California Institute of the Arts
Story and Narrative Development for Video Games
California Institute of the Arts

Story and Narrative Development for Video Games

Dariush Derakhshani

Instructor: Dariush Derakhshani

46,970 already enrolled

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(1,235 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 11 hours
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(1,235 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 11 hours
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course

Details to know

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Taught in English

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This course is part of the Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course

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.

What's included

6 videos7 readings1 peer review1 discussion prompt

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.

What's included

4 videos12 readings1 peer review

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.

What's included

4 videos8 readings1 peer review

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.

What's included

5 videos6 readings1 peer review

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.8 (168 ratings)
Dariush Derakhshani
1 Course46,970 learners

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Recommended if you're interested in Music and Art

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4.7

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