Hopwood Hall College BTEC Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production (Games Development) Year 1 Arts & Performing Arts ASSIGNMENT 1 Week 9 - 11
Project X Pt1 Tutor Alex Dobson Learner Name Issue Date 02/11/2015 Summative Assessment 20/11/2015
This assignment covers Grading Criteria from the following units: Unit 74 Computer Games Story Development Learning Outcomes 1 -Understand the elements of storytelling for games
Aim & Purpose The aim of this unit is to introduce you the learner to game story writing. You will use structured game play and research to examine back-story, story and dialogue used in games and will study and practise story writing strategies. THE ASSIGNMENT This assignment gives you the student an opportunity to gain an appreciation of the underlying principles of storytelling and how it can enhance a player’s immersion in the game world. Having a good grasp of story, characterization and dialogue are essential elements within any game. A study of game storytelling and character development is important to help learners acquire the skills needed to create dramatic tension and intricate story lines, which in turn generate more compelling and dramatic play experiences. Taking on the role of a researcher you will develop a sound understanding of game story writing strategies before applying them to your own interactive narratives. You will research and show an understanding of storytelling elements by writing an article on the topic of “what makes a good game story”. Your article must cover: Forms of storytelling Game genres and story Story writing approaches Representation Emotional Themes Interactive story Writing strategies Final thoughts
Hopwood Hall College BTEC Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production (Games Development) Year 1 Arts & Performing Arts
Project X - Part 1 TASK 1 LO1 Research Article - Unit 74 (P1 M1 D1) You play the part of a journalist for a E-Magazine who has been asked to write an informative and visually pleasing article on the topic of “What Makes a Good Game Story and How Game Designers Use Story to Enhance a Game Play Experience”. You will comprehensively explain storytelling elements for games with elucidated examples and correct consistent use of terminology. The article should MUST include the following Note: Your article must include game reference for each point discussed you should draw comparisons and analyse any differences you find. • Historical forms of storytelling: eg cave painting, fable, myth & legend • The development of story within games: Pong to Mass Effect etc • How story differs between genres such as action, platform, FPS, TPS, TBS & RTS • A guide to different writing approaches such as Hero’s Journey, conditions & actions, 3 act structure • Character representation in game story: eg emotions, characterisation & stereotypes • Emotional themes within game story: eg vengeance, happiness, fear & anger • How interactive story is used to enhance game play eg embedded, cinematics • Writing strategies: eg brainstorm, storyboard & drafting • Your final thoughts on “what makes a good game story” Ways you can submit work/evidence: Digital Portfolio/Blog Digital/Traditional Presentations OneDrive Link Voice Recordings/Video blogs Written Reports Note: Work must be submitted to “Its Learning” assessment folder - Project X Part 1
Hopwood Hall College BTEC Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production (Games Development) Year 1 Arts & Performing Arts
FURTHER READING Textbooks Krawczyk A and Novak J – Game Development Essentials: Game Story and Character Development (Thompson Delmar Learning, 2006) ISBN 978-1401878856 Dille F and Platten J Z – The Ultimate Guide to Video Game Writing and Design (Lone Eagle, 2008) ISBN 978-1580650663 Websites en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_fiction – explanation of interactive fiction www.activision.com – information on game titles with story outlines and graphics www.eidos.com – information on game titles with story outlines and graphics www.gamasutra.com – general games industry information www.gamedev.net – search for ‘writing and story development’ www.gamespy.com – information on game titles with story outlines and graphics www.igda.org/writing/articles.html – quick guide to games writing www.igda.org/writing/WritersGlossary.htm – glossary of game writing terms www.kirupa.com/developer/actionscript/gamestory.htm – step-by-step instruction guide on how to make a compelling story www.skillset.org/games – Skillset’s computer games web pages Notable Games: Mass Effects Series Deadlight Dear Esther GTA series Skyrim The Last of Us The Walking Dead War of the Worlds
This brief has been verified as being fit for purpose Assessor Alex Dobson Date 20/08/2015 Signature Internal Verifier Signature
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Hopwood Hall College BTEC Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production (Games Development) Year 1 Arts & Performing Arts Assessment Feedback Sheet Unit 74 Computer Game Story Development
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Grading Criteria
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EVIDENCE REQUIRED for P1 M1 D1 P1 summarise accurately the elements of storytelling for games using some subject terminology appropriately M1 explain the elements of storytelling for games with reference to detailed illustrative examples and with generally correct use of subject terminology. D1 comprehensively explain the elements of storytelling for games with elucidated examples and consistently using subject terminology correctly
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