Darren Pearce has written a great article on writers in videogames, and has gratiously included both Flint and me as examples of what professional writers bring to the game-space. Darren articulates better than I ever have why storytelling and character matters for genre titles, and why content creators need professional writers.
http://www.gamesxtreme.net/article/2903_1.shtml
If you haven't yet done so, I would suggest you add Darren's to the game blogs you should follow (Ben Frtiz is another you should read as well). Darren's writing is sharp, perceptive and entertaining.
Thanks to Darren for mentioning us. We'll probably have more to discuss with the release of Riddick, Wanted and Wheelman in the next couple of weeks, so be sure and check back.