Story Mode

« 'Story mode' offers an accessible entry-point for writing and designing complex and emotionally affecting video games that push back against the perception that games are only for dedicated gamers interested in pursuing a career in the corporate game industry. This much-needed resource is the first textbook to combine game design with creative writing techniques and makes consuming and creating digital stories easy and fun. 'Story mode' offers inclusive tools and instruction that bridge the knowledge gap for creative writers, empowering them to produce their own games that push their stories beyond the page. Broken down into 4 sections aimed at both writers with no expertise in video games and those with hours spent with their controllers, this book offers: contextual and introductory chapters exploring the history of various game genres; discussions of how traditional creative writing approaches to character, plot, worldbuilding, and dialogue can be utilized in game writing; an in-depth overview of game studies concepts such as game construction, interactivity, audience engagement, empathy, real-world change, and representation that prepare writers to approach games from a design perspective; a focus on workshopping, design tools, collaborative writing, as well as extended exercises guiding readers through long-term, collaborative game projects using tools like Twine, Audacity, Bitsy, and GameMaker. Featuring detailed craft lessons, hands-on exercises, and case studies, this is the ultimate guide for creative writers who want to begin writing digital narratives. 'Story mode' isn't a roadmap to a successful career in the games industry. Instead, this book seeks to demystify the process behind creating video games and inspires readers to challenge mainstream notions of what video games can become. »-- Quatrième de couverture.