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Peter Boychuk and Andrew Gray

Writing for video games is truly a new frontier, a place where writers and game designers are still learning, innovating and pioneering bold approaches to telling stories.

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Writing for video games is truly a new frontier, a place where writers and game designers are still learning, innovating and pioneering bold approaches to telling stories.

This course is your introduction to this frontier. We'll explore interactive storytelling as well as touch on the history of video games and the kinds of games that have been developed since the medium was born.

We'll discuss the complex, collaborative process of game development and hear from working game writers about their jobs in the game industry. Then we'll dig into the way game narratives are built, where they come from, and how they are changing.

Verified learners will access additional game industry interviews, assignments and discussion topics, connecting with a community of other writers and game enthusiasts.

What you'll learn

  • Understand how interactivity makes games distinct from other art forms.
  • Explore the history of story in video games
  • Identify the essential parts of a video game and how these are used to deliver narrative
  • Consider story-driven gameplay from the writer’s point of view

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Game Writing
Interactive storytelling
Understanding the medium
Parts of a game
Read more
Different kinds of games
Module 2: Game Development
Inception
Role of the writer
Development
Module 3: Building a Game Story
Laying a foundation
Building a structure
Shaping the experience
Embracing interactivity
Module 4: Original vs Established I.P.
Licensed games
Adapting an I.P.
Original I.P.
Module 5: Game Design Documents
The game design document
The narrative design document

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores interactive storytelling, a key aspect of video game design
Provides an introduction to the history of video game storytelling, a valuable foundation for understanding the evolution of video game narratives
Examines how narrative is built in video games, delving into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this medium
Taught by Peter Boychuk and Andrew Gray, experienced game writers who provide real-world insights and expertise
Includes interviews and discussions with working game writers, offering students the opportunity to connect with industry professionals
Covers original IP versus established IP, providing valuable knowledge for aspiring game writers who want to work on both types of projects

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Video Game Writing Essentials with these activities:
Review core concepts of narrative writing
Review these concepts to ensure you have a solid foundation for understanding the mechanics and best practices of video game writing.
Browse courses on Narrative Writing
Show steps
  • Review the elements of narrative, including plot, conflict, character, and setting.
  • Read and analyze examples of well-written video game stories.
  • Identify common narrative patterns and techniques used in video game writing.
Review the book "The Art of Game Design" by Jesse Schell
Jesse Schell's book provides insight and lessons from his years of experience as a game designer. His first-hand knowledge will expand your understanding of video game writing in the industry.
Show steps
  • Read through the book and highlight key insights and principles.
  • Summarize the main points of the book in your own words.
  • Identify how the principles discussed in the book can be applied to your own video game writing.
Form a study group with other students in the course
Collaborating with peers can deepen your understanding of course material and provide support for each other's learning journey.
Show steps
  • Reach out to other students via the course forum or email.
  • Establish regular meeting times and a study schedule.
  • Discuss course materials, share insights, and support each other's learning.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Design a video game level based on an existing story
This activity will help you apply the principles of video game writing and level design to a practical project.
Browse courses on Level Design
Show steps
  • Choose a story or short story that you enjoy.
  • Identify the key elements of the story that can be translated into gameplay.
  • Design a level that incorporates these elements in a way that is both engaging and narratively coherent.
Complete writing exercises focused on interactive storytelling
Writing exercises tailored to video game storytelling can hone your skills and improve your understanding of writing for this medium.
Browse courses on Interactive Storytelling
Show steps
  • Identify and practice writing different types of interactive dialogue.
  • Practice creating branching storylines and choices for characters.
  • Write scenes that incorporate environmental storytelling.
Write a one-page game design document for an original video game concept
Creating a game design document will help you put your understanding of game writing and design into practice.
Browse courses on Game Design Document
Show steps
  • Brainstorm and develop an original video game concept.
  • Write a one-page game design document that outlines the game's story, characters, setting, and gameplay.
  • Get feedback on your game design document from peers or mentors.
Contribute to open-source video game projects on platforms like GitHub
Contribute to real-world video game projects to gain valuable experience and demonstrate your skills.
Show steps
  • Identify open-source video game projects that align with your interests.
  • Join the project and contribute in areas such as bug reporting, documentation, or code development.
  • Work collaboratively with other contributors to bring the project to completion.

