Story Mode

<p>Against the backdrop of a hyper-competitive AAA industry and the perception that it is a world reserved for top programmers and hard-core 'gamers' <i>Story Mode</i> offers an accessible entry-point for all into writing and designing complex and emotionally affecting narrative video games. The first textbook to combine game design with creative writing techniques this much-needed resource makes the skills necessary to consume and create digital and multi-modal stories attainable and fun. Appealing to the growing calls for greater inclusivity and access to this important contemporary apparatus of expression this book offers low-cost accessible tools and instruction that bridge the knowledge gap for creative writers showing them how they can merge their skill-set with the fundamentals of game creation and empowering them to produce their own games which push stories beyond the page and the written word. <p/> Broken down into 4 sections to best orientate writers from any technological background to the strategies of game production this book offers: <p/> - Contextual and introductory chapters exploring the history and variety of various game genres. <p/> - Discussions of how traditional creative writing approaches to character plot world-building and dialogue can be utilised in game writing. <p/> - An in-depth overview of game studies concepts such as game construction interactivity audience engagement empathy real-world change and representation that orientate writers to approach games from the perspective of a designer. <p/> - A whole section on the practical elements of work-shopping tools collaborative writing as well as extended exercises guiding readers through long-term collaborative game-centred projects using suites and tools like Twine Audacity Bitsy and GameMaker. <p/> Featuring detailed craft lessons hands-on exercises and case studies this is the ultimate guide for creative writers wanting to diversify into writing for interactive digital and contemporary modes of storytelling. Designed not to lay out a roadmap to a successful career in the games industry but to empower writers to experiment in a medium previously regarded as exclusive this book demystifies the process behind creating video games orienting readers to a wide range of new possible forms and inspiring them to challenge mainstream notions of what video games can be and become.</p>