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Video Game Writing Essentials

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

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

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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

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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

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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.

View The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Third... on Amazon

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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

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Collaborating with peers can deepen your understanding of course material and provide support for each other's learning journey.

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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

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Design a video game level based on an existing story

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This activity will help you apply the principles of video game writing and level design to a practical project.

Browse courses on Level Design

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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

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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

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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

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Creating a game design document will help you put your understanding of game writing and design into practice.

Browse courses on Game Design Document

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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

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Contribute to real-world video game projects to gain valuable experience and demonstrate your skills.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Narrative Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

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.

The Art of Game Design

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the game design process, from concept to completion. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the art and science of game design.

Video Game Writing Essentials

What you'll learn

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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