LIVE ONLINE COURSE

BECOME A GAME WRITER

Name: Become a Game Writer
Price: On-demand USD

Dates: 21 JAN 2025 - 27 FEB 2025

Duration: 6 WEEKS
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
5:30 PM PST / 8:30 PM EST

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ADRIAN ROPP
HOGWARTS LEGACY

LIVE ONLINE COURSE

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From character development to immersive world-building, empower yourself to create compelling narratives that leave players craving for more.

Learn from an industry powerhouse who created $1B+ projects for Disney, Lucasfilm, Marvel, and more. Join Adrian Ropp, Lead Writer on Hogwarts Legacy, to unleash your game storytelling potential.

THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU, IF...

YOU ARE A WRITER WITH A PASSION FOR GAMING

Wouldn’t it be awesome to combine your skills and interests in your career? Discover the basics of writing for games and master genre-specific skills to find your place in the game industry. Build a solid transition to the world of gaming with the practical tasks from this course.
YOU WANT TO ELEVATE YOUR GAME WRITING CAREER

Who can guide you better than a person with a successful 29-year career in the entertainment field? Learn from Adrian Ropp to expand your knowledge of the game industry and get ready for networking with like-minded professionals.
YOU WANT TO COLLAB WITH VARIOUS TEAMS AT YOUR NEXT GAME STUDIO

Be prepared to take a helicopter view of the gaming industry. This course will help you deal with cross-team collaboration, advanced narrative design, new technologies, and current market trends.

Don't just play games, shape their stories.

Analyze and improve game stories, create compelling characters, master dialogue writing, explore genre-specific techniques, dissect impactful cutscenes, and navigate the challenges of player choice.

Gaming evolves – and so does online education.

Just like the best games, this live online course offers an immersive experience, combining flexibility with expert guidance. Engage in real-time discussions, receive personalized mentorship, and gain practical knowledge.

PRACTICAL INDUSTRY SKILLS

Dive into real-world case studies from the hottest games of 2021-2023 and hone your skills during hands-on practical workshops on the game story analysis, character creation, writing dialogues, and so much more.

FINAL COURSE PROJECT

Craft an engaging video game presentation, capturing the essence of the narrative with key plot points and character growth, ensuring a visually captivating experience.

CAREER GUIDANCE

Discover the latest career trends & possibilities, gain portfolio & interview tips, and unlock the doors to being indispensable. Make the most of 1-1 interactions with the instructor and potential job references for outstanding students.

ADRIAN ROPP LinkedIn Profile

Lead Writer on Hogwarts Legacy
Top Game Development Voice on LinkedIn
Creates stories for projects worth $4B+: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Play Set, Toys to Life, Cars 2, Avengers, and Hogwarts Legacy.
29+ years experience in the Gaming, Movie, Comics, and Animation industries for such companies as Disney, Lucasfilm, Pixar, Marvel, MGM, DreamWorks, Universal, Fox, Archie Comics, WB, and Avalanche.
Worked as Story Lead, Lead Cinematics Artist & Director of Animation: expert in screenwriting, directing, creating storyboards, managing production teams, and pitching ideas.
National Cartoonist Society Member and Honorary Member of the 501st Legion for his contribution to comics and animation, particularly to the Star Wars franchise.

INSTRUCTOR'S WORKS

Hogwarts Legacy

Cars 3: Driven to Win

Disney Infinity

Cars 2: The Video Game

View Adrian's IMDB page

TUE (1/21), 5:30 PM PST/8:30 PM EST

Video Game Writing in Game Design and Development

Learn about the role of storytelling, game writers’ skills, and common tools.

The role of a game writer
Storytelling in video games
Key skills for success
Game writer tool kit

Assignment #1: Game Story
Pick a game you are currently playing and explain why you find the story effective.

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THU (1/23), 5:30 PM PST/8:30 PM EST

Game Development Life Cycle

Good ideas can stem from anywhere and be built upon. Learn how narrative elements intersect with game development and how to be analytical with your storytelling.

The game development process
A game writer’s role in the development process
Case Study: Hogwarts Legacy development life cycle
Workshop 1: Game Story Analysis
Students pick a game they're currently playing and discuss it with peers, focusing specifically on the game's story and areas for improvement

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TUE (1/28), 5:30 PM PST/8:30 PM EST

Narrative Design Theory

How do you actually start a story? With a plot? With an idea? Learn to make your narrative sing by balancing it with game design.

Creating the story structure
An iterative approach to plotting and pacing
Player choice vs. traditional storytelling
Storytelling tips and tricks for video games
Case study: God of War Ragnarok and Uncharted

Assignment #2: Player Choice and Branching Story (optional)
Choose a popular film and imagine how it could be different if player choice and a branching story were used.

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THU (1/30), 5:30 PM PST/8:30 PM EST

Creating Characters

Your character is more than your plot. They have a life & personality of their own. Let’s learn how to bring them to life and stay consistent with their thoughts, actions, and motivations.

