Module: GDT5001-20 Narrative Design and Gameplay

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: James Newman

Module Tutor Contact Details: j.newman@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Narrative in games extends far further than creative writing. Effective storytelling  engages all elements of a game, including the visual and sonic environment in which  the player is situated and how the player interacts with that environment. Games as  multidisciplinary works have the potential to reinforce story through careful  complementation of text, image, sound and gameplay. When done right, they can  offer narrative experiences that are stirring, immersive, challenging, provocative,  intimate, awe-inspiring, and more besides. Yet balancing game elements, handling  pacing and establishing narrative themes that resonate with players is a nuanced art.  Figuring out what is likely to ‘work’ takes practice, time and a deep understanding of  both games and the people that play them.  

This module draws on established approaches to narrative design and your  experiences of games to propose and critically reflect on a range of approaches to  narrative. You learn how to analyse the visual style, sound, spatial design and  mechanics of games through the lens of narrative, and draw on insights to derive an  individual approach to game-based storytelling. We look at key principles of  storytelling such as environment, characterisation, narrative structures, pacing and  flow, and consider how such principles are handled in other narrative forms including  comic books, film and interactive fiction. Other important topics include the  psychological and ethical significance of positioning the player in the game, emotional  design and immersion.

2. Outline syllabus

• Compelling storytelling: principles and perspectives 

• Analysis of narrative design in AAA and indie titles 

• Approaches and influences of other narrative forms 

• Environmental storytelling 

• Level design and mechanics as narrative 

• The role of interactivity and player agency (choice and control) 

• Controlling game characters: psychological and ethical factors 

• The emotional dimension of games 

• Linearity vs openness 

• Visualising narrative structure using flowcharts

3. Teaching and learning activities

Class Hours 

Seminars discuss the key principle of storytelling and reflect critically on the  environmental, spatial, emotional and mechanical design of games. These are led by  the analysis of game-based narratives and other forms of contemporary storytelling  (both linear and non-linear). Workshop and studio sessions offer an opportunity to  apply the principles and perspectives covered in the module in a creative setting.  Here we support your efforts towards shaping an original short-form work that pays  attention to the various dimensions of compelling game narratives. 

Independent Study 

It is important to play a variety of games and make attempts to analyse them in terms  of their narrative content. It is helpful also to consider the form, structure, themes and  tone of other forms of narrative (TV, film, literature etc) and consider how these  resonate and contrast with approaches taken in games. Beyond analysis activities,  you’ll need to schedule appropriate time for working on your creative work. This is  particularly important when attempting to shape a compelling game-based narrative,  which takes ample time, reflection and iteration.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Portfolio  Contextual statement (1,500 words)

• % Weighting: 30%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Portfolio Narrative Game

• % Weighting: 70%