Video Games: Writing, World-Building (Q3300)
Video Games: Writing, World-Building, Characterisation and Storytelling
Module Q3300
Module details for 2025/26.
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
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Prof Paul Newbury
Convenor
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Dr Sam Ladkin
Convenor, Assess convenor
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