Story for video games

This CPD accredited professional development course has been devised for anyone who works in the gaming industry as well as writers intrigued by the possibilities of interactive stories. It has six sessions run over seven weeks, focusing on story’s primary colours, the fundamental principles you need to write great narrative, and on the techniques to adapt these principles to video games.

There’s a balance of theory – the five-act-structure ideas set out in John Yorke’s acclaimed book, 'Into The Woods' – with highly practical exercises based on games from Overwatch to The Walking Dead and The Witness.

Who it's for

The course is suitable if you:

• Are involved in developing or publishing video games, be it as a designer, producer, artist or programmer, etc.
• Are new to video game writing and want to learn how to plan and structure your work
• Want to understand what a development team needs from a writer
• Want to learn how to see the underlying framework behind all stories — both in video games and traditional media
• Are looking for a CPD (Continuing Professional Development) course

What it covers

Over the seven weeks you will:

• Explore the component elements and structure of a successful story
• Become familiar with what makes stories resonate widely with video games players around the world
• Master the five-act story structure step by step
• Apply those principles to diagnose and fix problems with a narrative within the context of a video game
• Start developing a range of creative, practical and critical skills.
• Develop independence, autonomy and critical judgment as you submit work for feedback from peers and tutors throughout the course
• Understand how to apply theory to practical tasks within a professional context

Bursary applicable

There are ScreenSkills bursaries available to cover some or all of the costs of this training course - including travel, accommodation, subsistence, care or disability access support to attend this course. To find out more about the support you may be eligible for, click the button below:

Apply for a bursary

About this listing

This training course is not funded or commissioned by ScreenSkills, but has been reviewed to ensure it is meeting agreed standards such as industry-led diversity targets, appropriate business insurance, and evidence of previous quality training provision.