Video Games: Writing, World-Building (Q3300)
Video Games: Writing, World-Building, Characterisation and Storytelling
Module Q3300
Module details for 2023/24.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
You have learned a great deal about how to make video games, so let’s concentrate on what to make and more importantly why? As the barriers to game development come down, the number of available games increases. The meaning of games is therefore of increasing importance. A compelling story, intriguing characters, and a sense of purpose – of meaning – behind the games will inspire your players. We also want to harness your creativity!
In this module we will assess some of the fundamentals of writing for games, including:
- understanding interactive narratives and choice architecture when designing a story;
- the game imaginary including its world, characters, wonders, and conflicts;
- communicating clearly using Game Design Documents (GDD).
Module learning outcomes
Understand and experiment with common practices of creative writing across multiple computer/video game genres.
Reflect critically on the social implications of game design, taking into account discourses around gender, race, and sexuality.
Evaluate the possibilities and limitations of creative writing techniques in the development of world-building, character and storytelling, given the constraints and affordances of the video game as a system.
Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems when relating the creative aspect of game design to critical reflection on the social aspects of game design.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Portfolio | A2 Week 1 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Workshop | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Sandra Nelson
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/526730
Dr Sam Ladkin
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/33864
Dr Paul Newbury
Convenor
/profiles/126552
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.