This Integrative-Learning Experience (IE) course will introduce students to the basic theories and practices associated with game design, including brainstorming, the elements of gameplay, artificial intelligence, and storytelling within dynamic, interactive systems. Articles written by experts in the field will be analyzed as we explore the challenges and pitfalls of attempting to merge narratives with games. Students will conceive and outline their own game and produce interactive scripts for elements such as cut scenes and scripted events to be workshopped in class. Each student will produce a 30–40-page Game Design Document (GDD) for an original game with an emphasis on narrative design (since this is a writing course).  Student learning outcomes include being able to analyze theories of game design and recognize how they influence narratives within games; justify effective writing techniques for developing original video games; solve design issues such as creating player agency and addressing linearity in story development; manage the design phase of a game by creating a goal-based writing schedule to achieve each milestone; refine and adapt game pitches for peers, the instructor, and industry professionals beyond UCF; compile game design documents that demonstrates mastery of course content; and reflect on design work and how it might be used in game development communities around the globe.

In this workshop course we will write stories and read those written by our peers. We will get to know each other, share our love of literature, and trade story ideas before we begin reading and critiquing each other's work in earnest. You will be expected to participate in this discussion in three ways: as readers you will be expected to read, consider, and discuss a wide range of contemporary short stories; as writers you will be expected to produce one complete full-length, fully revised short story (length will be approximately 4,000 words) which will be discussed in workshop; and as peer editors you will be expected to produce thoughtful critiques of all work put forward in workshop (as many as fifteen or more comprehensive critiques) and to actively participate in discussion.