Hopwood Hall College BTEC Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production (Games Development) Year 1 Arts & Performing Arts ASSIGNMENT 1 Week 14 - 17
Project X pt2 Tutor Alex Dobson Learner Name Issue Date 07/12/2015 Summative Assessment 15/01/2016
This assignment covers Grading Criteria from the following units: Unit 74 Computer Games Story Development Learning Outcomes 2 - Be able to create story for a game following industry practice Learning Outcomes 3 - Be able to create game dialogue following industry practice.
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. You will develop a sound understanding of game story writing strategies before applying them to your own interactive narratives. You have been approached to write a game story for Sleepy Brain Studios. You are required to provide well detailed plans and to write a game story that fully explains its purpose and utilises plot devices, character types, backstory, narrative flow and other storytelling components. You are also required to use the story to write an appropriate game story dialogue that is inclusive of player actions, player choices, location, sounds and effects. The script is to be accompanied with storyboards, peer assessment and a detailed evaluation of both the original story and game dialogue/script.
Hopwood Hall College BTEC Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production (Games Development) Year 1 Arts & Performing Arts
Project X - Part 2 TASK 2 LO2 Project X Story - Unit 74 (P2 M2 D2) Taking on the role of a writer you have been challenged to create the story for a new game story following industry practise showing imagination, creativity and flair. You are required to keep a development log that explains in detail how you plan to use each of the elements listed below in full detail working independently to professional expectations. • • • • • • • • •
Story for Video game (minimum one full chapter/level) Story Purpose & Components (to be used Character Back-story (for each story character) Plot Devices (to be used) Character Types/characterisation to be used Player Actions Narrative Flow - branching and linear narrative Storyboarded sequence Review on finished game story
TASK 3 LO3 Project X Narration and Dialogue - Unit 74 (P3 M3 D3) Taking on the role of a script writer you are required to write a script or dialogue for your game story. The script will be written following industry standard practise and should show imagination, creativity and flair. Your script needs to highlight player actions, sounds, interactivity and effects clearly within your script working independently to professional expectations. • • • •
Finished script for at least one level/chapter eg: layout, scene, transition, player actions Verbal elements of narration eg:first-person, voice over, off screen, monologue Game dialogue sources :eg design document, game story, franchise Reflect on finished outcome: eg fitness for purpose does the script suit your character?
FINAL ASSESSMENT EVIDENCE REQUIRED • All story ideas, notes, sketches, storyboard, finished story with personal reflective comments • Planning log, all production documentation, finished script with personal reflective comments Ways you can submit work/evidence: Artwork/Sketch pads Digital Portfolio Digital/Traditional Presentations One Drive Link Online Forum (Hysteria Creations) Voice Recordings/Video blogs Written Reports (Its Learning) Note: Link some elements of your own work to the above topics All evaluation statements should include references to illustrated examples and must be submitted via “Its Learning”
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
Date
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
Learner Name
Grading Criteria
Achieved?
EVIDENCE REQUIRED for P2 M2 D2 P2 create story for a game following industry practice, working within appropriate conventions and with some assistance M2 create story for a game following industry practice, showing some imagination and with only occasional assistance D2 create story for a game following industry practice, showing creativity and flair and working independently to professional expectations EVIDENCE REQUIRED for P3 M3 D3 P3 create game dialogue following industry practice, working within appropriate conventions and with some assistance M3 create game dialogue following industry practice, showing some imagination and with only occasional assistance D3 create game dialogue following industry practice, showing creativity and flair and working independently to professional expectations
Learners comments on grades awarded
I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and research sources are fully acknowledged Learner Signature Date
Hopwood Hall College BTEC Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production (Games Development) Year 1 Arts & Performing Arts Assessor Feedback (please link to grading criteria)
Action Plan to be completed by (Date)
Assessor Signature & Date Learner Name, Signature & Date