1. WRITING FOR (AND ABOUT) ROLE PLAYING VIDEO GAMES
Prepared by
Johansen Quijano, Ph.D.
For the Marine Creek Creative Writing Conference
Tarrant County College
November 4, 2017

2. Today’s Outline The “Two” Steps Deciding on a Story
Considering Story Structure
Figuring Out the Player’s Role
Thinking Through Character Traits
Putting It All Together
Creating a Game
Final Tips
Writing About Games

3. The “Two” Steps
Design the Narrative
Execute the Narrative

4. Designing the Narrative: What to Keep in Mind
Writers are more than writers.
Design often defines the story.
The story will evolve as the game is crafted.
Ideally, the story and gameplay will be harmonious.
Characters should be believable.
Character growth can be delivered through more than dialogue.

5. Designing the Narrative: Three (or Four) Layers
The Player Experience (or Player Narrative)
The Character’s Journey (or Game Story)
The World’s Mythology (or Game Lore)
The Avatar’s Avatar (or Frame Story)*
*The Frame Story is not always present.

6. Designing the Narrative: Linearity and Cursality
Linearity / Cursality Chart
Linear Story
Non-Linear Story
Unicursal Space
Lunar: Eternal Blue
Telltale’s The Wolf Among Us
Multicursal Space
Final Fantasy XV
Mass Effect

7. Designing the Narrative: Player Role and Character Traits
Player as God
Player as Puppet Master
Player as Avatar
Player as Character
Player as Viewer
Personality Traits
Statistical Traits
Skill Traits
Originality

8. Now…
Let’s put it all together and make a game!

9. Final Tips Let go of your ego. Play games. Watch others play games.
Make games.
Tweet
Talk with game players.

10. QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

11. Free Software Download:
Thank you for coming!
Contact Info:
Office: Trinity River, TREF 6404