Career center

Learners who complete Video Game Writing Essentials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Game Writer
Game Writers are responsible for writing the script and dialogue for video games. This role requires a deep understanding of story and character development, as well as the ability to write in a clear and concise way. This course will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to game writing, covering topics such as interactive storytelling, story-driven gameplay, and the collaborative process of game development.
Narrative Designer
Narrative Designers are responsible for developing the narrative and story arc of video games. This role requires a strong understanding of storytelling techniques and the ability to work closely with other members of the game development team. This course will help you build a foundation for a career as a Narrative Designer by providing an overview of the process of building a game story and the different types of games and game narratives.
Game Designer
Video games are an interactive storytelling medium and Game Designers are responsible for designing the overall gaming experience. In this role, you will work closely with writers to develop the game's story and characters, as well as the game's mechanics and gameplay. This course will help build a foundation for a career as a Game Designer by providing an overview of the collaborative process of game development and the essential parts of a video game. You will also learn about different kinds of games and how game narratives are built and are changing.
Creative Director
Creative Directors are responsible for overseeing the creative vision of video games. This role requires a strong understanding of the game development process and the ability to lead a team of developers and artists. This course will provide you with an overview of the game development process and the different types of games that are developed, which will be helpful for a career as a Creative Director.
Level Designer
Level Designers are responsible for creating the levels and environments of video games. This role requires a strong understanding of game design and the ability to create engaging and challenging levels. This course will provide you with an overview of the game development process and the different types of games that are developed, which will be helpful for a career as a Level Designer.
Game Producer
Game Producers are responsible for overseeing the development of video games. This role requires a strong understanding of the game development process and the ability to manage a team of developers. This course will provide you with an overview of the game development process and the different roles involved in game development, which will be helpful for a career as a Game Producer.
Animator
Animators are responsible for creating the animations for video games. This role requires a strong understanding of animation and the ability to create fluid and realistic animations. This course will provide you with an overview of game development and help you build a foundation for a career as animator.
Game Tester
Game Testers are responsible for testing video games to ensure that they are free of bugs and glitches. This role requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to provide clear and concise feedback. This course will provide you with an overview of the game development process and the different types of games that are developed, which will be helpful for a career as a Game Tester.
Technical Director
Technical Directors are responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of video games. This role requires a strong understanding of the game development process and the ability to lead a team of developers and engineers. This course will provide you with an overview of the game development process and the different technologies that are used in game development, which will be helpful for a career as a Technical Director.
Character Artist
Character Artists are responsible for creating the characters and models for video games. This role requires a strong understanding of art and design and the ability to create realistic and believable characters. This course will provide you with an overview of the game development process and the different types of games that are developed, which will be helpful for a career as a Character Artist.
Programmer
Programmers are responsible for writing the code that powers video games. This role requires a strong understanding of programming and the ability to work with a team of developers. This course will provide you with an overview of game development and help build a foundation for a career as a programmer.
Environment Artist
Environment Artists are responsible for creating the environments and backgrounds for video games. This role requires a strong understanding of art and design and the ability to create realistic and believable environments. This course will provide you with an overview of the game development process and the different types of games that are developed, which will be helpful for a career as an Environment Artist.
Researcher
Researchers are responsible for researching and gathering information for video games. This role requires a strong understanding of research methods and the ability to write clear and concise reports. This course may be helpful for a career as a Researcher by providing an overview of game development and helping you build a foundation in research methods.
Journalist
Journalists are responsible for writing articles and reviews about video games. This role requires a strong understanding of writing and the ability to write in a clear and concise way. This course may be helpful for a career as a Journalist by providing an overview of game development and helping you build a foundation in writing.
Teacher
Teachers are responsible for teaching students about video games and game development. This role requires a strong understanding of game development and the ability to communicate effectively. This course may be helpful for a career as a Teacher by providing an overview of game development and helping you build a foundation in teaching.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Video Game Writing Essentials.
Offers a practical guide to designing engaging and memorable video games. It covers a wide range of topics, from level design to character development.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the craft of game writing. It covers a wide range of topics, from story development to dialogue writing.
Provides a theoretical overview of interactive storytelling. It explores the unique challenges and opportunities of writing for interactive media.
Provides a framework for developing compelling stories. It valuable resource for anyone interested in writing for any medium, including video games.
Provides a practical guide to writing compelling characters and stories. It valuable resource for anyone interested in writing for any medium, including video games.
Provides a theoretical overview of narrative design. It explores the role of narrative in video games and other interactive media.
Provides a theoretical overview of gameplay. It explores the relationship between gameplay and narrative in video games.
Provides a theoretical overview of the relationship between media and culture. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the impact of video games on society.
Provides a theoretical overview of the language of video games. It explores the unique ways in which video games communicate with players.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the psychology of games. It explores the psychological effects of video games on players.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of game studies. It explores the history, theory, and criticism of video games.

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