HNAR-311: Writing for Video Games

Video games are unlike any other storytelling medium; their greatest strength--interactivity--poses unique challenges (and opportunities) for a writer. In this course, we will work to analyze and identify what works and what doesn't in writing for video games, and apply that knowledge to create compelling worlds and stories for a player. We will examine both the direct functions (e.g. dialogue), and the indirect functions (reflected in the pacing, design, and gameplay) of writing for the medium, with a focus on practical application of storytelling as pertains specifically to video games. At the end of the class, students will present an original video game concept and story, along with key art and an explanation of game mechanics, and discuss how it all fits together. Overall familiarity with "video games" in the collective sense is a must.