Story and Narrative Development for Video Games
In this course, you will examine how storytelling acts as a vital mechanism for driving video gameplay forward. Looking at several historical and contemporary games, you will be asked to evaluate and interpret different story styles with the goal of identifying themes and procedures for your own game ideas. We'll examine traditional narrative story processes, such as three-act structure, and how they fit into game story flows and the strategic elements of gameplay. Ultimately, you will learn how to define character, setting, and structure to create a compelling game concept.
Monthly Subscription Starting at AED 99 + VAT
- Level Foundation
- Duration 12 hours
- Course by California Institute of the Arts
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Offered by
About
In this course, you will examine how storytelling acts as a vital mechanism for driving video gameplay forward. Looking at several historical and contemporary games, you will be asked to evaluate and interpret different story styles with the goal of identifying themes and procedures for your own game ideas. We'll examine traditional narrative story processes, such as three-act structure, and how they fit into game story flows and the strategic elements of gameplay. Ultimately, you will learn how to define character, setting, and structure to create a compelling game concept.Modules
Course Welcome
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1
Videos
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3
Readings
1
Videos
- Welcome
3
Readings
- About this Course
- Getting Started
- Academic Integrity
Course Communication Policies
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3
Readings
-
1
Discussion
1
Discussions
- Meet and Greet
3
Readings
- Instructor Presence and Staff Support
- Forum Guidelines
- Requesting Peer Reviews
Introduction to Story
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3
Videos
3
Videos
- What makes a story compelling?
- How games benefit from stories
- How to see a game as a story first
Example: Outlining the Narrative
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1
Readings
1
Readings
- Story Synopsis: Sleeping Beauty
Finding Your Story
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Defining the Spine
- Three-Act Structure and Rising Action
Review
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1
PeerReview
1
Peer Review
- Breaking Down the Story
Summarizing a Game's Narrative
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1
Videos
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3
Readings
1
Videos
- Writing Your Own Story Synopsis
3
Readings
- Story Synopsis: StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
- Story Synopsis Points
- Story Synopsis: Angry Birds
Character Development
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3
Videos
3
Videos
- Defining Characters and Character Goals
- Using Secondary Characters
- Writing a Character Brief
Examples: Character Briefs
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4
Readings
4
Readings
- About Character Briefs
- Character Brief: Jim Raynor
- Character Brief: Emperor Mengsk
- Character Brief: Tychus Findlay
Examples: Describing the World of the Game
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5
Readings
5
Readings
- About Setting Descriptions
- Setting Description: Angry Birds
- Setting Description: Mar Sara
- Setting Description: The Hyperion
- Setting Description: Char
Review
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1
PeerReview
1
Peer Review
- Character Studies
Starting Your Story
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Story Ideation Techniques
- Personal Writing Advice
Examples: Idea Sheets
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3
Readings
3
Readings
- About Idea Sheets
- Idea Sheet: Dead-Eye Jane
- Idea Sheet: Settings for The Shooter
Fine-tuning the Game's Story
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Refining the Spine
- Connecting Ideas and Characters
Examples: Putting It Together
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5
Readings
5
Readings
- Review: Story Synopses
- Story Synopsis: The Shooter
- Review: Character Briefs
- Character Brief: Jake
- Character Brief: Dead-Eye Jane
Review
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1
PeerReview
1
Peer Review
- Rewriting “The Shooter”
Moving from a Story into a Game
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Introduction to a Game Design Document
- Diving Deeper into the Design Document
Examples: Organizing Your Game Visually
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5
Readings
5
Readings
- About Story Presentation Schemes
- Presentation Scheme: Part One - StarCraft II Gameplay Overview
- Presentation Scheme: Part Two - StarCraft II Missions
- What is a Gameplay Flowchart?
- Gameplay Flowchart: StarCraft II
From Story to Game
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Turning The Shooter's Story into a Game
- The Shooter's Rising Gameplay
Review
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1
PeerReview
1
Peer Review
- Finalizing “The Shooter”
Conclusions
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1
Videos
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1
Readings
1
Videos
- Course Wrap Up
1
Readings
- Course Credits
Auto Summary
Unlock the art of storytelling in video games with the "Story and Narrative Development for Video Games" course, offered by Coursera. This foundational course delves into the essential role of storytelling in enhancing and driving video gameplay. Through the examination of both historical and contemporary games, learners are encouraged to evaluate and interpret diverse story styles, identifying key themes and techniques to inspire their own game ideas. The course covers traditional narrative structures, such as the three-act structure, and integrates these with game story flows and strategic gameplay elements. Participants will master the creation of compelling game concepts by defining characters, settings, and structures effectively. Designed for those with an interest in the intersection of storytelling and game design, this engaging program spans 720 minutes and is available through flexible subscription options, including Starter and Professional plans. Whether you're a budding game designer or a narrative enthusiast, this course offers the foundational skills needed to craft immersive game narratives.
Dariush Derakhshani