Video Game Writing Essentials
Master the fundamentals of interactive storytelling and learn how to write compelling narratives for video games in this comprehensive course.
Master the fundamentals of interactive storytelling and learn how to write compelling narratives for video games in this comprehensive course.
This introductory course explores the unique frontier of video game writing, teaching students the essentials of interactive storytelling and game narrative development. The curriculum covers the evolution of video game storytelling, the collaborative game development process, and modern approaches to interactive narrative design. Students learn from industry professionals about real-world game writing experiences while exploring how game narratives differ from traditional storytelling. The course emphasizes practical skills in narrative design, document creation, and understanding the writer's role in game development.
4.2
(19 ratings)
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What you'll learn
Master interactive storytelling principles for video games
Understand the unique elements of game narrative design
Learn professional game development processes
Develop skills in writing game design documents
Explore adaptation techniques for established IP
Understand different game genres and story types
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
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There are 5 modules in this course
The course provides a comprehensive introduction to video game writing, covering five key modules: Introduction to Game Writing, Game Development Process, Building Game Stories, Original vs Established IP, and Game Design Documents. Students learn about interactive storytelling principles, the role of writers in game development, narrative structure for games, and professional documentation standards. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical insights from industry professionals.
Introduction to Game Writing
Module 1
Game Development
Module 2
Building a Game Story
Module 3
Original vs Established I.P.
Module 4
Game Design Documents
Module 5
Fee Structure
Instructors
12 Courses
A Versatile Writer Bridging Video Games and Theatre
Peter Boychuk serves as an Adjunct Professor at UBC's School of Creative Writing, where he teaches Writing for Video Games while maintaining an active career as a Senior Writer at Respawn Entertainment. After earning his MFA in Writing from the University of Victoria, he has built an impressive career spanning video game narrative design and playwriting. His video game credits include leading narrative roles on major titles such as MARVEL's Dimension of Heroes for Disney, Freediver: Triton Down, Evasion, and Dead Rising 4 for Capcom. As a playwright, he has created notable works including "Jesus Freak" for Pacific Theatre, "Fritters in Kandahar" at Lunchbox Theatre, and "L'Élection" for Théâtre la Seizième, with his play "Afterglow" published in the anthology "Two Hands Clapping" by Signature Editions. His expertise in interactive storytelling has led him to develop and teach courses at UBC, including the Video Game Writing Essentials program, where he helps students understand the unique challenges of writing for interactive media while bridging the gap between traditional narrative forms and emerging digital storytelling.
12 Courses
A Pioneering Literary Educator and Science Fiction Author
Andrew Gray serves as Program Coordinator at the University of British Columbia's Creative Writing Program, where he has made significant contributions to both traditional and digital education initiatives. Born in 1968 in Scotland before immigrating to Canada, he completed his MFA at UBC in 1996 and has since built an impressive career combining literary achievement with educational innovation. As the founder of UBC's Optional-Residency MFA Program and a key developer of the Video Game Writing Certificate, he has helped shape the future of creative writing education. His literary work spans both traditional and speculative fiction, with his short story collection "Small Accidents" earning nominations for the Ethel Wilson Award and IPPY Independent Publisher's Award. His writing has appeared in prestigious publications including Prairie Fire, Event, Grain, and Fiddlehead, while his science fiction novella "The Ghost Line," co-authored with J.S. Herbison, was published by Tor in 2017. In his current role, he coordinates educational technology support and develops new programs within Creative Writing, including non-credit courses, while continuing to provide learner support for the Video Game Writing Certificate program.
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4.2 course rating
19 ratings
Frequently asked questions
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