Developing Video Game Narratives

SCRIPT X 442.1

Learn to write interactive stories and branching narratives that bring our favorite video games to life.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS COURSE
Hybrid (In-Person)
Starting at $720.00
As few as 12 weeks
3.0

What you can learn.

  • Learn to plot and executive branching narratives
  • Experiment by writing in different interactive genres and formats
  • Master the fundamental concepts of writing for video games where players have choices that affect outcomes
  • Embrace the vocabulary of interactive fiction and begin building a portfolio of work

About this course:

Writing for games requires an understanding of structure that goes beyond linear storytelling. From the early days of tabletop gaming to more recent hits like Mass Effect and Fallout, writers are expected to hold many possible worlds--with multiple branching story points--in their heads. And to ultimately translate those concepts into actionable materials. In this course, you explore the nature of interactive story by working in multiple different formats (choose your own adventure, virtual novels, the Telltale style, etc.) and writing games that exemplify the fundamental concepts of branching narrative. The course goal is to develop a vocabulary for interactive fiction and to write a game in the format of your choosing that can be used as a calling card for future work.

Fall 2023 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
Saturday 10:00AM - 1:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens July 31, 2023 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Jonathan Callan
394335
Fee:
$720.00
Hybrid (In-Person)format icon
Location: UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Notes

No meeting November 11 & 25.

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted.

This a hybrid (In-Person) format course which combines in-person instruction with semi-regular, required live meetings held on Zoom. Please see the course syllabus for specifics. Students must be present at course meeting times as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation.

Refund Deadline
No refunds after October 14, 2023
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Sat Sep 30, 2023
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Oct 7, 2023
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Oct 14, 2023
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Oct 21, 2023
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Oct 28, 2023
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Nov 4, 2023
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Nov 18, 2023
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Dec 2, 2023
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Dec 9, 2023
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Dec 16, 2023
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood

Contact Us

Speak to a program representative. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
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