GAM 315

Interactive Storytelling

Storytelling in digital games is often rightly criticized for being unimaginative and lackluster. The interactive nature of this medium requires dramatically different approaches but historically, little attention has been paid to the development of these skills in potential authors. In this course, students explore the different ways that modern digital games and other forms of interactive fiction tell stories by applying theories and principles of narrative development and story structure. Emphasis is placed on how video games are similar to and profoundly different from traditional linear fiction. In addition to reading scholarly works on games and narrative, students develop original and engaging stories fit for contemporary digital games.

Units: 3.0