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Peter Boychuk
and
Andrew Gray
You might spend two hours with a character in a movie, but you can spend hundreds of hours interacting with the player character, antagonists and all the non-player characters (NPCs) in a video game. Getting character right is a vital part of getting the game right.
This course will teach you how to create a player character who fits into the mechanics of a video game and all the limitations of the medium, as well as how to create memorable player characters and how to deepen and develop them.
Read more
You might spend two hours with a character in a movie, but you can spend hundreds of hours interacting with the player character, antagonists and all the non-player characters (NPCs) in a video game. Getting character right is a vital part of getting the game right.
This course will teach you how to create a player character who fits into the mechanics of a video game and all the limitations of the medium, as well as how to create memorable player characters and how to deepen and develop them.
Read more
You might spend two hours with a character in a movie, but you can spend hundreds of hours interacting with the player character, antagonists and all the non-player characters (NPCs) in a video game. Getting character right is a vital part of getting the game right.
This course will teach you how to create a player character who fits into the mechanics of a video game and all the limitations of the medium, as well as how to create memorable player characters and how to deepen and develop them.
We’ll discuss how characters relate to gameplay, working with existing intellectual property (I.P.) and how a great game needs a great villain. Finally we’ll dive deep into the world of NPCs, exploring the tremendous variety of characters who can populate a video game, and how to make them distinct and interesting.
Verified learners will access additional game industry interviews, assignments and discussion topics, connecting with a community of other writers and game enthusiasts.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/d8ue3k/writing
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Develop an understanding of how character and gameplay relate
- Learn how to create a diverse, memorable character
- Understand how character relationships influence gameplay
- Explore the roles of antagonism, allies, and static and dynamic character relationships
- Develop an understanding of how character and gameplay relate
- Learn how to create a diverse, memorable character
- Understand how character relationships influence gameplay
- Explore the roles of antagonism, allies, and static and dynamic character relationships
Syllabus
Module 1: The Player Character
What is a player character?
Gameplay and the player character
Creating a memorable player character
Read more
Syllabus
Module 1: The Player Character
What is a player character?
Gameplay and the player character
Creating a memorable player character
Read more
Introducing your player character
Module 2: Deepening the Player Character
Deepening your main character
Core relationships
Gameplay
Working with I.P.
Module 3: The Antagonist
What is an antagonist?
Creating an Unforgettable Villain
Breaking bad - developing a villain
Boss battles
Module 4: NPCs - Friends
Non-Player Characters
Evolving relationships
Creating distinct NPCs
Module 5: NPCs - Foes
The baddies
The rogues gallery
Creating distinct enemies
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Develops skills that align with the standard in the video game industry
Taught by industry professionals who have a reputation for their work in video game character development
Examines how player character gameplay relates to mechanics and limitations of the medium
Explored the roles of character relationships and how they influence gameplay
Includes interactive assignments and discussion topics that connect learners with others in the field
Save this course
Save Writing Video Game Characters to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
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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 Writing Video Game Characters with these
activities:
Read and Analyze Game Character Design Strategies
Show steps
Gain insights into best practices for creating effective and engaging game characters.
View
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Third...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read selected chapters on game character design.
-
Summarize key concepts and techniques.
-
Analyze and apply these principles to your own game character designs.
Follow Tutorials on Character Creation and Development
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of character creation and development through guided instructions.
Show steps
-
Identify relevant tutorials on character creation and development platforms.
-
Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
-
Practice and apply the techniques taught in the tutorials.
Design and Develop a Prototype Game Character
Show steps
Demonstrate understanding of player character concepts through hands-on application.
Show steps
-
Research different player characters from existing video games.
-
Brainstorm ideas for a unique and memorable player character.
-
Sketch and develop concept art for your character.
-
Create a 3D model or sprite for your character.
-
Test your character in a game engine.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Write Character Profiles and Dialogue
Show steps
Develop strong characterization skills through writing exercises.
Browse courses on
Characterization
Show steps
-
Create detailed character profiles, including backstory, motivations, and personality traits.
-
Write dialogue that reveals character personality and drives the narrative.
Attend Workshops on Game Character Design Techniques
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of character design principles and techniques through immersive workshops.
Browse courses on
Industry Best Practices
Show steps
-
Research and identify relevant workshops offered online or at industry events.
-
Attend the workshops and actively participate in hands-on exercises.
Create a Portfolio of Game Character Designs
Show steps
Showcase your character design skills by creating a portfolio of original work.
Browse courses on
Portfolio Development
Show steps
-
Gather and select your best character designs.
-
Create a website or online portfolio to display your work.
Read and Analyze Game Character Design Strategies
Show steps
Gain insights into best practices for creating effective and engaging game characters.
View
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Third...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read selected chapters on game character design.
- Summarize key concepts and techniques.
- Analyze and apply these principles to your own game character designs.
Follow Tutorials on Character Creation and Development
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of character creation and development through guided instructions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant tutorials on character creation and development platforms.
- Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
- Practice and apply the techniques taught in the tutorials.
Design and Develop a Prototype Game Character
Show steps
Demonstrate understanding of player character concepts through hands-on application.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different player characters from existing video games.
- Brainstorm ideas for a unique and memorable player character.
- Sketch and develop concept art for your character.
- Create a 3D model or sprite for your character.
- Test your character in a game engine.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Write Character Profiles and Dialogue
Show steps
Develop strong characterization skills through writing exercises.
