of my favorite Nintendo games, and I’ve discussed at length about the impact of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 on my own writing, I’ve covered this idea from a few angles. But this spring, I want to put some pieces together, synthesize some of what I’ve already said, while expanding and adding new material I haven’t had a chance to touch on. So, introducing the Spring 2026 Blog Series: “Novel-Writing Lessons from Video Games.” I’ll release this four-part series with one post next week, then one-a-month posts until May.

I’ll start with characters, talking about both major and side characters, and how attention to the people of our worlds can help bring it to life. Then, in March, I’ll discuss plotting, pointing out helpful strategies for writing a compelling plot—and some warnings to not chase every rabbit hole (or side quest) you come across. World-building comes next in April, as the best video games (in my opinion) offer a sprawling, open-world to explore, but to make it compelling and memorable, it needs to be unique and rich. These same practices in gaming can also affect how we set the setting for our novels. In May, I’ll close with themes, as I’ve found video games an unexpected source of some thought-provoking, compelling thematic content that also applies to novels.

I’m excited to finally get around to writing this! It’s been a long-time idea bouncing around in my head. So, grab your power-ups and get ready for level one dropping next week, my friends.