English and drama
Video Games: Creative & Critical Writing
Module code: Q3317E
Level 4
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework
Video and computer game design involves sophisticated and imaginative construction across hardware, software and aesthetics. Games are intersections between creative culture in arts and design, storytelling, music, and technology. As with all cultural works, they should be subject to thoughtful critique.
The module introduces seminal examples, key texts of game theory and relevant critical theory. Students will consider the creative aspects of writing for games including:
- narrative and storyboards
- world building
- shooting/scripts
- characters and avatars
- players
- virtuality and corporeality
- queer feminist game play
- play
- addiction
- algorithms and chance.
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 games.