Browse courses on
Characterization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create detailed character profiles, including backstory, motivations, and personality traits.
- Write dialogue that reveals character personality and drives the narrative.
Attend Workshops on Game Character Design Techniques
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of character design principles and techniques through immersive workshops.
Browse courses on
Industry Best Practices
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify relevant workshops offered online or at industry events.
- Attend the workshops and actively participate in hands-on exercises.
Create a Portfolio of Game Character Designs
Show steps
Showcase your character design skills by creating a portfolio of original work.
Browse courses on
Portfolio Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather and select your best character designs.
- Create a website or online portfolio to display your work.
Career center
Learners who complete Writing Video Game Characters will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Video Game Designer
Video Game Designer
Video Game Designers are the masterminds behind some of the biggest hits we've enjoyed on various platforms. This course dives deep into the creation of characters that are memorable and fit well within the world of the game. Having a background in character design can prove to be very beneficial for landing roles in this field.
Game Writer
Game Writer
Game Writers are responsible for developing and writing the storylines, dialogue, and characters for video games. This course can help build a foundation in character creation and development. Additionally, learning about antagonist and protagonist dynamics can pave the way for crafting engaging and immersive narratives.
Creative Director
Creative Director
Creative Directors are responsible for the overall creative vision of a video game, including the game's characters, story, and gameplay. This course delves into how various design decisions influence gameplay. It also covers the creation of compelling characters, which can be valuable knowledge for someone looking to lead teams on video game projects.
Narrative Designer
Narrative Designer
Narrative Designers are responsible for creating the story and characters for video games. They work closely with game designers and programmers to ensure that the story is integrated into the gameplay. This course may be helpful for someone interested in Narrative Design as they will learn how to develop rich and engaging characters.
Screenwriter
Screenwriter
Screenwriters write the scripts for movies, TV shows, and video games. This course provides insights into crafting memorable characters and creating engaging stories. These are essential skills for a Screenwriter to have.
Novelist
Novelist
Novelists write novels, which are long works of fiction. This course may be helpful for aspiring Novelists as it teaches the principles of character creation and development. The skills you will gain from this course will allow you to craft more compelling characters for your stories.
Playwright
Playwright
Playwrights write plays, which are performed live in theaters. This course focuses on character creation and development, as well as building relationships between characters. These insights can help aspiring Playwrights create more dynamic and engaging stage productions.
Poet
Poet
Poets write poems, which are short works of poetry. This course introduces the fundamentals of character creation and development. Poets may find this course helpful as it can help them create more vivid and relatable characters in their work.
Speechwriter
Speechwriter
Speechwriters write speeches for public figures, such as politicians, business leaders, and celebrities. This course teaches the art of creating memorable and persuasive characters. Speechwriters can benefit from these learnings, as it can allow them to write more effective and engaging speeches.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write news stories, articles, and other content for newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course may be helpful for Journalists as they will learn how to develop compelling characters and tell stories that will engage readers.
Editor
Editor
Editors review, edit, and proofread written content. This course can help aspiring Editors as it introduces the fundamentals of character and story development. Editors can use this knowledge to understand the structure and flow of a written work.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. This course may be helpful for Teachers as it can provide insights into character development and storytelling. These learnings can be utilized to create more engaging and effective lesson plans.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. This course can be beneficial for Librarians as it offers a foundation in character development and storytelling. This can help in selecting and recommending books to patrons.
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representatives provide support to customers. This course provides insights into how to create memorable characters and resolve conflict. These skills may be helpful for Customer Service Representatives as they can lead to more positive and productive customer interactions.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/d8ue3k/writing
Reading list
We've selected eight 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
Writing Video Game Characters.
Provides a comprehensive overview of game design principles and practices, including character development. Offers insights into creating engaging and memorable characters.
A foundational guide to character development and storytelling techniques, especially valuable for understanding character motivations and relationships.
Examines the archetypal patterns and structures found in myths and stories, including those in video games. Provides insights into creating characters that resonate with players on a deeper level.
Save
Explores the science behind habits and how they influence behavior. Offers insights into understanding the motivations and behaviors of player characters.
Provides practical guidance on writing style and technique. Offers valuable tips for creating compelling and effective character descriptions and dialogue.
Save
A practical workbook that guides writers through the process of creating complex and well-developed characters, including techniques for building backstories, motivations, and relationships.
Save
Examines the psychological effects of video games on players, including the impact of characters on their emotions and behaviors. Offers insights into understanding how characters can influence player engagement and motivation.
Presents a step-by-step guide to developing compelling character arcs and plot structures. Offers insights into the archetypal patterns and themes that resonate with audiences.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/d8ue3k/writing
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Effort
4 to 6 hours per week for 5 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
University of British Columbia
Instructors
Peter Boychuk
Andrew Gray
Language
English
Transcript
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Writing for Video Games. It's comprised of six courses:
- Video Game Writing Essentials
- Writing Video Game Characters (viewing)
- Writing Video Game Scenes and Dialogue
- Worldbuilding for Video Games
- Interactive Narrative
- Working as a Game Writer
Good to know
Develops skills that align with the standard in the video game industry
Taught by industry professionals who have a reputation for their work in video game character development
Examines how player character gameplay relates to mechanics and limitations of the medium
Explored the roles of character relationships and how they influence gameplay
Includes interactive assignments and discussion topics that connect learners with others in the field
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