BECOME A GAME WRITER

Meet your instructor, explore the course roadmap, and understand how each assignment builds toward your final project. Start with a clear picture of what you'll create and how you'll get there.

• Instructor intro
• Course structure
• Assignments & final project overview

Final Project: Game Writing Portfolio

Discover what game writing really involves beyond dialogue and plot. Explore the writer's role in game development, the tools of the trade, and the skills that turn stories into interactive experiences.

• Game writer role overview
• The role of storytelling in video games
• Key skills required to be a successful game writer
• Game writer tool kit

Understand how games are built from concept to launch — and where game writers contribute at every stage. Learn how narrative evolves alongside design, production, and development.

• Understanding the game development process
• The role of a game writer in the dev process
• Case Study: Lords of the Fallen

Assignment #1: Logline Creation

Learn how to craft compelling interactive stories that balance structure, pacing, and player agency. Build narratives that enhance gameplay, not compete with it.

• Creating the overall story structure
• Plotting & pacing the story
• Understanding the importance of player choice
• Storytelling tips & tricks for video games
• Case Study: Tomb Raider — Game of the Year

Create memorable characters with distinct voices, believable motivations, and meaningful arcs. Learn how protagonists and NPCs alike shape the player's emotional experience.

• Creating relatable & interesting characters
• Creating backstory & history
• Deepening your characters
• Developing character arcs
• Non-Player Characters
• Case Study: Character creation — Warcraft

Assignment #2: Story Synopsis & Mythic Story Structure

Write natural, purposeful dialogue that supports both storytelling and gameplay. Practise creating conversations that reveal character, drive player choice, and fit seamlessly into game worlds.

• Crafting engaging & realistic dialogue
• Writing for different character personalities & voices
• Creating dialogue options for player choice
• Supporting level design
• Workshop: Writing dialogues

(Optional) Assignment #3: Setting Description / Environmental Breakdown

Explore how different genres shape storytelling, character design, and player expectations. Learn to adapt your writing style while staying true to each game's identity.

• How the genre influences the storyline
• The unique requirements of each genre
• Character archetypes in different genres
• Workshop: Genre-specific writing

Assignment #4: Character Bio

Build immersive worlds with rich histories, consistent rules, and memorable lore. Create settings that feel lived-in and encourage players to keep exploring.

• Consistency
• Depth & complexity
• Narrative hooks
• Show, don't tell
• Workshop: Artefact origins

(Optional) Assignment #5: Flavour Text

Design engaging quests that combine strong narrative, meaningful choices, and satisfying pacing. Learn how memorable missions become some of the most iconic moments in a game.

• Structure
• Motivation
• Conflict & challenge
• Pacing
• Quest variance
• Workshop: Quest outcome challenge

Assignment #6: Cutscene Creation

Master branching storytelling that gives players meaningful agency without losing narrative cohesion. Learn how choices, consequences, and multiple outcomes create truly interactive stories.

• Techniques for creating branching storylines & multiple endings
• Importance of player choice & agency
• Interactive storytelling & its role
• Case Study: Divinity: Original Sin 2

Transform optional content into unforgettable storytelling. Discover how side quests, environmental storytelling, and world details deepen immersion and reinforce the main narrative.

• Integrating side content into main narrative
• Environmental storytelling in side content
• Pacing & player engagement

Assignment #7: Branching Narrative

Learn how game writers collaborate with designers, artists, programmers, and voice talent to bring stories to life. Understand the communication skills that make narrative thrive within a multidisciplinary team.

• Collaboration in game development
• Working with mission designers, world designers, level designers, artists, voice actors
• Guest Speaker: Team communication

Prepare for your first — or next — role in game writing with practical portfolio advice, interview preparation, and insights into today's hiring landscape. Learn how to position yourself for long-term success in the industry.

• Career trends of 2026
• The career possibilities
• Application portfolio
• Interview tips

Assignment #8: Rewriting the Cutscene