Assessment Component 1 - Continual Assessment weighted at 30% consisting of:

* A series of narrative design micro-submissions containing screenshots evidencing completion of a set of guided tasks.

Assessment Component 2 - A Worldbuilding Portfolio weighted at 70% consisting of:

* Narrative Worldbuilding Documentation – a multimedia document containing narrative overviews, samples and diagrams.
* Critical Reflection (1000 words) - of the documentation process.

Here is a guide to the topics you can expect on this module:

- Introduction to designing narrative scenarios within gaming contexts.
- Understanding the importance of narrative worldbuilding.
- Crafting fictional worlds with meaningful decision-making.
- Breakdown of character archetypes and personality models.
- Traditional and modern approaches to structuring narratives.
- Using narrative to support player-centred gameplay.
- Developing an empathetic approach to the needs of a target audience.
- Knowledge of gameplay-specific narrative techniques.
- Comprehension of narrative roles and where they fit within the game production pipeline.

1. Demonstrate foundational knowledge and understanding of narrative theory with a focus on how core concepts inform gameplay decisions in narrative game design.

Programme Learning Outcome: Knowledge & Understanding

2. Integrate your narrative knowledge to devise appropriate solutions to player-centric problems encountered during gameplay scenarios.

Programme Learning Outcome: Application & Problem-Solving

3. Conduct academic research on narrative theory using methods suitable to interactive games whilst examining the application of theoretical sources to gameplay settings.

Programme Learning Outcome: Research Skills

4. Manage your developing narrative and worldbuilding skills by identifying areas for improvement and demonstrating how feedback and guided activities have informed your ongoing growth as an emerging game design professional

Programme Learning Outcome: Personal Development & Entrepreneurship

Learning and teaching activities will be delivered through a structured blend of scheduled and independent study designed to support a clear learning journey. Scheduled sessions will typically include lectures that introduce theoretical concepts and provide workshop activities that allow students to research games and engage in facilitated discussions. Independent study will involve recommended reading, tasks, and ongoing development of project work supported by the resources provided. Support sessions will also be provided for lecturer engagement and catch-up opportunities.

- Digital Academy Forum
- Digital Academy Upload
- Microsoft Office
- Capture Editing Software

Dee, S., 2025. Worldbuilding for Game Designers. 1st ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

Heussner, T., Finley, T. K., Hepler, J. B. & Lemay, A., 2023. The Game Narrative Toolbox. 2nd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

LaRue, N., 2025. Cinematic Worldbuilding - A TTRPG Approach to Storytelling. 1st ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

Tremblay, K., 2023. Collaborative Worldbuilding for Video Games. 1st ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

Skolnick, E., 2014. Video Game Storytelling. 1st ed. New York: Watson-Guptill Publications.

Everybody loves a good story! This module will help you understand why by looking at how narrative is applied to modern and traditional gameplay settings. Through understanding the worlds that games are set in, you will gain perspective on the history & trends of interactive fiction. You will learn to showcase your talents by developing interactive narrative experiences using industry-standard production practices. This is where your future in narrative storytelling begins!