Here is a guide to the topics that will be covered in this module:

An introduction to the study of narratology.

Traditional & modern techniques of understanding stories and how they apply to games.

Concepts and theories regarding structure and character archetypes.

Critical deconstruction of games identifying narrative content from Indie to AAA.

Recognising how & why players interact with the narrative content of games.

Assessment Component 1 – (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4)

Design & Production of Interactive Narrative Experiences weight at 100% consisting of:

The development of multiple interactive narrative experiences, journalised over a series of weeks on the Digital Academy Forum. This includes research & analysis of narrative games via the lenses of course theory, discussion on how this influences design, and regular reflection on the process.

2 x 3-hour lecture / workshop mixes per week.

1. Demonstrate learning and comprehension of narrative theory.

2. Analyse narrative elements concerned with gameplay interaction.

3. Apply a storytelling design process to an interactive narrative game.

4. Reflect on the learning & application of narrative within narrative game production.

Capture Editing Software

Digital Academy Forum

Microsoft Office

Narrative Editing Software

Ince, S. (2022) 201 Things for Better Game Writing. S-Eye Books.

Nicklin, N. (2022) Writing for Games: Theory and Practice. CRC Press.

Bateman, C. (2021) Game Writing: Narrative Skills for Videogames. Bloomsbury Academic, 2nd Ed.

Despain, W. (2020) Professional Techniques for Video Game Writing. CRC Press, 2nd Ed.

Bal, M. (2017) Narratology: Introduction to the Theory of Narrative. University of Toronto Press, 4th Ed.

Crawford, C. (2012) Chris Crawford on Interactive Storytelling. New Riders, 2nd Ed.

Everybody loves a good story! This module will help you understand why by looking at how narrative is applied to modern and traditional gameplay experiences from Indie & AAA spaces. You will gain perspective on the history & trends of interactive fiction, allowing you to prepare for a future in game writing & narrative design. You will learn to showcase these talents by developing interactive narrative games using industry-standard development practices.