Unit 4.6. The script of video games

This unit explores the role of scripts in video games, emphasizing their importance in crafting interactive storytelling experiences. Unlike traditional narratives in books or films, video game scripts must account for player agency, choices, and dynamic progression. Scripts serve as blueprints for not only dialogue and plot but also game mechanics, world-building, and character interactions, ensuring a seamless integration between narrative and gameplay.

The creative process of scriptwriting involves understanding the medium, defining a vision, selecting a genre, and developing characters. Writers must balance structure with flexibility, allowing for branching narratives, multiple endings, and emergent storytelling based on player decisions. The unit also covers various scriptwriting methodologies, including interactive storytelling, three-act structure, character-driven narratives, and agile development techniques.

In the practical section, students work on exercises such as designing narrative concepts, developing character arcs, and prototyping story-driven gameplay elements. The unit concludes by reinforcing that video game scriptwriting is an evolving process, requiring a blend of creativity, technical knowledge, and adaptability to create immersive and engaging experiences.

Bibliography

• Adams, E. (2009). Fundamentals of Game Design. New Riders.
• Bates, B. (2004). Game Design. Thomson Course Technology.
• Crawford, C. (2003). Chris Crawford on Game Design. New Riders.
• Fullerton, T., Swain, C., & Hoffman, S. (2008). Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games. CRC Press.
• Koster, R. (2013). A Theory of Fun for Game Design. O’Reilly Media.
• Rollings, A., & Adams, E. (2003). Andrew Rollings and Ernest Adams on Game Design. New Riders.
• Salen, K., & Zimmerman, E. (2004). Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals. MIT Press.
• Schell, J. (2008). The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses. CRC Press.
• Tracy, D. (2011). The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller. Faber & Faber.
• Ward, M., & Downs, B. (2014). Interactive Storytelling for Video Games: A Player-Centered Approach to Creating Memorable Characters and Stories. Pearson Education​.