BECOME A GAME WRITER

• Instructor introduction & goals
• The current state of the industry
• Course objectives & flow
• Q & A

Game development is complex. Get an overview of the structures and workflows of different studios to learn how to be adaptable. Throughout the development process, the role of a writer shifts, twists, and changes. Let’s talk about what to expect!

• Team sizes and org charts
• Role of narrative in game development
• The role of a game writer
• Networking Tips & Breakout Rooms

Assignment #1: Efficient Critique of a Game’s Narrative (Optional)
Pick any two games you played recently (or are currently playing). Describe where one game succeeds and the other fails in the execution of its narrative. Use both subjectivity and objectivity in your critique.

Yup, there’s a difference. Even though these terms are used interchangeably, they are two separate fields that support each other. Today we’ll examine games with great narrative design to highlight the differences.

• The symbiotic relationship between writing and narrative design
• How to support any type of gameplay with narrative
• Writing for player agency
• Case study: Games that demonstrate excellence in narrative design

Assignment #2: Identifying Strong Narrative Design
Students will choose two pieces of short, interactive fiction (provided by the instructor) and identify a beat of successful narrative design for each.

It’s time to start pushing that pen and get writing! Well…actually…get typing! Navigate through the different themes and outlines, and find the best way to unveil your next big idea.

• What we can (and can’t) steal from screenwriters
• Ludonarrative Resonance
• How to find your next big idea
• Workshop: Brainstorming Exercises and Writer’s Rooms

Assignment #3: World Building through Lore Text
Write 3-5 lore entries, 450 characters or less (per item) that expands the world of the final project and/or its characters in an engaging way.

What’s more important: the plot or the character? How do you create a memorable character? Does your main character need to be likable? We’ll dig into all these questions and more!

• Character archetypes
• Character arcs
• Slide Presentations, Mood Boards and Comps
• Workshop: Character Creation

Assignment #4: Character Sheet
Create a character for your final project using the provided template.

Every great scene is supported by great wordcraft. Learn to adapt basic screenwriting techniques to games and dissect successful scenes to understand the formula for writing well.

• The anatomy of a strong scene (or quest)
• The importance of subtext
• How to ace a game studio’s writing test
• Case studies: Compelling scenes in Film, TV, and Games

Assignment #5: Cinematic Script
Write a 2-3 page scene that could take place in your final project.

Explore the diverse forms of dialogue, including combat banter, gameplay interaction, and hints, while recognizing that crafting effective dialogue can be a challenging skill to teach. Yet we'll uncover tips & tricks for improvement, catering to those with a natural aptitude and those seeking to adapt their style to the specific game they are working on.

• Types of dialogue
• Writing for different character personalities & voices
• Dialogue options for player choice
• Supporting level design iteration by staying flexible
• Workshop: Table Reads

Assignment #6: Great Scenes in Games (Optional)
Find a scene in a game that demonstrates at least one of the concepts we covered in class.

Writing is rewriting. As a future game writer, you’ll be tasked with rewriting your texts until they’re perfect. You’ll learn how to emotionally prepare yourself to give & receive feedback while understanding how to maximize critiques.

• The work-self conundrum
• Balancing emotional investment
• Collaboration with other departments
• Workshop: Group feedback

Assignment #7: Peer Review
You will be sent one of your fellow students’ scripts and must give thoughtful feedback on it.

In this lesson, you’ll get familiar with industry-standard software. Find out which tools accelerate collaboration. From Google Docs and whiteboard software to game engines, we’ll touch on various means used throughout development.

• Programming Languages for non-programmers
• Working with Collaborative Documentation
• The Most Important Non-Technical Skill in Game Development
• What’s the best Game Engine?

Assignment #8: Twine or ink game (Optional)
Students will make a short interactive game based off a template from the instructor.

Let’s dive deeper into the narrative design! Identify how you, as a writer, can utilize gameplay to craft unforgettable narrative beats.

• How systems can tell stories
• Case study: Celeste
• Environmental storytelling
• Workshop: Design and pitch a system

Unearth methods of storytelling through interactivity, delving into the various narrative forms within games. Uncover the diverse ways games introduce narrative and engage in philosophical discussions about how the narrative differs from the games.

• Linear, branching, emergent, and non-traditional narrative
• The advantages and challenges for each of the above
• Case studies: God of War and God of War: Ragnarok

Two guest speakers are better than one. Prepare to chat with industry experts who have worked with your instructor on God of War and analyze the different paths to success. Learn how each of them approaches working with narrative to help secure your future.

• AAA dev perspective
• Indie dev perspective
• Comparison
• Q & A

You’re about to enter your next game writing position, so let’s discuss predictions for the game industry for the next year. Take time to get multiple perspectives on finding work in the future, learn how to be persistent, and take notes on career guidance.

• Key skills required to be a successful game writer
• Industry trends of 2023, and the landscape of 2024
• Career possibilities
• Portfolio & interview tips
• How not to get discouraged

Assignment #9: Course Project
Create an interactive narrative piece or video game pitch deck that you will be able to add to your portfolio.