• 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: Play a Twine Game
Identify an effective use of Narrative Design in two of the four provided Twine games.

GOAL: We’ll look at some of the tools used across game studios to develop narrative, allowing students to get familiar with industry-standard software. No programming knowledge required!

• 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 #3: Game Engine Intro (Optional)
Watch a tutorial for any engine, and make a short branching conversation.

GOAL: Screenwriting is an essential skill for every game writer. We’ll review screenwriting techniques, and discuss how to adapt them for games.

• 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 #4: Scene Analysis
Read one of the provided screenplays, and identify a powerful scene and write some scene analysis.

GOAL: What’s more important: Plot or 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 #5: Character Sheet
Create a character sheet for the game.

GOAL: Discuss themes, outlines and the writers room

• 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 6: Scene Writing
Description: Write a 3 page scene for the game. Students must do a feedback session before submitting their scene

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

GOAL: Dialogue is the most common tool in the game writer’s toolbox. We’ll look at techniques for making your dialogue feel authentic, and how acting, direction, and implementation all play a vital role in voice-over.

• Different types of dialogue
• Writing for different characters and personalities
• Supporting level design iteration by staying flexible
• WORKSHOP: Table Reads

GOAL: We’ll take a deeper look into narrative design, identifying how writers can utilize gameplay to craft unforgettable narrative beats.

• How systems can tell stories
• CASE STUDY: Celeste
• Environmental storytelling
• WORKSHOP: Design and pitch a system

Assignment #7: Lore Entries
Write lore entries for the main assignment, students can write an additional scene for bonus points.

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 #8: Course Project
Create an interactive project or a portfolio presenting your skills.