Story and Narrative Development for Video Games

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/video-game-story

Introduction

**Course Review and Recommendation: "Story and Narrative Development for Video Games" on Coursera** In the rapidly evolving landscape of video games, storytelling has emerged as a crucial element that captivates players and enhances their gaming experience. For anyone passionate about game development or interested in the intricate craft of narrative design, the course "Story and Narrative Development for Video Games" on Coursera offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of this vital aspect of game design. ### Course Overview This course delves deep into the mechanics of storytelling within the context of video games, emphasizing how narrative drives gameplay. Participants will be engaged in a thought-provoking examination of both historical and contemporary games, evaluating various story styles and identifying key themes to inspire their own game design ideas. By analyzing traditional narrative structures, such as the three-act structure, and understanding their integration into gameplay mechanics, learners can develop a robust framework for creating compelling game stories. ### Syllabus Breakdown **Week 1: An Introduction to Story** The journey begins with a thorough analysis of the three-act structure through the lens of a classic fairytale. This foundational week sets the stage for understanding how characters' goals and the central conflict can create a captivating arc that maintains audience engagement. It’s an essential introduction that underscores the importance of narrative in storytelling and game design alike. **Week 2: Game Story Structure** Building on the principles from Week 1, this week explores the relationship between narrative and gameplay. By examining contemporary games, learners will identify story structures and thematic elements, particularly how rising action parallels gameplay dynamics. The focus on character roles—both primary and secondary—offers invaluable insights into how narratives unfold in interactive media, further enriching one's understanding of storytelling in games. **Week 3: Story Workshop** This week is an exciting hands-on experience where participants are introduced to ideation techniques for developing their own stories. By refining characters and settings, students will learn how to articulate their story ideas into a cohesive narrative, thus laying the groundwork for their game concepts. This workshop not only enhances creativity but also encourages critical thinking about how stories translate into interactive formats. **Week 4: From Story to Game** Culminating in this final week, the course guides participants through the essentials of creating a game design document. This practical application of storytelling to game design ensures learners understand how to transform their narrative into a playable experience. Evaluating different templates for a game design document aids in solidifying their concepts and prepares them for real-world game development. ### Final Thoughts "Story and Narrative Development for Video Games" is more than just a course; it is a journey into the heart of what makes games compelling. The structured syllabus coupled with practical workshops ensures that participants are not only absorbing theoretical knowledge but also applying it in actionable ways. ### Recommendation I highly recommend this course to both aspiring game developers and seasoned storytellers looking to refine their skills in a new medium. Whether you are aiming to enter the world of game design, enhance your storytelling techniques, or simply want to understand video games from a narrative perspective, this course is an invaluable resource. With expert guidance and interactive learning, you will emerge with the tools and insights needed to craft engaging stories that resonate with players and enhance their gaming experiences. Sign up on Coursera today and unlock your potential in game narrative design!

Syllabus

Week 1: An Introduction to Story

For the first week of the class, we will be analyzing the components of three-act structure using a classic fairytale as an example. We'll examine the characters in the story by figuring out their goals and the main conflict that creates a rising arc of action to keep the audience interested.

In this week, we will draw a parallel between last week’s discussion on rising action and how that relates to gameplay. Looking at a pair of contemporary games, we'll learn how to identify story structure and themes of rising action, just like we would with traditional stories and movies. Lastly, we’ll evaluate the role that primary and secondary characters come to play in the unveiling of a game’s story and discuss the importance of understanding how these games present their stories in the actual gameplay.

This week, we explore ideation techniques and learn how to consolidate our ideas into more formalized stories specifically for pushing them towards a game design. We will take a look at the importance of, and ways to refine, characters and settings as we develop an initial concept in story form first, and then next week, into a game.

For this last week of class, we will begin by seeing what a game design document is, and evaluate a few different templates you can use. Then, we will take the story we built in last week’s course, The Shooter, and define it as a playable game outlined in a game design document.