Writing for Video Games: Choice and Consequence

An introductory-level course offered by UBCx

Course Description

Dive into the captivating world of interactive storytelling with our course on "Writing for Video Games: Choice and Consequence." This introductory-level course, offered by UBCx, explores the unique challenges and opportunities that come with creating narratives for interactive media. Unlike traditional storytelling, video games allow players to actively shape the plot through their choices, making the writer's role both exciting and complex.

What students will learn

  • Understanding the fundamental differences between interactive narratives and traditional storytelling
  • Mastering the art of creating meaningful choices and consequences in game narratives
  • Exploring various branching narrative structures and how to manage them effectively
  • Developing compelling characters and dialogue systems for interactive stories
  • Utilizing industry-standard tools and techniques for creating interactive narratives
  • Analyzing existing games to understand effective storytelling techniques
  • Creating and refining your own interactive narrative project

Prerequisites

There are no specific prerequisites for this course. However, a basic understanding of storytelling concepts and a passion for video games would be beneficial.

Course Coverage

  • Choice in Games: Exploring choice-based experiences and types of branching narratives
  • Structuring Choice: Learning to create main branches, trim narrative trees, and make choices matter
  • Characters & Dialogue in Branching Narrative: Developing characters and dialogue systems for interactive stories
  • Using the Tools: Familiarizing yourself with industry tools like Twine and Klint
  • Your Interactive Project: Managing interactivity, dealing with excessive choices, and refining your narrative

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for aspiring game writers, narrative designers, game developers, and anyone interested in interactive storytelling. It's perfect for those looking to break into the game industry or enhance their existing skills in interactive narrative design.

Real-world Applications

  • Game Development: Apply these techniques directly to creating engaging narratives for video games
  • Interactive Fiction: Create compelling choose-your-own-adventure stories for various platforms
  • Transmedia Storytelling: Develop interactive elements for cross-platform narratives
  • Educational Content: Design interactive learning experiences that engage students through choice and consequence
  • Marketing and Advertising: Create interactive brand experiences and campaigns
  • User Experience Design: Apply principles of choice and consequence to improve user interfaces and experiences

Syllabus

Module 1: Choice in Games

  • Choice-based experiences
  • Types of branching narrative
  • Elements of choice

Module 2: Structuring Choice

  • Main branches
  • Trimming the tree
  • Making choices matter
  • Types of choices

Module 3: Characters & Dialogue in Branching Narrative

  • Characters
  • Branching dialogue
  • Non-linear storytelling
  • Tools

Module 4: Using the Tools

  • Features of Twine, Klint and others
  • Analyzing existing work
  • Planning for interactivity
  • Using the tools effectively

Module 5: Your Interactive Project

  • Managing interactivity
  • Dealing with excessive choices
  • Editing and revision

Conclusion

By enrolling in this course, you'll gain invaluable insights into the world of interactive narrative design, branching plots, and game-writing techniques. You'll learn how to create meaningful choices in games, develop compelling characters, and utilize cutting-edge narrative tools. Whether you're aspiring to work in the game industry or looking to enhance your storytelling skills, this course will equip you with the knowledge and practical experience to excel in the field of interactive storytelling.