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
Live Online
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 2024 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
Monday
Enrollment Closed
See Details
Instructor: Jonathan Callan
399758
Fee:
$720.00
Live Onlineformat icon
Location: Remote Classroom
Notes

No meeting November 11 & 25.

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

This course meets in person at the designated class meeting time and location. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.

Refund Deadline
No refunds after October 14, 2024
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Mon Sep 30, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Online
Mon Oct 7, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Online
Mon Oct 14, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Online
Mon Oct 21, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Online
Mon Oct 28, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Online
Mon Nov 4, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Online
Mon Nov 18, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Online
Mon Dec 2, 2024
6:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Online
Mon Dec 9, 2024
6:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Online
Mon Dec 16, 2024
6:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning

Contact Us

Speak to a student advisor. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
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