Writing Video Game Scenes and Dialogue

About

Increasingly, game designers are realizing that cutscenes, cinematics and character interactions through dialogue are not just breaks from gameplay, or ways of providing exposition. They are integral to the player's experience of a game. Talking is action. Dialogue is gameplay.

In this course we will explore how to create compelling, vital scenes, and how to use dialogue to support gameplay, deepen character, and advance the game's story.

Early career game writers will often get their first experience writing dialogue for NPCs, especially the infamous barks and taunts. We'll show you how to make this dialogue work, when it should sing and when it should be invisible.

Verified learners will access additional game industry interviews, assignments and discussion topics, connecting with a community of other writers and game enthusiasts.

What you will learn

• The importance of voice and how to find and develop it
• How scenes work, and how to build and deepen them
• How to write unskippable dialogue
• The fundamental building blocks of cinematic storytelling
• How to excel at writing ambient conversations, barks and taunts.

Syllabus

Module 1: Voice

• Finding voice
• Developing voice
• Supporting gameplay

Module 2: Scenes

• Scene structure
• Building scenes
• Deepening scenes

Module 3: Cinematics and Cutscenes

• Cutscenes
• Cinematic storytelling
• Formatting

Module 4: In-Game Dialogue

• Supporting level design
• Triggers

Module 5: Ambient Conversations, Barks and Taunts

• Ambient conversations
• Barks and taunts

Auto Summary

Unlock the art of crafting immersive video game scenes and dialogue with this foundational course in Personal Development, offered by edX. Dive into the essential elements that make cutscenes, cinematics, and character interactions not just breaks from gameplay, but integral parts of the gaming experience. Learn how to create engaging scenes and use dialogue effectively to support gameplay, enrich character development, and propel the story forward. This course is particularly beneficial for early-career game writers who often start by scripting dialogue for NPCs, including dynamic barks and taunts. Through this training, you'll master the delicate balance of making dialogue both impactful and seamlessly integrated into the game. As a verified learner, you'll gain access to exclusive game industry interviews, assignments, and discussion topics, offering you the chance to connect with a vibrant community of fellow writers and game enthusiasts. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this course offers professional-level insights and practical knowledge to elevate your game writing prowess. Join now and transform the way you think about video game dialogue and scenes!