Creating relatable characters (backstory & history)
Finding a character’s flaws and goals
Developing character arcs and non-player characters
Case Study: Sebastian Sallow, Hogwarts Legacy for character creation from concept to final game version
Workshop 2: Character Creation Speed-run
Students create a character complete with basic information, a brief backstory, and one unique trait.

Assignment #3: Hero Character
Create a hero character using the template outlined in this session.

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TUE (2/4), 5:30 PM PST/8:30 PM EST

Writing Game Lore

The class will cover the essential role of world-building in video game narratives, including how to effectively integrate inventory items, mission logs, journals, and help text to enhance the lore and player immersion.

The importance of world-building
Inventory Items
Mission Logs and Journals
Using Help Text for Lore

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THU (2/6), 5:30 PM PST/8:30 PM EST

Genre-Specific Writing

Learn about the tropes that exist in different genres. This way your dialogue will never break tension but collaborate with it.

How genre influences storylines
The unique requirements of each genre
Character archetypes in different genres
Workshop 3: Genre-Specific Writing
Students will be divided into groups and given a genre. Write a description of a character/short story that aligns with your task.

Assignment #4: Genre Analysis and Rewrite
Students are assigned a specific game genre. They are to analyze the storytelling techniques and tropes typically used in that genre. Then, they must choose an existing game of a different genre and "rewrite" it to fit the assigned genre.

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TUE (2/11), 5:30 PM PST/8:30 PM EST

Screenwriting for Cinematics

Grasp the big picture as you blend gameplay and cutscenes to allow the player to have autonomy.

The role of cutscenes in video games
Finding an economical approach
Creating engaging & memorable cutscenes
Cutscene vs. gameplay
Use Cases: Iconic cutscenes: The Outbreak Begins - The Last Of Us & The Sinister Six - Insomniac's Spider-Man
Workshop 4: Cutscene Critique
Show students a cutscene from a game and have them write a short critique, analyzing how effectively it conveys a story, reveals character, and integrates gameplay.

Assignment #5: Screenplay
Write a screenplay for a one-minute cinematic in screenwriting format.

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THU (2/13), 5:30 PM PST/8:30 PM EST

Crafting Additional Storylines for Existing Games

Learning how to add value will make you an asset. The goal is to make a brand stronger and to deepen the relationship with the audience and characters. But how? Let’s find out!

Brand withdrawal or Brand deposit?
What are the rules of this universe?
Why does this story need to be told?
Working with Game Design to create a clever narrative

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TUE (2/18), 5:30 PM PST/8:30 PM EST

Branching Dialogue and Player Choice

You’re creative. So you likely want to create tons of outcomes. But the budget might say otherwise. Learn to limit choices & use the craft of writing to give the illusion of autonomy to the player.

Branching storylines and multiple endings
Player choice and agency in non-linear narratives
Interactive storytelling and its role in non-linear narratives
Narrative documentation
Case study: Witcher
Workshop 5: Reality of Player Choice in Games
Some amazing player choice ideas are beyond the company budget. Practice overcoming this challenge by aligning the limited budget with the given narrative to devise three different player choices.

Assignment #6: Player Autonomy
Write an outline for a branching conversation with no more than three outcomes, preserving the illusion of player autonomy.

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THU (2/20), 5:30 PM PST/8:30 PM EST

Writing Barks & Callouts for Gameplay Moments

Craft impactful barks and callouts that enhance gameplay moments and apply best practices for writing them. Ensure they're concise, natural-sounding, and support the game's tone and narrative.

Barks & Callouts in Dialogue
Writing Barks & Callouts
Good Barks & Callout Tips

Assignment #7: Bark Sheet
Create a full sheet of barks using the information provided.

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TUE (2/25), 5:30 PM PST/8:30 PM EST

Video Game Development Team + Guest Speaker

This is a part of the job where you’ll likely bump heads. So you’ll learn to problem solve, blend ideas, and work professionally in the industry. In this class, you’ll find commonalities with game designers and other writers to produce an engaging story.

Collaboration in game development
Working with mission, world, and level designers, artists, and voice actors.
Collaboration tools (Slack & Microsoft Teams)
Team Communication

Assignment #8: Team Quiz (Optional)
Take a bonus quiz about the different roles in the game industry.

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THU (2/27), 5:30 PM PST/8:30 PM EST

Career Guidance

Networking. Career possibilities. Industry trends. And getting your foot in the door! Learn what to highlight and what to avoid when interacting with your next employer.

Career trends of 2024
Career possibilities as a video game writer
Portfolio & interview tips
Keys to appearing indispensable
How to find opportunities

Assignment #9: Course Project: Professional Game Presentation
Make a Professional Game Presentation using the parameters outlined.

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What our students say

Jennifer Ly

"Adrian Ropp was my instructor and he is absolutely amazing. The course helped me build my skills and portfolio to be fully equipped to handle the video game industry as a narrative designer/game writer. I was worried at first because I found them through a random instagram ad and the price point is a bit steep, but I found that the program was well-worth it! I would recommend this for someone who is already a decent/strong writer and would like to enter the gaming industry, but is unsure where to begin or what to expect."

