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.
This course is part of the Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization
Story and Narrative Development for Video Games
Offered By
About this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
43%
started a new career after completing these courses
47%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
25%
got a pay increase or promotion
Skills you will gain
Interactive StorytellingVideo Game DevelopmentVideo Game DesignGame Design
Learner Career Outcomes
43%
started a new career after completing these courses
47%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
25%
got a pay increase or promotion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 2 of 5 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 14 hours to complete
Suggested: 3 hours/week
English
Subtitles: English, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified)
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
2 hours to complete
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.
2 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 26 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz
6 videos
Welcome1m
What makes a story compelling?3m
How games benefit from stories4m
How to see a game as a story first5m
Defining the Spine3m
Three-Act Structure and Rising Action6m
4 readings
About this Course8m
Academic Integrity2m
Getting Started8m
Story Synopsis: Sleeping Beauty8m
3 hours to complete
Week 2: Game Story Structure
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.
3 hours to complete
4 videos (Total 21 min), 12 readings, 1 quiz
4 videos
Defining Characters and Character Goals7m
Using Secondary Characters3m
Writing a Character Brief4m
12 readings
Story Synopsis: StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty8m
Story Synopsis Points8m
Story Synopsis: Angry Birds8m
About Character Briefs8m
Character Brief: Jim Raynor8m
Character Brief: Emperor Mengsk5m
Character Brief: Tychus Findlay5m
About Setting Descriptions8m
Setting Description: Angry Birds8m
Setting Description: Mar Sara8m
Setting Description: The Hyperion8m
Setting Description: Char5m
3 hours to complete
Week 3: Story Workshop
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.
3 hours to complete
4 videos (Total 25 min), 8 readings, 1 quiz
4 videos
Personal Writing Advice5m
Refining the Spine5m
Connecting Ideas and Characters6m
8 readings
About Idea Sheets8m
Idea Sheet: Dead-Eye Jane8m
Idea Sheet: Settings for The Shooter8m
Review: Story Synopses8m
Story Synopsis: The Shooter10m
Review: Character Briefs5m
Character Brief: Jake8m
Character Brief: Dead-Eye Jane8m
3 hours to complete
Week 4: From Story to 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.
3 hours to complete
5 videos (Total 25 min), 6 readings, 1 quiz
5 videos
Diving Deeper into the Design Document4m
Turning The Shooter's Story into a Game5m
The Shooter's Rising Gameplay8m
Course Wrap Up1m
6 readings
About Story Presentation Schemes8m
Presentation Scheme: Part One - StarCraft II Gameplay Overview8m
Presentation Scheme: Part Two - StarCraft II Missions10m
What is a Gameplay Flowchart?8m
Gameplay Flowchart: StarCraft II5m
Course Credits5m
Reviews
4.7
TOP REVIEWS FROM STORY AND NARRATIVE DEVELOPMENT FOR VIDEO GAMES
by DANov 6, 2017
This is so helpful. It covers all the essentials of developing a good story, applicable in any form of media, then it focuses on converting the story to a game by adding interactive gameplay elements.
by RBFeb 23, 2016
I am glad that I have chosen to sign up to this course. It has open up my vision to a whole new world. Thanks so very much. The professor is engaging and the course content is fascinating.
by ASJan 8, 2019
The course is delivered very nicely with well-thought reading materials and lots of practicing. Like they always say, practice makes perfect.\n\nThank you for sharing the knowledge!
by LLMar 6, 2019
What a fun course! Really made me think about writing, how to turn a story into a game, and how to ideate and create bigger concepts from small ideas. Loved watching all the videos!
by SVOct 31, 2015
The basics of this course are well defined and prepare you for proper story and narrative development in video games. I like the step-by-step process this course takes.
by DCDec 13, 2015
Big fan of the last two assignments. Re-writing the game was fun, and made it more interactive with the rest of the class, seeing how others would change the story.
by GTSep 3, 2017
Love how you dedicate yourself in the course making, great interpretation over the making of a story, and how they can developed into a game. Most grateful!
by ATDec 5, 2015
This course is pretty cool. I actually learned a lot about analyzing narratives and writing that I hadn't really considered before... It's totally worth it.
by RLMar 8, 2016
I learned good stuff. i gave four star because there could be more content some parts were written instead of a lecture. But i will recommend this course.
by SAMar 11, 2019
i really loved every single bit of it. i loved the topics discussed, the way i was taught to think and get the ideas out so thanks alot. you are great.
by WBMar 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this course and the instructors materials, I just wish we were given the chance to work on our own games in the assignments.
by FRFeb 29, 2016
The mentor is really good, he is great at explaining what he means and gives you a few great methods for writing. The peers were also great.
by DVJan 23, 2016
I enjoyed the peer reviews and how the lecturer conveyed clearly how to express our thoughts to paper, or should i say screen. Great work !
by MANov 13, 2016
This course helped me a lot in polishing my plot for the game. It is must course. Enjoyed ever lessen and enjoyed doing the assignments.
by PMDec 27, 2015
Very easy to follow and quite useful, not only for games but for designing user experiences because it focuses on how to engage people.
by AASep 21, 2016
Awesome experience, and really useful, well-packed, and valuable insight into story and narrative development for video games. Thanks!
by AMOct 25, 2015
The course topic are well explain and easy to understand, the videos are well directed, and the creative exercises are pretty cool.
by MFApr 1, 2016
Makes you think. Interesting for any developer or anyone intested in narratives as a whole. Really nice exercises and lists too!
by SLNov 15, 2015
Although its very writing-intensive, I learned a lot from it and feel much more able to develop a story for a game. Thanks!
by PBDec 3, 2015
Fun, interesting, good pacing and case studies. Instructor was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and presented material well.
Offered by
California Institute of the Arts
CalArts has earned an international reputation as the leading college of the visual and performing arts in the United States. Offering rigorous undergraduate and graduate degree programs through six schools—Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music, and Theater—CalArts has championed creative excellence, critical reflection, and the development of new forms and expressions.
About the Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization
Stemming from the principles of storytelling and design established in CalArts’ renowned Animation programs, this Specialization lays a primary foundation for experimentation and exploration of video game design, story, character development, and winning gameplay before programming begins. These four courses emphasize the self-reliance and personal expression of the gaming artist, and encourage you to take conceptual risks and develop new modes of expression and form through gaming. In the final Capstone Project, you’ll put your creative skills to work by generating an engaging game design document for a personal game project, outlining the conceptual, narrative and aesthetic elements of your game.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.