Eric Nhem

University of Utah"Adrian's game writing course was amazing! I went in with no knowledge about the industry, and I wasn't treated less than because of it. I learned so much from Adrian, the guest speakers, and the assignments. Because of the class, I feel confident enough to apply for game writing jobs, which I couldn't say before the class. Adrian's passion for the field shows, and he wants all of the students to succeed. He was professional, knowledgeable, and just fun. The class also introduced me to some wonderful fellow writers, and it was great being surrounded by other creatives. I highly recommend the class to anyone who's thinking of a career transition. You won't regret it!"

James O'hara

"Loved Adrian's class. Highly recommend. As someone with a screenwriting background who has loved gaming as a medium, I've been curious for a long time about how the writing process applies to game design. Led by Adrian, I now have a strong sense of how that's done, with portfolio pieces to back it up. Adrian and his associate instructors were fantastic, informative, and generous with their time and expertise. Adrian has an incredibly positive and kind attitude and provides a wealth of insight into the professional world -- how the craft works fundamentally, how writing gets done in a team setting, and how to find your way in and become a contributing part of a working creative team. The coursework is challenging and insightful but allows flexibility depending on your level of experience, commitment, and time availability. He brought on some great guest speakers as well! Aside from learning about game writing, a big highlight of the class was the chance to meet other writers interested in the field -- so many talented, kind people from different backgrounds and walks of life -- a great networking opportunity. Overall, a great experience. I'm sad it's over."

Gianfranco Golia

"This course is a treasure trove for anyone aspiring to break into game writing. The lessons, the mentorship, the community – everything about it is designed to uplift and empower. It didn't just meet my expectations, it surpassed them. Adrian Ropp is the man! His wisdom, talent, and kindness shine through in every lesson. He has this unique ability to spark motivation and instill belief in yourself. But the brilliance of this course doesn't stop with him, co-mentors Carrie Harris and Quinn Johnson bring their own expertise and insights. Their valuable feedback was instrumental in honing my skills and pushing my boundaries as a narrative designer. Also, a huge thank you to Lynn Thompson and her exceptional support. She was a constant source of encouragement and assistance. Her efforts to ensure we had all the information we needed and her regular check-ins made a huge difference in my overall learning experience. I strongly recommend "Become a Game Writer with Adrian Ropp" to anyone looking to delve into the world of narrative design and game writing. It's an investment in yourself that you won't regret."

Robert Bruce

True Food Kitchen"Adrian is a very giving and knowledgeable person, he’s someone you can easily trust because you know his intentionality is very pure. I liked the hands on experience of the class, I wish we could have broke off into little break groups more often to do more hands-on impromptu exercises, but the entire construction of the class is well thought out, it’s easy to see how the bugs have been worked out and with each iteration of the class, it gets better. I would also add that sometimes it might be useful providing more differentiation of skill level, from beginners to experienced members. I really enjoyed this class! The price was a bit high but that’s the price you pay for solid education and building connections."

Ben Sparks

"Adrian was a great person to learn from as he was not only highly experienced, but also approached the subject with care and honesty and did his best to ensure everyone had the proper amount of attention. You could tell he genuinely loves game writing and also genuinely cared about each student's success. He also made himself very available outside of class to answer questions and clarify assignments."

Moe Abbas

"Adrian's course offers an overwhelming amount of tips and advice on the craft and business of game writing, with a particular focus on AAA/IP-based games. In terms of craft, he elegantly weaves in the basics, like how to write good dialogue, with advanced, medium-specific areas, such as writing gameplay-to-cinematic transitions. When it comes to the business, he'll give you the secrets to landing the biggest IPs in pop culture, and walk through the dos and don'ts of being a writer in a team that must satisfy various stakeholders. He'll bring in guest speakers from the industry to offer indispensable wisdom in specialized areas."

William Qian

"Adam's course provided a great launchpad for someone like me (former competitive writer in HS) to sink their teeth back into serious and streamlined writing after years of having no audience due to collegiate pathway differences. It was a class that taught me specifics about narrative design, refreshed my writing fundamentals, and most importantly (for me), provided an audience to tell your stories in the form of the instructor, TAs, and community network that are all learning with and from each other as we progress. Having the guidance of a seasoned pro alongside the support of fellow students all walking the same path, albeit at different points and stages, made for a great 6 weeks of laughs and learning. Should you choose to pursue this path from the course onwards, prepare to meet many of the peers and instructors you met here again along the way."

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BECOME A GAME WRITER

THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU, IF...

YOU ARE A WRITER WITH A PASSION FOR GAMING

YOU WANT TO ELEVATE YOUR GAME WRITING CAREER

YOU WANT TO COLLAB WITH VARIOUS TEAMS AT YOUR NEXT GAME STUDIO

Our students work in 1600+ companies worldwide

Don't just play games, shape their stories.

Gaming evolves – and so does online education.

What our students say